The Maldives has about 1,200 small coral islands and sandbanks, only some 200 inhabited
Background
Britannica describes the Maldives as an independent island country in the north-central Indian Ocean.
It consists of about 1,200 low-lying small coral islands and sandbanks, only some 200 of which are inhabited.
The Commonwealth Secretariat likewise says it is made up of around 1,200 small coral islands and sandbanks, with around 200 inhabited.
The country's largest industries include fishing, tourism and shipping.
Islands and sandbanks:
about 1,200
Inhabited islands:
about 200
Largest industries:
fishing, tourism, shipping
Why it matters for exams: Island counts, inhabited islands and the main industries of neighbour countries are standard geography and neighbour facts.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
Atoll Atoll — A ring-shaped coral reef or chain of coral islands enclosing a lagoon.