Maldives

The Tropical Paradise of the Indian Ocean

The Republic of Maldives is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka and India. Known for its pristine beaches, luxurious resorts, and coral reefs, the Maldives is one of the world’s most iconic travel destinations. It is also one of the smallest Asian countries by land area but among the most geographically unique, consisting of over 1,190 coral islands grouped into 26 natural atolls.

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🏛️ Formation & Historical Background

The Maldives has a rich maritime history that connects South Asia, Arabia, and East Africa.
Its strategic position on ancient trade routes brought influences from India, Sri Lanka, Arabia, and East Africa, blending cultures over centuries.

Key Historical Timeline:

• 3rd Century BCE: Early settlers from India and Sri Lanka

• 1153 CE: Conversion to Islam under King Dhovemi — establishment of the Sultanate

• 1558–1573: Portuguese occupation (ended by Maldivian resistance)

• 1887: Became a British protectorate

• 1965 (July 26): Independence from Britain

• 1968: Republic declared (Sultanate abolished)

• 2008: New democratic constitution adopted

The Maldives remains a Muslim-majority republic, balancing tradition with modern tourism-driven development.

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🧭 Basic National Information

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⚖️ Government and Leadership

The Maldivian president serves as both head of state and head of government. The People’s Majlis is the legislative body, while independent judicial and electoral commissions ensure democratic governance.

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🗺️ Administrative Structure

The Maldives is divided into 26 natural atolls, which are administratively grouped into 20 atoll divisions, plus Malé City.

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)

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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

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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

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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

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🌐 Geography & Environment

• Location: Indian Ocean, southwest of India & Sri Lanka

• Composition: 26 coral atolls made up of 1,190 islands

• Lowest Country in the World: Average elevation – only 1.5 meters above sea level

• Climate: Tropical – warm and humid year-round

• Natural Threat: Highly vulnerable to sea-level rise due to climate change

• Marine Life: Over 1,000 species of fish, 200 coral species

The Maldives is recognized globally for its environmental sustainability initiatives and coral reef protection programs.

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🛕 Religion, Language & Culture

Traditional Maldivian music (Bodu Beru) and cuisine (fish, coconut, and rice-based dishes) are central to cultural identity.

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📈 Economy & Key Sectors

The Maldives has a small but high-income economy, primarily dependent on tourism, fisheries, and transport services.

The government also focuses on climate resilience and blue economy development.

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🎓 Education & Healthcare

• Education: Free and compulsory up to secondary level

• Medium of Instruction: English & Dhivehi

• Key Institutions: Maldives National University, Islamic University of Maldives

• Literacy Rate: ~98%

• Healthcare: Free basic healthcare for citizens

• Challenges: Limited medical specialists; advanced cases referred abroad

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✈️ Transport & Infrastructure

Connectivity between islands has improved with inter-island flights and digital networks.

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🏝️ Tourism & Attractions

The Maldives is globally synonymous with luxury, peace, and underwater beauty.

Top Attractions:

• Malé City: Friday Mosque, National Museum, local markets

• Vaadhoo Island: Bioluminescent “Sea of Stars”

• Maafushi Island: Local guesthouses & diving

• Ari Atoll: Whale shark and manta ray diving

• Baa Atoll (UNESCO Biosphere Reserve): Hanifaru Bay – famous for manta congregations

• Resorts: Overwater villas, private island stays, luxury spas

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🌍 Global Role & Relations

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📝 Summary

The Maldives is a paradise that harmonizes faith, beauty, and resilience. With its turquoise lagoons, coral reefs, and Islamic cultural heritage, it stands as a global model for sustainable tourism and environmental awareness. Despite challenges from rising sea levels, the nation continues to innovate toward a greener, happier future.

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📢 News & Articles

• “Rising Tides: How the Maldives Is Fighting Climate Change”

• “Tourism Rebound and Blue Economy Growth in the Maldives”

• “Balancing Faith and Modernity in Island Governance”

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🎯 Our Mission

This knowledge hub aims to present an authentic and factual overview of Maldives — its geography, culture, economy, and efforts to protect its fragile island ecosystem.

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📬 Contact Us

Found any updates or new insights about the Maldives?
We welcome contributions to make this page a reliable national reference.