Maldives is the smallest country in Asia as per its area and population. It is home to more than 1,192 coral islands, which are spread over 90,000 km², making it one of the most dispersed countries of the world. The country happened to be the colony of several empires, the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the British, but became an independent country in 1965. Today, the Maldives has a vibrant tourism economy due to its famous white sand beaches and crystal blue waters. The Maldives are the world’s ninth smallest country with a land area that measures a total of 300 kilometers squared.