The document discusses the formation of the islands in the Maldives. It states that there are over 1,190 islands in the archipelago, which were likely formed from the remnants of an ancient volcanic mountain that erupted underneath the ocean, leaving thousands of coral fragments that over time became the islands. The author notes that while the islands are small, often only a meter or two above sea level, their underwater foundations remain a mystery. The islands have a total land area similar to that of the United Kingdom.