Lakshadweep is an Union Territory (being Administered by the Union Government), with Kavaratti as its Capital.  Lakshadweep, a group of coral islands consist of 12 atolls, three reefs and submerged sand banks. Of the 27 islands, only 11 are inhabited. These lie scattered in the Arabian Sea about 280 km to 480 km off Kerala coast between 8° and 12° 3' North Latitude and 71° and 74° East Longitude.  This territory has 1 District.  The Population as per 2001 census is 60,650. There are 3 Towns, 9 Panchayat Blocks, and 10 Panchayat Villages in this Indian Union Territory.

At present M.V. Sultan, M.V. Bharat Seema, M.V. Dweep Setu, M.V. Amindivi and M.V. Minicoy handles the passenger traffic in mainland-island and inter island sector. Two inter-island ferry vessels M.V. Khadeeja Beevi and M.V. Hameedath Bee Provide connectivity between the Islands except Minicoy island with Kavaratti as base port. The cargo traffic in this sector are handled with four cargo harges namely M.V. Ubaidulla, M.V. Thinnakara, M.V. Lacadives and M.V. Cheriyam. Further one Oil Barge M.V. Suheli (60 MT) is being utilised for providing bunker to inter-island ferries. Besides, the Administration operates an ambulance helicopter service between the islands and to mainland and Indian Airlines connects Agatti island and Kochi daily except Sundays.

Tourism in Lakshadweep is developing into an important industry. Important tourist places are Agatti, Bangaram, Kalpeni, Kadmat, Kavaratti and Minicoy.