Maldives Geography

The Maldives is the lowest country in the world, rising only 2.3 m (7 ft) above sea level. A tsunami in the Indian Ocean in 2004 caused many parts of the Maldives to be covered by sea water. Cartographers are planning to redraw the maps of the islands due to alterations caused by the tsunami.

Most islands in the Maldives have a protective reef around them composed of coral debris and living coral. This acts as a natural barrier against the sea, forming lagoons. An opening in the surrounding coral barrier allows access to the calmer lagoon waters.

A layer of humus six inches (152 mm) thick forms the top layer of soil on the Maldive islands. Below the humus layer are two feet of sandstone, followed by sand and fresh water. Due to excessive salt in the soil near the beach, vegetation is limited to a few shrubs, flowering plants, and small hedges. Coconut palms, the national tree, are able to grow everywhere in the Maldives and play an important role in the life of the local population.

There is growing concern about the coral reefs and marine life around the Maldives because of coral mining, sand dredging, and solid waste pollution. Mining of sand and coral have removed the natural coral reef that protected several important islands, making them highly susceptible to the erosive effects of the sea. In April 1987, high tides swept over the Maldives, inundating much of Male’ and nearby islands. That event prompted high-level Maldivian interest in global climatic changes as the islands highest point is about 8 feet above sea level.

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