Maldives and Lakshadweep Islands

MALDIVES

• It is a low-lying island country in the north-central Indian Ocean. 
• Its closest neighbours are India, about 600 kilometres north-east, and Sri Lanka, about 645 kilometres north-east.
• Geography:
  • It consists of a chain of about 1,200 small coral islands and sandbanks (some 200 of which are inhabited), grouped in clusters, or atolls.
  • The atolls have sandy beaches, lagoons, and a luxuriant growth of coconut palms, together with breadfruit trees and tropical bushes.
  • The islands extend more than 510 miles (820 km) from north to south and 80 miles (130 km) from east to west.
  • None of the coral islands stand more than 1.8 metres (six feet) above sea level.
  • Barrier reefs protect the islands from the destructive effects of monsoons. 
• Capital: Male
• Languages:
  • The official language is an Indo-European language called Dhivehi (or Maldivian).
  • Arabic, Hindi, and English are also spoken.
• Islam is the state religion.
• Economy: It revolves mainly around tourism.
• Constitutional Framework: The constitution of the Maldives was adopted in 2008.
  • The head of state and government is the president, assisted by a vice president and a cabinet.
  • The president and vice president are directly elected by universal suffrage to a maximum of two five-year terms.

LAKSHADWEEP

Location and Composition

• Lakshadweep is a group of islands located in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Kerala, India.
• The territory comprises 36 islands, forming an archipelago of 12 atolls, three reefs, and five submerged banks​

Size and Distribution

• The total land area of the islands is about 32 square kilometers.
• The islands are situated between 220 to 440 km away from Kochi, Kerala, stretching from north to south​

Topography

• The islands are the northernmost of the Lakshadweep-Maldives-Chagos group, sitting atop the Chagos-Lakshadweep Ridge, an underwater mountain range​

• The terrain is mostly flat, with the highest elevation being just about 2 meters above sea level.

Climate

• Lakshadweep experiences a tropical climate with an average temperature ranging from 27° C to 32° C.
• The region is humid, warm, and pleasant, with the climate becoming humid warm during monsoons when ship-based tourism is closed​.

• The islands receive rainfall from June to October during the Southwest Monsoon, with an average annual rainfall decreasing from South to North across the archipelago​

Coastal and Marine Environment

• The islands have a combined coastline of 132 km, surrounded by lagoons covering an area of 4,200 km².
• The territorial waters extend to 20,000 km², with an exclusive economic zone covering 400,000 km², rich in marine biodiversity​

Flora and Fauna

• The islands are known for their rich marine life, including over 70 different variants of corals.
• The terrestrial flora is limited but includes common coastal vegetation like coconut palms and small trees.
• The marine fauna includes a variety of sea creatures such as crabs, water birds, lobsters, and sea turtles​

Conservation and Ecology

• The unique ecosystem of Lakshadweep is sensitive to environmental changes, making conservation efforts crucial for sustaining its biodiversity.
• Coral reefs around the islands play a critical role in protecting the coastline from erosion and in supporting marine life.

Historical Significance: The region has evidence of human settlement from at least 1500 BCE. The islands have been mentioned in Buddhist Jataka tales and have been influenced by various dynasties and rulers over the centuries, including the Cheras, Pallavas, and the Cholas.

Political and Administrative Structure: Lakshadweep operates as a single district union territory with Kavaratti serving as the capital. It is governed by the Government of Lakshadweep and falls under the jurisdiction of the Kerala High Court

Population and Language: The islands have a population of around 64,473 people, according to the 2011 census. Malayalam is predominantly spoken, with Mahl being spoken in Minicoy Island. English is also used for official purposes.