Country Profile: Maldives
The Maldives is a tropical archipelago in the Indian Ocean, consisting of approximately 1,190 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls. With a population of around 388,858, the Maldives is known for its rich cultural heritage and significant tourism industry, which heavily influences its economy alongside fishing and shipping. Politically, the Maldives transitioned from a longstanding sultanate and British protectorate to a republic in 1968, currently functioning as a presidential republic with a history marked by shifts in governance and democratic reforms.
Geography
The Maldives is strategically located south-southwest of India, comprising a flat landscape of coral atolls with a total land area of 298 sq km. It features a tropical climate marked by two monsoon seasons and has a coastline extending 644 km. The terrain is primarily flat, with the highest point reaching only 5 m, making the islands particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels and natural hazards such as tsunamis.
- Number of islands: Approximately 1,190
- Climate: Tropical; hot and humid
- Elevation: Average of 2 m
- Main economic resource: Fish
- Population distribution: About 1/3 reside in Male, the capital
People and Society
The Maldives is home to approximately 388,858 residents, predominantly identified as Maldivians, with a rich ancestry that includes Sinhala, Dravidian, and Arab influences. The primary language is Dhivehi, with English widely spoken among government officials. The nation practices Sunni Islam as its official religion, and the society is characterized by a youthful population with a median age of 32.4 years.
- Urbanization: 42% of the population lives in urban areas
- Literacy rate: 98.2%
- Life expectancy: 77.4 years
- Total fertility rate: 1.7 children per woman
- Population growth rate: -0.24% (2025 est.)
Economy
The Maldives has an upper middle-income economy primarily driven by tourism, fishing, and shipping. The GDP in purchasing power parity is estimated to be $12.325 billion for 2024, with a real GDP growth rate of 5.1%. The country is grappling with high public debt and systemic corruption, alongside significant economic repercussions from the COVID-19 pandemic.
- GDP per capita: $23,400 (2024 est.)
- Unemployment rate: 4.7% (2024 est.)
- Poverty rate: 5.4% (2019 est.)
- Public debt: 61.7% of GDP (2016)
- Major industries: Tourism, fishing, shipping
Government
The Republic of Maldives is a presidential republic, with the president serving as both the chief of state and head of government. The most recent election occurred on September 9, 2023, electing President Mohamed Muizzu. The country is divided into 21 administrative atolls and employs an Islamic legal system influenced by English common law.
- Current president: Mohamed Muizzu (since November 17, 2023)
- Legislature: People's Majlis with 93 seats
- Voting age: 18 years for universal suffrage
- Next presidential election: 2028
Military and Security
The Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) is responsible for the nation’s military operations, focusing primarily on maritime security. The total personnel strength is approximately 3,000 to 4,000 active members. The MNDF partners significantly with the Indian Armed Forces for various security operations.
- Voluntary military service age: 18-25
- Military equipment: Primarily secondhand or donated
- Coast Guard, Marine Corps: Integral parts of the MNDF
- Focus areas: Territorial integrity, disaster relief, internal security
Energy
The Maldives boasts 100% electrification as of 2022, primarily generating its electricity from fossil fuels, accounting for 93.2% of total installed capacity. Efforts are also underway to diversify energy sources, including a small portion from solar power.
- Installed capacity: 432,000 kW (2023 est.)
- Total energy consumption per capita: 50.886 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
- Electricity consumption: 821.397 million kWh (2023 est.)
Environment
Environmental challenges in the Maldives include rising sea levels, depletion of freshwater aquifers, and coral reef bleaching. The nation has engaged in numerous international environmental agreements, reflecting its commitment to combat these pressing issues.
- Total renewable water resources: 30 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
- Carbon dioxide emissions: 1.908 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
- Municipal solid waste generated annually: 211,500 tons (2024 est.)
Transportation
The Maldives features a network of 20 airports and a merchant marine of 82 vessels, primarily focused on cargo and oil transport. The capital, Male, serves as a key port along with other small ports across the islands.
- Airports: 20 (2025)
- Merchant marine: 82 ships (2023)
- Main port: Male
Communications
The Maldives has made significant strides in communication technology, with 85% of the population using the internet. The country possesses a mix of state-operated and private media outlets, enhancing information accessibility.
- Mobile cellular subscriptions: 745,000 (2023 est.)
- Broadband fixed subscriptions: 98,000 (2023 est.)
- Internet country code: .mv
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 388,858 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 298 sq km | Total land area |
| GDP (PPP) | $12.325 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 2024 estimate |
| Birth rate | 14.77 births/1,000 population | 2025 estimate |
| Life expectancy | 77.4 years | 2024 estimate |
| Energy consumption per capita | 50.886 million Btu/person | 2023 estimate |
| Total renewable water resources | 30 million cubic meters | 2022 estimate |
| Electric power access | 100% | 2022 estimate |
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