Maldives Administrative Divisions

The Maldives is divided into 1 capital and 7 provinces, which form the top-level administrative units. These are subdivided into 2 cities and 19 atolls. The smallest administrative level consists of 286 islands. Major capital include Addu, Ari Atholhu Dhekunuburi, and Ari Atholhu Uthuruburi.

The Maldives has 3 administrative levels. Level 1: 1 capital and 7 provinces. Level 2: 2 cities and 19 atolls. Level 3: 286 islands.

Maldives operates on a 2‑level system starting with 21 cities, followed by islands as the smallest administrative units. Note that Huvadhu Atholhu Uthuruburi do not have sub-divisions at the next level.

In the Maldives, capital and provinces both sit at administrative level 1 but serve different functions. Capital — there is 1 — is typically a larger city or urban area that governs itself independently. Provinces — there are 7 — group multiple smaller municipalities under a shared administration.

Administrative boundaries in the Maldives change as governments reorganize regions, merge municipalities, or create new administrative units to reflect population shifts and political decisions. Changes most commonly affect the islands level, where the Maldives currently has 286 units. Businesses that rely on Maldivian administrative data should use a regularly updated reference dataset to avoid mismatches in geocoding, tax jurisdiction mapping, and compliance reporting.