Maldives

Paradise Archipelago of the Indian Ocean

The Maldives is a tropical island nation in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka and India. It is the lowest and flattest country in the world, comprising coral atolls and lagoons with crystal-clear waters and white-sand beaches. Globally recognized as a premier luxury tourism destination, the Maldives is also a voice for climate resilience and marine conservation.

Formation and Historical Background

  • Ancient settlements trace back to Dravidian and Indo-Aryan migration.

  • Became an Islamic sultanate in 1153 AD.

  • Came under British protection in 1887; maintained internal autonomy.

  • Gained full independence in 1965 and became a republic in 1968.

  • Shifted to multi-party democracy in 2008; political transitions have followed between democratic and authoritarian tendencies.

Administrative Information

Attribute Details
Country Name Republic of Maldives (ދިވެހިރާއްޖެ)
Capital Malé
Continent Asia (South Asia)
Official Language Dhivehi
Currency Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)
Area Approx. 298 sq. km (land area), spread over 90,000 sq. km of ocean
Population Approx. 540,000 (2024 est.)
Time Zone Maldives Standard Time (UTC+5)
ISO Code MV
Internet TLD .mv
Calling Code +960

Government and Leadership

Position Current Officeholder (as of 2024)
President Mohamed Muizzu
Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef
Government Type Presidential Republic
Legislature People’s Majlis (Unicameral Parliament)
Judiciary Supreme Court of Maldives

Administrative Divisions

Maldives is divided into:

  • 20 Administrative Atolls

  • 1 Capital City (Malé)

  • 4 Other Cities: Addu City, Fuvahmulah, Kulhudhuffushi, Thinadhoo

Each atoll is composed of islands, classified as:

  • Inhabited islands – residential

  • Uninhabited islands – used for tourism, agriculture, or untouched

List of Administrative Atolls:

  1. Haa Alif

  2. Haa Dhaalu

  3. Shaviyani

  4. Noonu

  5. Raa

  6. Baa

  7. Lhaviyani

  8. Kaafu (includes Malé & tourist islands)

  9. Alif Alif

  10. Alif Dhaal

  11. Vaavu

  12. Meemu

  13. Faafu

  14. Dhaalu

  15. Thaa

  16. Laamu

  17. Gaafu Alif

  18. Gaafu Dhaalu

  19. Gnaviyani (Fuvahmulah)

  20. Seenu (Addu City)

Local Government Structure

  • Island Councils for each inhabited island

  • Atoll Councils for each atoll

  • City Councils for Malé and other city-designated areas

  • All under the Ministry of Cities, Local Government & Public Administration

  • Decentralization has been a key governance reform focus

Leadership & Governance

  • The President is both head of state and government

  • Strong presidential executive, directly elected

  • Political reforms ongoing to strengthen judicial independence and decentralization

  • National focus areas:

    • Climate adaptation and coastal protection

    • Digital governance

    • Tourism and economic resilience

    • International partnerships with South Asia, China, and Middle East

Law Enforcement & Safety

  • Law enforcement under the Maldives Police Service

  • Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) handles coast guard and national emergencies

  • High safety index for tourists

  • Emergency Numbers:

    • 119 – Police

    • 102 – Ambulance

    • 118 – Fire

Economy & Industry

  • GDP (2023): Approx. USD 6.3 billion

  • Key sectors:

    • Tourism – over 30% of GDP

    • Fisheries – especially tuna export

    • Construction & real estate

    • Transport, logistics, and ICT

  • Major trade partners: India, China, Sri Lanka, UAE, EU

  • Economic zones and investment reforms for diversification

Education & Institutions

  • Compulsory education up to grade 10

  • English used alongside Dhivehi in schools

  • Higher education:

    • Maldives National University (MNU)

    • Islamic University of Maldives (IUM)

    • Growing private colleges and vocational institutes

  • Focus: marine sciences, hospitality, renewable energy, IT

Healthcare

  • Universal healthcare through Aasandha Scheme

  • Main hospitals:

    • Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH – Malé)

    • ADK Hospital (private)

    • Regional hospitals in major atolls

  • Challenges: access in remote islands, need for medical tourism or treatment abroad

Transport & Connectivity

  • International airports:

    • Velana Intl. (Malé)

    • Gan Intl. (Addu)

    • Hanimaadhoo and Maafaru Intl. (regional hubs)

  • Inter-island:

    • Domestic flights, ferries, and speedboats

  • Public ferry network under expansion

  • Seaplane transfers dominate luxury tourism transport

Tourism & Attractions

  • Resort islands: Over 170+ private resorts with water villas and luxury services

  • Underwater dining, diving, snorkeling, and honeymoon destinations

  • Heritage: Hukuru Miskiy (Friday Mosque), Utheemu Palace

  • Natural sites: Hanifaru Bay (biosphere reserve), coral reefs, sandbanks

  • Top global honeymoon and relaxation destination

Culture & Lifestyle

  • Islamic country with moderate traditions

  • Festivals: Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, National Day, Independence Day

  • Cuisine: Mas Huni (tuna salad), Garudhiya (fish soup), coconut-based dishes

  • Arts: Bodu Beru (drumming), lacquerwork, boat-building

  • Social values: family, community, modesty, and environmental respect

Summary

The Maldives is a shining example of a small state with global significance. From its world-class luxury tourism to its frontline role in climate advocacy, the Maldives balances modern aspirations with island traditions. Its vision for sustainability, equity, and resilience in a changing world positions it as both a tropical paradise and a responsible global citizen.