SSC CGL 2025 PYQ — Question 49

SSC CGL - 22 Sep 2025 - Shift 2 • General Awareness • Q49

Which Indian Ocean island nation is the smallest by area?

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B

Explanation

The correct answer is option 2 i.e. Maldives. 

The Maldives is the smallest nation in the Indian Ocean and the smallest in Asia by both land area and population. It covers approximately 298 square kilometers of land, spread across nearly 1,200 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls.

The archipelago is famous for its unique geography, where most islands sit barely one meter above sea level. This low elevation makes it one of the most vulnerable countries to rising sea levels.

In comparison, Seychelles is larger at roughly 455 square kilometers, while Mauritius and Sri Lanka are significantly bigger.