Maldives

The Republic of Maldives, a small island nation situated in the Indian Ocean, lies south-southwest of India and Sri Lanka, occupying a strategic maritime corridor along major international sea lanes. Comprising over 1,190 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls, the Maldives is the smallest country in Asia by both land area and population. Despite its modest scale, it ranks among the most prosperous nations in South Asia due to a thriving tourism industry. The nation’s “”low elevation—averaging just two metres above sea level—””makes it one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, underscoring its global advocacy for environmental protection and climate action.

Historical Background

Human settlement in the Maldives dates back more than two millennia, with early inhabitants influenced by South Indian, Sri Lankan, and Arab cultures. Prior to the twelfth century, Maldivians practised Buddhism and Hinduism, reflecting South Asian religious traditions. The conversion to Islam in 1153 CE, traditionally attributed to a North African scholar, marked the foundation of a Muslim Sultanate, an institution that persisted for over seven centuries and profoundly shaped national identity.
The Maldives became a British protectorate in 1887, retaining internal self-governance while the United Kingdom managed external affairs. Independence was achieved on 26 July 1965, and in 1968, following a national referendum, the monarchy was abolished and replaced by a republican system.
From 1978 to 2008, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom presided over a one-party state characterised by political stability, infrastructural modernisation, and restricted civil liberties. Mounting pro-democracy protests in the early 2000s led to the legalisation of political parties in 2005 and adoption of a new constitution in 2008, which introduced a multi-party presidential system.
The same year saw Mohamed Nasheed, a former political prisoner, become the Maldives’ first democratically elected president. His administration prioritised environmental diplomacy, notably staging an underwater cabinet meeting in 2009 to dramatise the threat of rising sea levels. In 2012, Nasheed resigned under contentious circumstances, succeeded by Mohammed Waheed Hassan Maniku, followed by Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom (2013–2018), whose tenure was marked by authoritarian consolidation and closer ties with China.
Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s 2018 victory restored a degree of democratic balance, though political contestation remained intense. In 2023, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu of the People’s National Congress (PNC) and Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) coalition won the presidency, promoting a platform of “Maldivian sovereignty” and rebalancing the country’s foreign relations, particularly its security ties with India.

Geography and Environment

Located between 3°15′N and 73°00′E, the Maldives spans 298 square kilometres, about 1.7 times the size of Washington, D.C. It has a coastline of 644 km and sits atop the Chagos-Laccadive Ridge, a submerged volcanic formation in the Indian Ocean.
The islands are low-lying coral formations, with no mountains, rivers, or permanent freshwater bodies. The highest natural elevation is roughly five metres on Villingili Island. The tropical climate produces hot, humid conditions year-round, with the northeast monsoon (November–March) and southwest monsoon (June–August) shaping seasonal rainfall patterns.
Natural resources are limited, consisting primarily of fish and small-scale agricultural land (19.7%) used for coconuts, fruits, and vegetables. Environmental issues are acute, including:

• Rising sea levels threatening land submersion
• Coral bleaching from warming seas
• Saltwater intrusion into freshwater aquifers
• Waste disposal constraints on small islands

The Maldives plays a prominent role in global climate diplomacy, participating in the Paris Agreement, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and multiple UN environmental initiatives. Its policies focus on achieving carbon neutrality and enhancing coastal resilience through renewable energy and sustainable tourism.

People and Society

The population of the Maldives was estimated at 388,858 (2024), with an urbanisation rate of 42%. The capital, Malé, houses around 177,000 inhabitants, making it one of the world’s most densely populated cities.
Ethnically, Maldivians descend from a blend of Sinhalese, Dravidian, Arab, and African lineages, a testament to centuries of maritime exchange across the Indian Ocean. The official language, Dhivehi, stems from Indo-Aryan roots and is written in the Thaana script, while English functions as the language of commerce, education, and administration.
Religion: Islam is the official state religion, and all citizens are constitutionally required to be Sunni Muslims. Non-Islamic religious practice by citizens is prohibited, reinforcing the nation’s strong Islamic identity.
Social indicators are among the highest in South Asia:

• Life expectancy: 77.4 years
• Literacy rate: 98.2%
• Fertility rate: 1.7 children per woman
• Maternal mortality: 32 deaths per 100,000 live births
• Physician density: 2.24 per 1,000 population
• Access to safe water: 99.6%; sanitation: 100%

Despite these achievements, the Maldives faces urban overcrowding, youth unemployment (16.1%), and rising lifestyle diseases such as obesity. Population growth has stabilised, with a slight negative trend (-0.2%), but migration to Malé continues to strain housing and public services.

Government and Politics

The Republic of Maldives operates under a presidential system, combining Islamic principles and democratic governance.

• President: Dr. Mohamed Muizzu (since 2023)
• Capital: Malé
• Legislature: People’s Majlis (unicameral, 93 seats)
• Legal system: Sharia-based law integrated with English common law influences

The 2008 Constitution guarantees separation of powers and multi-party competition. The President, directly elected for five years, serves as both head of state and government.
In the 2024 parliamentary elections, the PNC secured 66 seats, followed by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) with 12, reflecting a shift toward conservative politics. Only 3.2% of legislators are women, underscoring persistent gender disparities.
Major political parties include:

• People’s National Congress (PNC)
• Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM)
• Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)
• Republican Party (JP)
• Adhaalath Party (AP)

The judiciary, headed by a Supreme Court of seven justices, applies Sharia alongside statutory law.
Foreign policy seeks balance between India and China, reflecting the Maldives’ geostrategic location. The country remains active in SAARC, the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Commonwealth.

Economy

The Maldives is classified as an upper-middle-income economy, with prosperity concentrated in the tourism, fishing, and transport sectors.

• GDP (PPP, 2024): $12.3 billion
• GDP per capita (PPP): $23,400
• Growth rate: 5.1%
• Inflation: 1.4%
• Unemployment: 4.7%

Sectoral composition (2024):

• Agriculture: 3%
• Industry: 9%
• Services: 73.8%

Tourism generates over 70% of GDP and 90% of state revenue, attracting 1.7 million annual visitors to luxury resorts and coral reef destinations. The fishing industry, particularly tuna, remains vital for domestic employment and export earnings.
Trade:

• Exports ($5.41 billion): fish, re-exports of aircraft and petroleum
• Imports ($5.34 billion): fuel, machinery, plastics, ships, and construction materials
• Key partners: India, Thailand, Singapore, UAE, Oman, China, UK, and Germany

The rufiyaa (MVR) is pegged to the US dollar (MVR 15.39 = USD 1). External debt totals approximately $3.1 billion, much of it related to Chinese-financed infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Energy and Infrastructure

Energy generation relies overwhelmingly on diesel (93%), though the government’s Renewable Energy Roadmap aims for 20% solar and renewable contribution by 2030. Electrification is universal, but dispersed islands make energy distribution costly.
Transport is dominated by boats and ferries, complemented by 20 airports, including Velana International Airport near Malé. Telecommunications are advanced: mobile penetration (137%) and internet coverage (85%) rank among the highest in the region.

Defence and Security

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) comprises around 3,500–4,000 personnel, structured into the Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Air Corps, and Fire and Rescue Service. Its main functions include maritime surveillance, counterterrorism, and disaster response.
Security cooperation with India—historically close—has been reassessed under President Muizzu, with an emphasis on “sovereign self-reliance.” The Maldives also engages in limited partnerships with Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and the United States.
Although internal threats are minimal, authorities monitor radicalisation risks linked to foreign extremist networks.

Culture and Identity

Maldivian culture reflects a synthesis of South Asian, Arab, and African influences, enriched by centuries of maritime exchange. Islamic values, Dhivehi language, and island community life form the pillars of national identity.
Traditional crafts include lacquer work, coir rope weaving, mat making, and coral carving, while Bodu Beru drumming accompanies festivals and national ceremonies. Cuisine centres on fish, coconut, and rice, emblematic of oceanic life.