Disaster Management Reference Handbook - Maldives (May 2021) Format EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Republic of the Maldives (hereafter referred to as Maldives) is a low-lying island nation comprised of close to 1,200 islands within 26 naturally formed atolls. All islands are subject to physical hazards due to the country’s low elevation and the flat topography. The country is regularly affected by high frequency low impact seasonal events such as monsoonal flooding, coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion, and intense sea surge-related flooding due to sea level rise. As 75% of the land area of Maldives is less than a meter above mean sea level, the slightest rise in sea level will prove extremely threatening. The capital city Malé is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, with one-third of the country’s population residing there, and it is susceptible to many man-made incidents including residential fires.