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Where are the Maldives located in the Indian Ocean?
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The Maldives is an independent island country situated in the north-central Indian Ocean.12
The nation consists of a chain of approximately 1,200 small coral islands and sandbanks organized into atolls. Geographically, the islands are positioned as follows:13
- Relative to India: The northernmost atoll is located about 370 miles (600 km) south-southwest of the Indian mainland.12
- Relative to Sri Lanka: The central area of the country, which includes the capital city of Male, lies approximately 400 miles (645 km) southwest of Sri Lanka.1
The island chain spans more than 510 miles (820 km) from north to south and 80 miles (130 km) from east to west.12