Core Facts / Infobox

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Geography & Environment

• The Maldives is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka and India.
• It consists of 26 atolls comprising over 1,190 coral islands.
• Geography features white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, coral reefs, and low-lying islands.
• Climate: tropical, warm year-round with two monsoon seasons.
• Best time to visit: November–April.
• Marine biodiversity includes manta rays, whale sharks, sea turtles, reef sharks, and vibrant corals.
• Environmental challenges: rising sea levels, coastal erosion, coral bleaching.
• Unique features: Maldives is the world’s lowest-lying country with an average elevation of 1.5 m.

Demographics

• Total population: ~550,000.
• Median age: ~30 years.
• Urban vs rural: large population concentrated in Malé (one of the world’s densest cities).
• Ethnic groups: Dhivehi people (majority), South Asian influences.
• Religion: Islam (official state religion).
• Literacy rate: ~98%.
• Major cities: Malé, Addu City, Fuvahmulah, Kulhudhuffushi.

History

• Early settlers included Dravidian, Tamil, and Indo-Aryan groups.
• Islam became the national religion in 1153 CE.
• Portuguese briefly occupied the Maldives in the 16th century.
• Became a British protectorate in the 19th century.
• Gained full independence on 26 July 1965.
• Transitioned to a republic in 1968 after abolition of the monarchy.
• Recent history includes democratic reforms and rapid tourism development.

Government & Politics

• Government type: Unitary presidential republic.
• Executive: President (head of state & government).
• Legislature: unicameral People’s Majlis.
• Judiciary: Supreme Court and lower courts.
• Administrative divisions: 20 atolls plus Malé city.
• Political priorities include climate resilience and economic diversification.

Economy

• The economy is driven mainly by tourism, fishing, shipping, and construction.
• Tourism contributes more than 30% of GDP.
• Main exports: tuna, fish products.
• Main imports: food, machinery, fuel, construction materials.
• Strengths: world-class tourism industry, rich marine resources.
• Weaknesses: import dependency, climate vulnerability.
• GDP sectors: Services (~75%), Industry (~23%), Agriculture (~2%).
• Economic reforms focus on sustainable tourism and renewable energy.

Culture & Society

• Maldivian culture blends South Asian, Arab, and African influences.
• Traditional values emphasize family, hospitality, and religious customs.
• Major festivals: Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Independence Day.
• Traditional dress: libaas for women, sarong and shirts for men.
• Music and dance: bodu beru, thaara, bolimalaafath.
• Languages: Dhivehi (official), English commonly used in business and tourism.

Food & Cuisine

• National dish: Garudhiya — aromatic fish broth served with rice, lime, and chili.
• Popular foods: Mas Huni (tuna & coconut), Fihunu Mas (grilled fish), Rihaakuru.
• Street foods: hedhikaa (short eats), gulha, bajiya, masroshi.
• Desserts: bondi, coconut sweets.
• Beverages: black tea, coconut water, fresh juices.
• Cuisine is seafood-rich with coconut, chili, and curry influences.

Education & Institutions

• Education is widely accessible with increasing enrollment.
• Medium of instruction: English and Dhivehi.
• Literacy rate: ~98%.
• Top institutions: Maldives National University, Islamic University of Maldives.
• Key fields: marine science, hospitality, business, education.

Tourism

• Top destinations: Malé, Maafushi, Addu Atoll, Ari Atoll, Baa Atoll (UNESCO Biosphere Reserve).
• Natural attractions: coral reefs, lagoons, sandbanks, marine life.
• Resorts offer overwater villas, private islands, and luxury retreats.
• Adventure tourism: diving, snorkeling, surfing, kayaking, fishing.
• Visa: visa-on-arrival for most nationalities.
• Transportation: speedboats, ferries, domestic flights, seaplanes.

Practical Information

• Safety: very safe with low crime rates.
• Healthcare: good facilities in Malé; limited in remote islands.
• Emergency numbers: Police 119, Ambulance 102.
• Plug type: D & G; Voltage: 230V.
• Internet: widely available; high-speed in resorts.
• Best time to visit: November–April.
• Budget: mid to very high depending on resort choice.

Sports, Entertainment & Notable People

• National sport: fini; most popular modern sport is football.
• Popular activities: volleyball, cricket, swimming, watersports.
• Maldives competes in regional games and international events.
• Notable figures include political leaders, scholars, and athletes.

Neighboring Countries of the Maldives

The Maldives is an archipelagic island nation with no land borders. It shares maritime boundaries in the Indian Ocean with India and Sri Lanka to the northeast, and also has maritime proximity to the British Indian Ocean Territory (United Kingdom).

Famous For

• Luxury island resorts.
• Crystal-clear waters and coral reefs.
• Overwater villas.
• World-class diving and snorkeling.
• White sand beaches.
• Romantic destinations and honeymoons.
• Marine biodiversity including whale sharks and manta rays.

Sources

• World Bank
• United Nations (UN Data)
• IMF
• CIA World Factbook
• Maldives Bureau of Statistics
• Official Government Publications