Country Profile: Maldives

The Maldives is a tropical archipelago located in the Indian Ocean, composed of about 1,190 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls. It has a population of approximately 388,858 people, predominantly Muslim, with a vibrant culture influenced by its diverse ethnic heritage. The economy heavily relies on tourism, fishing, and shipping, though it has faced challenges such as high public debt and deflation worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Governed as a presidential republic, the Maldives has a history of political unrest and recent elections in 2023 saw the rise of Dr. Mohamed Muizz, emphasizing national sovereignty.

Geography

The Maldives is situated in Southern Asia, south-southwest of India, characterized by flat coral atolls and white sandy beaches. With a total area of 298 square kilometers, it has no land boundaries and boasts a coastline of 644 kilometers. The climate is tropical with distinct wet and dry seasons influenced by monsoons, making it prone to natural hazards like rising sea levels.

• 1,190 coral islands, with 200 inhabited.
• 644 km coastline.
• 8 m highest point on Villingi Island.

People and Society

With a population estimated at 388,858 in 2024, the Maldivian society is predominantly a homogenous mix of Sinhalese, Dravidian, Arab, Australasian, and African influences. The official language is Dhivehi, and the country is predominantly Sunni Muslim. Urbanization is evident, with 42% of the population living in urban areas, primarily in the capital, Male.

• 22.4% of the population is aged 0-14 years.
• 6.1% of the population is 65 years or older.
• 98.2% literacy rate (2019 estimate).

Economy

The Maldives operates as an upper middle-income economy heavily reliant on tourism, which accounts for a significant portion of its GDP. The economic landscape has been marked by high public debt and challenges post-COVID-19, with a projected real GDP growth rate of 5.1% in 2024. Currency instability has also been a concern, with inflation hovering around 1.4% in the same year.

• $12.325 billion real GDP (PPP, 2024).
• 73.8% of GDP from the service sector (2024).
• 4.7% unemployment rate (2024).

Government

The Maldives is structured as a presidential republic, with the capital in Male. The constitution was last ratified in 2008, and the political landscape has changed significantly over the decades, most recently with the election of President Dr. Mohamed Muizz in 2023. The political system emphasizes universal suffrage at the age of 18.

• 93 seats in the People's Majlis (unicameral legislature).
• 54% of the vote was secured by President Muizz in the 2023 runoff election.
• Independence from the UK was achieved on July 26, 1965.

Military and Security

The Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) is responsible for national defense and internal security. The armed forces consist of approximately 3,000-4,000 personnel. The MNDF focuses primarily on maritime security due to the country's vast ocean territory and has developed partnerships with countries like India for defense collaboration.

• 18-25 years is the age for voluntary military service.
• The MNDF also assists in disaster relief efforts.
• Limited military equipment, mostly secondhand or donated.

Energy

The Maldives has achieved 100% electrification of its population. The energy sector relies heavily on fossil fuels, accounting for 93.2% of its installed generating capacity, with solar energy comprising 6.6%. Energy consumption per capita was approximately 50.886 million Btu in 2023.

• 432,000 kW of installed generating capacity (2023).
• 821.397 million kWh electricity consumption (2023).
• 25.867 million kWh in transmission and distribution losses (2023).

Environment

The Maldives faces significant environmental issues, including rising sea levels and coral reef bleaching. It has signed numerous international environmental agreements to combat these challenges. The natural resources are limited, primarily fish, and land use includes about 19.8% for agriculture.

• 12.5% of land area is forested (2023).
• 30 million cubic meters of total renewable water resources (2022).
• Approximately 211,500 tons of municipal solid waste generated annually (2024).

Transportation

The Maldives has 20 airports, which facilitate both international and domestic travel across its many islands. Maritime transport predominates, with a merchant marine fleet of 82 vessels, largely used for trade and transportation.

• 1 main port located in Male.
• 13,000 fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2023).
• 745,000 mobile cellular subscriptions (2023).

Communications

Nearly 85% of the population uses the internet, reflecting strong connectivity within the archipelago. The Maldives has transitioned from a state-run media system to a mix of public and private ownership, expanding communication channels.

• 98,000 broadband fixed subscriptions (2023).
• 2 fixed-line subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2023).
• 137 mobile subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2022).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	388,858	2024 estimate
Area	298 sq km
GDP (Purchasing Power Parity)	$12.325 billion	2024 estimate
Energy Consumption per Capita	50.886 million Btu	2023 estimate
Birth Rate	14.77 births/1,000	2025 estimate
Unemployment Rate	4.7%	2024 estimate
Life Expectancy	77.4 years	2024 estimate