Country Profile: Maldives

The Maldives is a tropical archipelago located in the Indian Ocean, south-southwest of India, composed of 1,190 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls. The country has a population of approximately 388,858 inhabitants (2024 estimate) and operates as a presidential republic, with the capital in Malé. The economy is largely driven by tourism, fishing, and shipping, but it faces challenges such as high public debt, systemic corruption, and the impacts of COVID-19, which have exacerbated poverty levels.

Geography

The Maldives is the smallest Asian country, covering an area of 298 sq km with a coastline of 644 km. The islands are characterized by flat coral atolls and white sandy beaches, sitting atop the volcanic Chagos-Laccadive Ridge. The tropical climate features a dry northeast monsoon from November to March and a rainy southwest monsoon from June to August.

3.15 N, 73.00 E: Geographic coordinates.
12 nm: Territorial sea limit.
1,190: Number of coral islands.
200: Inhabited islands out of the total.
67.7%: Percentage of land used for non-agricultural purposes.
19.8%: Land designated for agriculture (2023 est.).
5 m: Highest point of elevation.

People and Society

As of 2024, the population of the Maldives is estimated to be 388,858, comprising a homogeneous mix of ethnic groups including Sinhalese, Dravidian, and Arab influences. The official language is Dhivehi, with English widely spoken among government officials. The population is predominantly Sunni Muslim, with a literacy rate of 98.2%.

22.4%: Population aged 0-14 years.
71.5%: Population aged 15-64 years.
77.4 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.).
2.34%: Annual urbanization rate from 2020 to 2025.
99.6%: Population with access to improved drinking water (2022 est.).
14.8%: Children under 5 years considered underweight (2017 est.).
4.3 deaths/1,000: Death rate (2025 est.).

Economy

The Maldivian economy is classified as an upper middle-income economy, with tourism, fishing, and shipping as its main industries. The country has experienced high public debt and deflation, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to a significant rise in poverty. The real GDP is projected at $12.325 billion for 2024.

5.1%: Projected GDP growth rate for 2024.
73.8%: Contribution of the services sector to GDP (2024 est.).
4.7%: Unemployment rate (2024 est.).
51.4%: Household consumption as a percentage of GDP (2023 est.).
$1.257 billion: Current account balance deficit (2024 est.).
270,300: Labor force (2024 est.).
5.4%: Percentage of the population below the poverty line (2019 est.).

Government

The Maldives is a presidential republic with the President serving as both head of state and government. The latest elections resulted in Dr. Mohamed Muizz being elected in September 2023. The legal system is based on Islamic law with influences from English common law.

18 years: Minimum voting age for suffrage.
93: Total number of seats in the unicameral People's Majlis.
3.2%: Percentage of women in the legislative chamber.
26 July 1965: Date of independence from the UK.
10%: Health expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2021).
100%: Electrification rate (2022 est.).
6.6%: Share of solar energy in total electricity generation (2023 est.).

Military and Security

The Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) comprises active personnel numbering around 3,000 to 4,000 and encompasses various branches such as the Coast Guard and Marine Corps. The country does not have conscription and the military is primarily equipped with second-hand and donated equipment.

18-25 years: Age range for voluntary military service.
25.867 million kWh: Transmission and distribution losses in electricity (2023 est.).
Indian Armed Forces: Significant partner in military operations.
3,000 to 4,000: Active personnel in the MNDF (2025).
Limited inventory: Most military equipment is second-hand.
Crisis response: MNDF involved in disaster relief and internal security support.
No conscription: Military service is voluntary.

Energy

The Maldives has achieved 100% electrification as of 2022, primarily relying on fossil fuels for electricity production. The installed capacity is approximately 432,000 kW, with significant consumption in kWh.

93.2%: Share of fossil fuels in total electricity generation (2023 est.).
821.397 million kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023 est.).
13,000 bbl/day: Refined petroleum consumption (2023 est.).
50.886 million Btu/person: Total energy consumption per capita (2023 est.).
8 metric tons: Coal imports (2023 est.).
6.6%: Contribution of solar power to total installed capacity (2023 est.).
25.867 million kWh: Losses in transmission and distribution (2023 est.).

Environment

The Maldives faces pressing environmental challenges such as rising sea levels, depletion of freshwater aquifers, and coral reef bleaching. The country is a party to numerous international environmental agreements, reflecting its commitment to addressing climate change and biodiversity conservation.

211,500 tons: Annual municipal solid waste generated (2024 est.).
20.9%: Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2022 est.).
1.908 million metric tonnes: CO2 emissions (2023 est.).
12.3 micrograms: Particulate matter emissions (2019 est.).
30 million cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2022 est.).
5.6 million cubic meters: Municipal water withdrawal (2022 est.).
99.9%: Access to improved sanitation facilities in rural areas (2022 est.).

Transportation

The Maldives has 20 airports and a merchant marine fleet consisting of 82 vessels. The primary port is located in Malé, facilitating shipping and trade.

1: Major port in the Maldives.
82: Total number of ships in the merchant marine (2023).
20: Number of airports planned by 2025.
30: General cargo vessels in the merchant marine fleet.
20: Oil tankers in service.
90%: Percentage of imports arriving via maritime transport.
Civil aircraft code: 8Q.

Communications

The Maldives has an extensive telecommunications network with a high internet penetration rate of 85%. It includes both fixed-line and mobile services, with state-operated and privately owned media channels.

745,000: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2023 est.).
13,000: Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2023 est.).
98,000: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023 est.).
2: Fixed-line subscriptions per 100 inhabitants.
19: Fixed broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants.
4 state-operated: Radio and TV stations.
9%: Internet users accessing the web (2023 est.).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	388,858	2024 estimate
Area	298 sq km	Total area
GDP	$12.325 billion	2024 estimate (PPP)
Energy Consumption	50.886 million Btu/person	2023 estimate
Birth Rate	14.77 births/1,000	2025 estimate
Unemployment Rate	4.7%	2024 estimate
Life Expectancy	77.4 years	2024 estimate
Urban Population	42% of total population	2023 estimate
Literacy Rate	98.2%	2019 estimate
Debt (External)	$3.113 billion	2023 estimate