The Maldives comprises 26 natural atolls which divide into 20 administrative atolls throughout the Indian Ocean. The atolls in the Maldives take the shape of rings that enclose lagoons throughout 1,190 islands and only 200 of these islands support human settlements. Tourism flourishes in the atolls because visitors love their beaches combined with bright marine life and crystal-clear waters which draw people from all over the world. Atoll is an expression that stems from the Maldivian language term atholhu which represents the distinctive landscape of this region.