The Republic of Maldives is an archipelagic nation in the Indian Ocean comprising 26 atolls southwest of Sri Lanka and India. As the world’s lowest-lying country with an average elevation of just 1.5 meters above sea level, the Maldives faces significant environmental challenges from rising sea levels. The nation operates as a presidential republic established in 1968, with an elected People’s Majlis serving as its legislative body. Malé serves as the capital and most populous city. Since gaining independence from Britain in 1965, the country has experienced periods of political instability alongside efforts at democratic reform. Under President Mohamed Muizzu, the Maldives has strengthened ties with China through the Belt and Road Initiative, borrowing $1.4 billion and shifting away from its traditional partnership with India. The Maldives maintains membership in various international organizations including the United Nations, Commonwealth of Nations, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, reflecting its active engagement in regional and global affairs despite being Asia’s smallest country by land area.