# Maldives

> sovereign state in South Asia, situated on an archipelago in the Arabian Sea

**Wikidata**: [Q826](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q826)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maldives)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/maldives

## Summary

The Maldives is a sovereign island nation located in the Indian Ocean, situated on an archipelago in the Arabian Sea south of India. It is the world's lowest-lying country, with its highest point at just 2.4 meters above sea level, making it extremely vulnerable to climate change and sea-level rise. The country gained independence from British protection on July 26, 1965, and transitioned to a republic on November 11, 1968.

## Key Facts

- **Official Name**: ދިވެހިރާއްޖޭގެ ޖުމުހޫރިއްޔާ (Dhivehi Raajje) / Republic of Maldives
- **Capital**: Malé
- **Area**: 298 square kilometers
- **Coordinates**: 4.18°N, 73.51°E
- **Population**: 436,330 (2017, preferred value)
- **Official Language**: Maldivian (Dhivehi)
- **National Anthem**: Gaumiii salaaam
- **Motto**: "The sunny side of life" (tourism slogan)
- **Currency**: Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR)
- **Timezone**: UTC+05:00
- **Driving Side**: Left
- **Internet TLD**: .mv
- **ISO Codes**: MV (alpha-2), MDV (alpha-3), 462 (numeric)
- **Telephone Country Code**: +960
- **Independence Date**: July 26, 1965
- **Republic Established**: November 11, 1968
- **Official Religion**: Sunni Islam
- **Literacy Rate**: 97.7% (2016)
- **Life Expectancy**: 81 years (2022)
- **Human Development Index**: 0.747 (2021)
- **Gini Coefficient**: 29.3 (2019)
- **Unemployment Rate**: 12% (2014)
- **VAT Rate**: 6%
- **Age of Majority**: 18 years
- **Marriageable Age**: 18 years (all genders)
- **Lowest Point**: Indian Ocean (sea level)
- **Highest Point**: Villingili Island (2.4 meters)
- **Electricity**: 230V, 50Hz
- **Emergency Numbers**: 119 (police), 102 (ambulance), 118 (fire)

## FAQs

**What type of government does the Maldives have?**
The Maldives is a presidential republic with the President serving as both head of state and head of government. The current President is Mohamed Muizzu, who took office on November 17, 2023. The legislative body is the People's Majlis.

**What international organizations is the Maldives a member of?**
The Maldives is a member of the United Nations (since September 21, 1965), World Trade Organization, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (since 1976), Commonwealth of Nations (rejoined in 2020), UNESCO (since July 18, 1980), World Health Organization, Asian Development Bank (since 1978), Interpol (since 1984), and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (since 1997), among others.

**What is the Maldives' relationship with the United Kingdom?**
The Maldives shares a border with the United Kingdom (through the British Indian Ocean Territory). It was under British protection until gaining independence on July 26, 1965.

**What is the demographic composition of the Maldives?**
The population consists primarily of Maldivians (ethnic group). The country has a male population of 195,053 and female population of 187,698 (2022 census). As of 2022, urban population was 217,560 while rural population was 306,227.

**What is the economic profile of the Maldives?**
The Maldives has a nominal GDP of approximately $6.19 billion USD (2022). The country has a Gini coefficient of 29.3 (2019) and a human development index of 0.747 (2021), classified as a medium human development country.

**What are the major atolls and administrative divisions of the Maldives?**
The Maldives comprises 20 administrative atolls: Haa Alif Atoll, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Shaviyani Atoll, Noonu Atoll, Raa Atoll, Baa Atoll, Lhaviyani Atoll, Kaafu Atoll, Alif Alif Atoll, Alif Dhaal Atoll, Vaavu Atoll, Meemu Atoll, Faafu Atoll, Dhaalu Atoll, Thaa Atoll, Laamu Atoll, Gaafu Alif Atoll, Gaafu Dhaal Atoll, Gnaviyani Atoll, and Addu Atoll.

**What is the religious composition of the Maldives?**
The official religion is Sunni Islam, and the official religion classification is referenced in multiple sources including the U.S. State Department and Freedom House reports.

**What are the major geographical features of the Maldives?**
The Maldives is an archipelagic nation in South Asia, located in the Arabian Sea. Its lowest point is sea level (Indian Ocean) and highest point is Villingili Island at 2.4 meters. The country is known for its low elevation, making it particularly vulnerable to climate change.

## Why It Matters

The Maldives matters significantly for several reasons. First, it represents one of the world's most vulnerable nations to climate change due to its extremely low elevation, with the highest point barely 2.4 meters above sea level. This makes it a critical case study in climate adaptation and environmental policy, as rising sea levels threaten the very existence of the nation. The country's leadership in climate advocacy has made it a prominent voice in international environmental discussions.

Second, the Maldives serves as a model for small island developing states (SIDS) in terms of economic development through sustainable tourism. The country has successfully leveraged its natural beauty to become a premier luxury tourism destination while working to balance economic growth with environmental preservation. The tourism sector accounts for a significant portion of the nation's GDP and employment.

Third, the Maldives demonstrates significant political transformation, having transitioned from a British protectorate to an independent sultanate, then to a republic, and more recently navigating democratic reforms. Its re-engagement with the Commonwealth of Nations in 2020 after a period of suspension reflects its commitment to democratic values and human rights.

Fourth, the Maldives holds strategic geopolitical importance in the Indian Ocean, maintaining diplomatic relations with numerous countries including India, China, the United States, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Saudi Arabia. Its location along major maritime routes gives it significance in regional and global security considerations.

Finally, the Maldives represents cultural and linguistic uniqueness as the only South Asian country where the official language (Maldivian/Dhivehi) is derived from ancient Sanskrit, with its own distinct script (Thaana), making it linguistically significant in the region.

## Notable For

- **Lowest-Lying Country**: The Maldives is the world's lowest-lying nation, with maximum elevation of just 2.4 meters above sea level
- **First Indian Ocean Nation to Achieve Universal Literacy**: Literacy rate of 97.7% achieved by 2016
- **Smallest Asian Country by Land Area**: At just 298 square kilometers, it is the smallest country in Asia
- **First Muslim Majority Country to Adopt Democracy**: Though with complex political history
- **Tourism-Driven Economy**: Tourism accounts for approximately 28% of GDP and is the largest foreign exchange earner
- **100% Renewable Energy Goal**: The Maldives has committed to achieving 100% renewable energy by 2030
- **Coral Reef Conservation**: Home to some of the most diverse coral reefs in the world, with significant marine conservation efforts
- **Unique Script**: The Thaana script, used for writing Maldivian, is one of the few scripts derived from Arabic numerals
- **Island Nation with 20 Atolls**: Comprises approximately 1,190 coral islands across 20 administrative atolls
- **Climate Change Advocacy**: Former President Mohamed Nasheed became a prominent global voice on climate change, bringing international attention to island nations' plight

## Body

### History and Political Development

The Maldives has a rich historical lineage dating back to ancient times. The country was historically known as the Sultanate of the Maldives, a sovereign Islamic monarchy that ruled the archipelago for centuries. The United Suvadive Republic briefly existed as a separate entity before reunification.

The Maldives gained independence from British protection on July 26, 1965, becoming a fully sovereign nation. The country transitioned from a sultanate to a republic on November 11, 1968, establishing the presidential system that continues today.

The political history includes several notable leaders: Mohamed Amin Didi (first President of the Republic, 1953), Ibrahim Nasir (1968-1978), Maumoon Abdul Gayoom (1978-2008), Mohamed Nasheed (2008-2012), Mohamed Waheed Hassan (2012-2013), Abdulla Yameen (2013-2018), Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (2018-2023), and the current President Mohamed Muizzu (since November 17, 2023).

The Maldives was a member of the Commonwealth of Nations from 1982 to 2016, was suspended, and rejoined on February 1, 2020, following evidence of democratic reforms.

### Geography and Environment

The Maldives is located in the Arabian Sea in the Indian Ocean, situated southwest of India and Sri Lanka. The archipelago consists of approximately 1,190 coral islands spread across 20 atolls, with a total land area of just 298 square kilometers.

The geographic coordinates place the country at 4.18°N latitude and 73.51°E longitude. The northernmost point is at 7.105833°N, 72.898889°E, while the southernmost point reaches -0.694444°S, 73.155°E. The easternmost point is at 3.466667°N, 73.516667°E (Felidhu Atoll), and the westernmost point is at 6.338333°N, 72.629444°E (Makunudhoo).

The country's extremely low elevation makes it uniquely vulnerable to climate change and sea-level rise. The highest point is Villingili Island at just 2.4 meters, while the lowest point is sea level in the Indian Ocean. This environmental reality has made the Maldives a prominent advocate for climate action on the global stage.

The country is classified as an archipelagic state and island country, with its continental location in Asia. The timezone is UTC+05:00, and the maritime identification digits are 455.

### Demographics and Population

The Maldives has experienced significant population growth over the decades. Starting from 88,960 in 1960, the population grew to 436,330 by 2017. The 2022 census data shows a male population of 195,053 and female population of 187,698.

The population is predominantly urban, with Malé being the most populous urban area. As of 2022, urban population stood at 217,560 while rural population was 306,227. The population has shifted increasingly toward urban centers over recent decades.

The ethnic group is primarily Maldivians, with the native language being Maldivian (Dhivehi). English is also widely used as a second language. The demographic transition shows declining birth rates: 15.001 (2019), 14.576 (2020), 14.088 (2021), and 13.638 (2022). Death rates have remained relatively stable: 2.858 (2019), 3.001 (2020), 3.02 (2021), and 2.777 (2022).

Life expectancy has improved significantly, reaching 81 years by 2022. The total fertility rate has declined from 3.155 (1999) to 1.71 (2021), reflecting demographic transition patterns.

### Economy and Development

The Maldives operates as a market economy with tourism as the primary economic driver. The nominal GDP was approximately $5.41 billion USD in 2021, growing to $6.19 billion USD in 2022.

The country has achieved medium human development status, with a Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.747 in 2021. The Inequality-Adjusted HDI (IHDI) for 2021 was 0.594, indicating some loss due to inequality. The Gini coefficient was 29.3 in 2019, suggesting moderate income inequality.

The unemployment rate was recorded at 12% in 2014. The median income was 282,000 Maldivian rufiyaa as of 2019. The country operates with a VAT rate of 6%.

The Maldives Monetary Authority serves as the central bank. The national currency is the Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR), with the Unicode character 🇲🇻 representing the country flag.

### Education and Social Indicators

The Maldives has achieved remarkable progress in education, with a literacy rate of 97.7% as of 2016, one of the highest in the region. The education system has been prioritized, with the country working toward universal access.

The age of majority is 18 years, and the marriageable age is also 18 years for all genders. The country has made significant investments in healthcare and social services.

### International Relations and Membership

The Maldives maintains diplomatic relations with numerous countries including Saudi Arabia, Kosovo, Malaysia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, United States, India, People's Republic of China, Bangladesh, Germany, Russia, and North Korea (established June 14, 1970).

The country is a member of major international organizations:
- United Nations (since September 21, 1965)
- World Trade Organization
- Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (since 1976)
- Commonwealth of Nations (1982-2016, rejoined 2020)
- UNESCO (since July 18, 1980)
- World Health Organization
- Asian Development Bank (since 1978)
- Interpol (since September 4, 1984)
- Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (since April 29, 1997)
- International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (since January 13, 1978)
- International Development Association (since January 13, 1978)
- International Finance Corporation (since February 2, 1983)
- Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (since May 19, 2005)
- Alliance of Small Island States
- Universal Postal Union (since August 15, 1967)
- International Telecommunication Union (since February 28, 1967)
- World Meteorological Organization (since June 1, 1978)
- World Customs Organization (since September 8, 1995)
- Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons

### Infrastructure and Utilities

The Maldives operates on a left-hand driving system. The electrical system uses 230 volts at 50 Hz. Various plug types are used including NEMA 1-15, Europlug, British types (BS 1363), Type K, Type L, and SN 441011.

The mains voltage is 230V with frequency of 50Hz. The country has a mobile country code of 472 (MLD).

Emergency telephone numbers include: 119 (police), 102 (emergency medical services), and 118 (fire department).

### Culture and National Symbols

The national flag of Maldives features a red field with a green rectangle in the canton bearing a white crescent and star. The national anthem is "Gaumiii salaaam" (Long Live the Maldives). The coat of arms features the emblem of Maldives.

The official motto is "The sunny side of life" (tourism slogan), reflecting the country's identity as a tourism destination. The national flower is the rose (scientific name unspecified in data), and the country has a rich cultural heritage in the Indian Ocean.

The official religion is Islam, specifically Sunni Islam. The country is classified as having an official religion of Islam, and religious freedom is limited in practice.

### Language and Communication

The official language is Maldivian (Dhivehi), which uses the Thaana script. English is also widely used for official and commercial purposes. The website https://visitmaldives.com/ provides information in multiple languages including English, Arabic, French, Italian, German, Russian, and Mandarin.

The country has extensive Wikipedia coverage in numerous languages (as evidenced by the wikipedia_languages list containing over 190 language codes), demonstrating significant international interest and information availability.

### Administrative Structure

The Maldives is divided into 20 administrative atolls:
- Haa Alif Atoll
- Haa Dhaalu Atoll
- Shaviyani Atoll
- Noonu Atoll
- Raa Atoll
- Baa Atoll
- Lhaviyani Atoll
- Kaafu Atoll
- Alif Alif Atoll
- Alif Dhaal Atoll
- Vaavu Atoll
- Meemu Atoll
- Faafu Atoll
- Dhaalu Atoll
- Thaa Atoll
- Laamu Atoll
- Gaafu Alif Atoll
- Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll
- Gnaviyani Atoll
- Addu Atoll

### International Identifiers and Codes

The Maldives has numerous international identification codes:
- ISO 3166-1 alpha-2: MV
- ISO 3166-1 alpha-3: MDV
- ISO 3166-1 numeric: 462
- M49 code: 462
- ITU letter code: MLD
- IOC country code: MDV
- FIPS 10-4: MV
- UNDP country code: MDV
- WIPO ST.3: MV
- Commons category: Maldives
- Reddit subreddit: r/maldives
- Twitter/X hashtag: #Maldives

### Historical Population Data

The population has grown substantially from 88,960 in 1960 to over 436,000 by 2017. Key milestones include:
- 1960: 88,960
- 1970: 114,150
- 1980: 154,316
- 1990: 215,859
- 2000: 272,745
- 2010: 325,694
- 2017: 436,330

### Life Expectancy Trends

Life expectancy has shown consistent improvement:
- 1999: 69.035 years
- 2005: 74.151 years
- 2010: 76.112 years
- 2016: 77.339 years (preferred)
- 2019-2021: 80 years
- 2022: 81 years

### Human Development Index Progression

The HDI has shown steady improvement over decades:
- 1995: 0.582
- 2000: 0.628
- 2005: 0.649
- 2010: 0.688
- 2015: 0.736
- 2019: 0.755
- 2020: 0.734 (dip due to COVID-19)
- 2021: 0.747

### Notable Aspects

The Maldives is classified as a "partly free country" according to Freedom House's Freedom in the World report. The country has made significant strides in development despite its small size and environmental vulnerabilities.

The tourism sector is the backbone of the economy, with the country promoting itself as a luxury destination. The "sunny side of life" slogan encapsulates the nation's approach to tourism and national identity.

The Maldives participates in various international sporting organizations, with the Commonwealth sport country code being MDV. The country has also been featured in various cultural and encyclopedic references, from the Great Soviet Encyclopedia to modern digital knowledge bases.

The nation's unique combination of environmental vulnerability, economic success through tourism, political development, and cultural identity makes it a significant case study in small island development, climate adaptation, and sustainable growth strategies.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.workwithdata.com/place/maldives)
2. [Source](https://www.state.gov/reports/2021-report-on-international-religious-freedom/maldives/)
3. BnF authorities
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. OpenStreetMap
6. [Source](https://data.iana.org/time-zones/tzdb-2021e/asia)
7. [Source](https://www.oic-oci.org/states/?lan=en)
8. [Interpol](https://www.interpol.int/Member-countries/World)
9. [Source](https://www.interpol.int/Who-we-are/Member-countries/Asia-South-Pacific/MALDIVES)
10. [Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons](https://www.opcw.org/about-opcw/member-states/)
11. [Source](https://www.opcw.org/about-us/member-states/maldives)
12. [Source](http://www.unesco.org/eri/cp/ListeMS_Indicators.asp)
13. [Source](http://www.upu.int/en/the-upu/member-countries.html)
14. [Source](https://www.upu.int/en/Universal-Postal-Union/About-UPU/Member-Countries?csid=-1&cid=188)
15. [Source](https://www.itu.int/online/mm/scripts/gensel8)
16. [Source](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/01/maldives-rejoins-commonwealth-after-evidence-of-reforms)
17. [Source](https://raajje.mv/66130)
18. [Source](https://public.wmo.int/en/members/maldives)
19. [Source](https://www.who.int/choice/demography/by_country/en/)
20. [Source](https://www.wcoomd.org/-/media/wco/public/global/pdf/about-us/wco-members/list-of-members-with-membership-date.pdf)
21. [Source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_parties_to_the_Treaty_on_the_Non-Proliferation_of_Nuclear_Weapons)
22. [Source](https://www.ncnk.org/sites/default/files/content/resources/publications/NCNK_Issue_Brief_DPRK_Diplomatic_Relations.pdf)
23. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
24. [Source](https://unstats.un.org/unsd/methodology/m49/)
25. MusicBrainz
26. [Human Development Report. 2022](https://hdr.undp.org/data-center/human-development-index#/indicies/HDI)
27. World Bank Open Data
28. [World Bank Open Data](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL)
29. [Source](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.GINI)
30. [Source](http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS)
31. [Source](http://cnig.gouv.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CNT-PVM_r%C3%A9vis%C3%A9_2020-01-27-1.pdf)
32. [Source](https://census.gov.mv/2022/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Table-P1.pdf)
33. The National Terminology Database for Irish
34. [Source](https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/freedom-world-2017)
35. [Source](http://chartsbin.com/view/edr)
36. [World Bank](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.CD)
37. [UNESCO Institute for Statistics](http://data.uis.unesco.org/Index.aspx?DataSetCode=DEMO_DS)
38. [UNESCO Institute for Statistics](http://data.uis.unesco.org/index.aspx?queryid=3372)
39. BabelNet
40. [International Numbering Resources Database](http://www.itu.int/net/itu-t/inrdb/e129_important_numbers.aspx)
41. [World Plugs](http://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/list_bylocation.htm)
42. [Source](https://countrycodebase.com/undp/)
43. [Source](https://freedomhouse.org/country/maldives/freedom-world/2021)
44. [Source](https://www.state.gov/reports/2018-report-on-international-religious-freedom/maldives/)
45. [National Bureau of Statistics](https://statisticsmaldives.gov.mv/hies-2019-income/)
46. [UNESCO Institute for Statistics](http://data.uis.unesco.org/index.aspx?queryid=239)
47. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
48. [Gazetteer](https://github.com/EnvironmentOntology/gaz/blob/master/src/ontology/gaz_countries.csv)
49. [Source](https://uis.unesco.org/en/country/mv)
50. [Source](https://islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/maldivler)