The Maldives , a tourist hotspot made up of 1,200 coral islands encircled by crystal clear waters, saw approximately 1.4 million tourists by September 18, 2024, marking a 10 percent increase from the same date in 2023. Despite its size, the Maldives has a population density of 4,557 people per square mile. Half of the Maldives' population resides in one particular region, which has seen steady development over the years, making it one of the world's most densely populated cities. The capital