The Maldives is the world’s lowest-lying sovereign state by maximum natural elevation.
Its highest natural point is only about 2.4 metres above sea level, and the average elevation of the islands is much lower. The country’s land consists mainly of coral islands built on submerged volcanic ridges in the Indian Ocean. This makes the Maldives exceptionally exposed to coastal erosion, storm surges, and rising sea levels.
Tuvalu, Kiribati, and the Marshall Islands are also very low-lying island countries, so they are common alternatives in this comparison. However, the Maldives has the lowest recorded maximum natural elevation among sovereign states.
The country’s 26 atolls surround lagoons and contain nearly 1,200 islands. Much of the population and infrastructure is concentrated on a small number of islands, especially the capital Malé. Coastal protection, land reclamation, and climate adaptation are therefore major national concerns.