Geography
The Maldives is a tropical paradise located in the Indian Ocean, about 700 kilometers southwest of Sri Lanka. Comprising 26 natural atolls and over 1,200 coral islands, it spans approximately 90,000 square kilometers of ocean area. A large ocean state but tiny in terms of land area (298 square kilometers). These islands are spread over 870 kilometers from north to south, making it one of the most geographically dispersed nations in the world.
The islands are mostly flat, with the average elevation just 1.5 meters above sea level, making the Maldives particularly vulnerable to sea-level rise and climate change. Most islands are fringed by coral reefs, forming lagoons that provide natural protection from ocean swells and serve as critical habitats for marine biodiversity.
History
The Maldives has a rich and layered history that reflects its strategic location along ancient maritime trade routes connecting Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Settlement in the islands dates back more than 2,500 years, with early settlers believed to be sea farers from various parts of the world including India and Sri Lanka, Middle East and Africa.
By the 12th century, the Maldives had established itself as a significant trading center, known especially for its cowrie shells, which were once used as currency across parts of Asia and Africa. In 1153 CE, the country officially converted to Islam, a defining moment in its national identity that continues to shape Maldivian society today.
From the 16th to the 19th centuries, the islands experienced intermittent control by Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial powers, though they often retained a degree of local autonomy. In 1887, the Maldives became a British protectorate. It gained full independence on July 26, 1965, and became a republic in 1968, abolishing the monarchy.
Society
The Maldives has a homogeneous population of around 500,000 people (as of 2025), who are predominantly ethnic Maldivians and follow Islam. The Dhivehi language, derived from an Indo-Aryan linguistic base, is spoken nationwide, and Arabic script (Thaana) is used in writing.
Islam plays a central role in everyday life, with religious observances, education, and laws closely tied to Islamic principles. The country maintains a strong oral tradition, and music, dance, and storytelling are integral to its cultural fabric. Bodu Beru, a traditional form of drumming and dance, is a distinctive art form still performed during celebrations.
Maldivian society is closely knit, and despite urbanization, especially in Malé, the densely populated capital, many people maintain strong ties to their island communities.
Economy
The Maldives’ economy is one of the most tourism-dependent in the world, but it also relies significantly on fisheries, particularly tuna fishing as a key traditional and economic activity. The country has made significant strides in infrastructure development, environmental conservation, and economic diversification, although climate vulnerability remains a serious long-term challenge.
Tourism: The Lifeline of the Economy
Tourism accounts for approximately 28% of GDP and over 60% of foreign exchange earnings. The Maldives pioneered the “one island, one resort” concept in the 1970s, which has become the hallmark of its tourism industry. Each resort operates on its own island, offering seclusion, luxury, and direct access to pristine beaches and coral reefs.
The archipelago attracts over 2 million tourists annually (in 2024), with key markets including China, India, Germany, Russia, and the United Kingdom. Tourists are drawn to its world-renowned diving spots, marine biodiversity, water villas, and high-end hospitality services.
In recent years, the Maldivian government has promoted eco-tourism and sustainable practices, such as banning single-use plastics and encouraging resorts to use solar power, rainwater harvesting, and reef conservation programs. The introduction of guesthouse tourism on local islands has also opened up the market to budget-conscious travelers, spreading economic benefits more widely across communities.
However, the industry faces challenges such as environmental degradation, coral bleaching, and the impact of global events like pandemics or geopolitical tensions. There is also growing pressure to strike a balance between expansion and sustainable development to protect the fragile ecosystems that tourism depends on.
Fisheries: A Traditional Backbone
Fishing is the second-largest economic sector, employing about 15% of the labor force and contributing around 7% to GDP. It is deeply embedded in Maldivian culture and remains vital for food security for the nation.
The mainstay of Maldivian fisheries is tuna, particularly skipjack and yellowfin tuna, caught using the pole-and-line method. This traditional method is celebrated globally for being environmentally sustainable as it significantly reduces bycatch and avoids harming marine life like dolphins and turtles.
Climate change poses a threat to fisheries through ocean warming, acidification, and reef degradation, which could disrupt tuna migration patterns and affect fish stocks. To combat this, the Maldives is collaborating with international organizations to adopt climate-resilient fisheries management strategies.
Governance
The Maldives is a presidential republic with a multi-party political system established under the 2008 Constitution. The President, elected for a five-year term, serves as both head of state and government.
The People’s Majlis (unicameral parliament) consists of 87 members elected from single-member constituencies. The judiciary is nominally independent, though it has faced criticism over its transparency and political interference.
The Maldives is also a strong advocate on the global stage for climate action, often positioning itself as a voice for small island developing states (SIDS). It has pledged to become net zero by 2030, emphasizing its existential stake in global climate negotiations.
