Maldives

The Maldives consists of 1,192 coral islands in the Indian Ocean forming 26 atolls — the world's lowest country, with an average elevation of 1.5 meters above sea level. Its crystal waters (visibility up to 50 meters), pristine coral reefs, and overwater bungalows make it one of the world's premier luxury tourism destinations. Climate change poses an existential threat — sea level rise of 1–2 meters could render most of the islands uninhabitable by 2100. The Maldives government held an underwater cabinet meeting in 2009 to draw attention to the threat; they have begun purchasing land in India, Sri Lanka, and Australia as potential relocation sites. The Maldivian tourism industry earns $4+ billion annually — money they are investing in higher seawall infrastructure.