The Maldives is an island nation, covering an area of over 90,000 square kilometres in the Indian Ocean – 99 percent of which is sea, with land being just one percent. With over 1200 coral islands ringed by a beautiful landscape of reefs, it is the most dispersed country in the world. The complex atoll structures of the Maldives are formed on ridges rising from the ocean. The over 515,696 population of the Maldives is scattered across 200 islands, with more than one third of it concentrated in capital Malé, making it one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Its unique geography and breath-taking natural beauty has made the Maldives one of the most sought-after holiday destinations in the world. Of the 200 islands, more than 120 have been developed as resorts and are in operation, and at least another 50 are under development.