CAPITAL MALE - POPULATION 370,000 - AREA 300 SQ KM - OFFICIAL LANGUAGE MALDIVIAN DHIVEHI
Once considered the ultimate destination for getting away from it all, the Maldives has struggled to come to democracy with bombings in 2007 and troubled elections in 2008. Still, there are over 1100 coral islands in this group so glamping (roughing it without the rough) on your own island is possible with a yacht or custom cruise. Definitely not a budget destination, the celebrated reefs and pure-white beaches are the big draw cards. Divers still flock to Banana Reef for its mix of caves, cliffs and stunning sea life, including manta rays gliding by cleaning stations scattered amid the coral.
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