Country Profile: Maldives
The Maldives is a presidential republic located in Southern Asia, consisting of a chain of coral atolls in the Indian Ocean. It has a population of approximately 388,858 and an economy primarily driven by tourism, fishing, and shipping. The country has experienced significant political changes since transitioning from a sultanate and British protectorate to a multi-party democracy following the reforms of the early 2000s. Despite its upper middle-income status, the Maldives faces challenges such as high public debt, systemic corruption, and the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Geography
The Maldives is the smallest country in Asia, comprising about 1,190 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls, with a total area of 298 sq km. The country's terrain is characterized by flat coral atolls and white sandy beaches, sitting atop the Chagos-Laccadive Ridge. Its tropical climate features a dry northeast monsoon from November to March and a rainy southwest monsoon from June to August.
- 644 km of coastline
- 12 nm territorial sea
- 200 nm exclusive economic zone
- 3.2 m mean elevation above sea level
- 67.7% of land used for non-agricultural purposes
People and Society
The Maldives has an estimated population of 388,858, with a demographic structure that includes a youth dependency ratio of 31.3. The population is predominantly Maldivian, with a blend of ethnic groups influenced by historical trade routes. Dhivehi is the official language, and Islam is the official religion.
- 42% of the population is urbanized (2023)
- 98.2% literacy rate (2019)
- 77.4 years life expectancy at birth (2024)
- 1.04 male-to-female ratio (2024)
- 14.77 births per 1,000 population (2025)
Economy
The Maldives has a diverse economy centered on tourism, fishing, and shipping, with a real GDP of $12.325 billion projected for 2024. The economy has been recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, although systemic corruption and high public debt remain issues. Services dominate the economic structure, accounting for 73.8% of the GDP composition.
- 4.7% GDP growth rate (2023)
- 4.7% unemployment rate (2024)
- $23,400 GDP per capita (2024)
- 51.4% household consumption of GDP (2023)
- $5.413 billion in exports (2024)
Government
The Republic of Maldives is a presidential republic with a multi-party system. The capital, Malé, serves as the political, economic, and cultural center. The government operates under a constitution ratified in 2008, which allows for universal suffrage and direct election of the president.
- 93 seats in the People's Majlis (parliament)
- President Mohamed MUIZZU (since November 2023)
- 18 years is the voting age
- 26 July 1965 is Independence Day
- 3.2% of parliamentary seats held by women
Military and Security
The Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) is responsible for the country's defense, including maritime security and disaster relief. The active strength is approximately 3,000 to 4,000 personnel, and there is no conscription.
- 93.2% of military equipment acquired secondhand
- 18-25 years is the age range for voluntary military service
- MNDF includes Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Air Corps
- Maldives Police Service operates under the Ministry of Homeland Security
- Collaboration with the Indian Armed Forces for security needs
Energy
The Maldives has achieved full electricity access for its population, with a total installed generating capacity of 432,000 kW as of 2023. The energy sector heavily relies on fossil fuels, which constitute 93.2% of total capacity.
- 100% electrification rate (2022)
- 50.886 million Btu/person energy consumption per capita (2023)
- 821.397 million kWh total electricity consumption (2023)
- 13,000 bbl/day refined petroleum consumption (2023)
- 25.867 million kWh transmission/distribution losses (2023)
Environment
The Maldives faces significant environmental challenges, including rising sea levels and coral reef bleaching. The country has committed to various international environmental agreements aimed at addressing climate change and biodiversity protection.
- 30 million cubic meters total renewable water resources (2022)
- 1.908 million metric tonnes CO2 emissions (2023)
- 19.8% of land designated for agricultural use (2023)
- 211,500 tons of municipal solid waste generated annually (2024)
- 20.9% of waste recycled (2022)
Transportation
The Maldives has developed a transportation infrastructure that includes 20 airports and a merchant marine of 82 vessels. The main port is located in Malé, facilitating trade and tourism.
- 1 major port with oil terminals
- 82 vessels in the merchant marine (2023)
- 8Q civil aircraft registration prefix
- 20 airports expected by 2025
Communications
The Maldives boasts a well-developed communication sector, with a high internet penetration rate and expanding mobile and fixed-line subscriptions.
- 85% of the population are internet users (2023)
- 745,000 mobile cellular subscriptions (2023)
- 13,000 fixed line subscriptions (2023)
- 98,000 broadband fixed subscriptions (2023)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 388,858 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 298 sq km | Total land area |
| GDP (PPP) | $12.325 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Energy Consumption | 50.886 million Btu/person | 2023 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 14.77 births/1,000 population | 2025 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.7% | 2024 estimate |
| Life Expectancy at Birth | 77.4 years | 2024 estimate |
| Literacy Rate | 98.2% | 2019 estimate |
| Total Fertility Rate | 1.7 children born/woman | 2025 estimate |
| Public Debt | 61.7% of GDP | 2016 estimate |
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