Page last updated on January 28, 2014
A sultanate since the 12th century, the Maldives became a British protectorate in 1887. It became a republic in 1968, three years after independence. President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM dominated the islands' political scene for 30 years, elected to six successive terms by single-party referendums. Following political demonstrations in the capital Male in August 2003, the president and his government pledged to embark upon democratic reforms including a more representative political system and expanded political freedoms. Progress was sluggish, however, and many promised reforms were slow to be realized. Nonetheless, political parties were legalized in 2005. In June 2008, a constituent assembly - termed the "Special Majlis" - finalized a new constitution, which was ratified by the president in August. The first-ever presidential elections under a multi-candidate, multi-party system were held in October 2008. GAYOOM was defeated in a runoff poll by Mohamed NASHEED, a political activist who had been jailed several years earlier by the former regime. President NASHEED faced a number of challenges including strengthening democracy and combating poverty and drug abuse. In early February 2012, after several weeks of street protests following his sacking of a top judge, NASHEED resigned the presidency and handed over power to Vice President Mohammed WAHEED Hassan Maniku. In mid-2012, the Commission of National Inquiry was set by the Government to probe events leading to the regime change. Though no evidence of a coup was found, the report recommended the need to strengthen the country's democratic institutions to avert similar events in the future, and to further investigate alleged police misconduct during the crisis. Maldives officials have played a prominent role in international climate change discussions (due to the islands' low elevation and the threat from sea-level rise) on the United Nations Human Rights Council, and in encouraging regional cooperation, especially between India and Pakistan.
Southern Asia, group of atolls in the Indian Ocean, south-southwest of India
total: 298 sq km
country comparison to the world: 210
land: 298 sq km
water: 0 sq km
about 1.7 times the size of Washington, DC
measured from claimed archipelagic straight baselines
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
tropical; hot, humid; dry, northeast monsoon (November to March); rainy, southwest monsoon (June to August)
flat, with white sandy beaches
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location on Viligili in the Addu Atholhu 2.4 m
arable land: 10%
permanent crops: 10%
other: 80% (2011)
total: 0.01 cu km/yr (95%/5%/0%)
per capita: 18.44 cu m/yr (2008)
tsunamis; low elevation of islands makes them sensitive to sea level rise
depletion of freshwater aquifers threatens water supplies; global warming and sea level rise; coral reef bleaching
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
1,190 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls (200 inhabited islands, plus 80 islands with tourist resorts); archipelago with strategic location astride and along major sea lanes in Indian Ocean
noun: Maldivian(s)
adjective: Maldivian
South Indians, Sinhalese, Arabs
Dhivehi (official, dialect of Sinhala, script derived from Arabic), English (spoken by most government officials)
393,988 (July 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 177
0-14 years: 21.1% (male 42,352/female 40,686)
15-24 years: 24.2% (male 56,016/female 39,443)
25-54 years: 46% (male 108,025/female 73,074)
55-64 years: 4.5% (male 9,379/female 8,431)
65 years and over: 4.2% (male 7,961/female 8,621) (2013 est.)
total dependency ratio: 50.8 %
youth dependency ratio: 43.3 %
elderly dependency ratio: 7.4 %
potential support ratio: 13.4 (2013)
total: 26.7 years
male: 27 years
female: 26.2 years (2013 est.)
-0.11% (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 208
15.38 births/1,000 population (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 132
3.8 deaths/1,000 population (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 211
-12.65 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 215
urban population: 41.2% of total population (2011)
rate of urbanization: 3.91% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)
MALE (capital) 120,000 (2009)
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-24 years: 1.44 male(s)/female
25-54 years: 1.53 male(s)/female
55-64 years: 1.17 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.94 male(s)/female
total population: 1.34 male(s)/female (2013 est.)
23.9
note: median age at first birth among women 25-29 (2009 est.)
60 deaths/100,000 live births (2010)
country comparison to the world: 101
total: 25.5 deaths/1,000 live births
country comparison to the world: 74
male: 27.95 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 22.93 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)
total population: 74.92 years
country comparison to the world: 102
male: 72.65 years
female: 77.31 years (2013 est.)
1.78 children born/woman (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 156
8.5% of GDP (2011)
country comparison to the world: 53
1.6 physicians/1,000 population (2007)
4.3 beds/1,000 population (2009)
less than 0.1% (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 147
fewer than 100 (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 162
fewer than 100 (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 133
12.9% (2008)
country comparison to the world: 126
17.8% (2009)
country comparison to the world: 41
7.2% of GDP (2011)
country comparison to the world: 23
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 98.4%
male: 98.4%
female: 98.4% (2006 est.)
total: 13 years
male: 12 years
female: 13 years (2003)
total: 22.2%
country comparison to the world: 51
male: 15.5%
female: 30.5% (2006)
conventional long form: Republic of Maldives
conventional short form: Maldives
local long form: Dhivehi Raajjeyge Jumhooriyyaa
local short form: Dhivehi Raajje
name: Male
geographic coordinates: 4 10 N, 73 30 E
time difference: UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
7 provinces and 1 municipality*; Dhekunu (South), Maale*, Mathi Dhekunu (Upper South), Mathi Uthuru (Upper North), Medhu (Central), Medhu Dhekunu (South Central), Medhu Uthuru (North Central), Uthuru (North)
26 July 1965 (from the UK)
Independence Day, 26 July (1965)
many previous; latest ratified 7 August 2008 (2010)
Islamic religious legal system with English common law influences, primarily in commercial matters
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
18 years of age; universal
chief of state: President Abdulla YAMEEN Abdul Gayoom (since 17 November 2013); Vice President Mohamed JAMEEL Ahmed (since 17 November 2013) note - the president is both chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Abdulla YAMEEN Abdul Gayoom (since 17 November 2013); Vice President Mohamed JAMEEL Ahmed (since 17 November 2013)
cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers is appointed by the president
elections: president elected by direct vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election held on 7 September 2013 was annulled by the Supreme Court; rerun of first round held on 9 November 2013 and runoff held on 16 November (next election to be held in 2018)
election results: first round (9 November 2013); percent of vote - Mohamed NASHEED 46.9%, Abdulla YAMEEN Abdul Gayoom 29.7%, Qasim IBRAHIM 23.3%; runoff (postponed to 16 November 2013); percent of vote - Abdulla YAMEEN Abdul Gayoom elected president 51.4%, Mohamed NASHEED 48.6%
unicameral Parliament or People's Majlis (77 seats; members elected by direct vote to serve five-year terms); note - the Majlis in February 2009 passed legislation that increased the number of seats to 77 from 50
elections: last held on 9 May 2009 (next to be held in 2014)
election results: percent of vote - NA; seats by party as of February 2013 - MDP 29, PPM 18, DRP 14, JP 6, PA 2, DQP 1, independents 7
highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and 6 judges)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges appointed by the president in consultation with the Judicial Service Commission - a separate body of selected high government officials and the public - and upon confirmation by voting members of the People's Council; judges serve until mandatory retirement at age 70
subordinate courts: High Court; Criminal, Civil, Family, Juvenile, and Drug Courts; Magistrate Courts (on each of the inhabited islands)
Adhaalath (Justice) Party or AP [Sheikh Imran ABDULLA]
other: various unregistered political parties
ADB, AOSIS, C, CP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, SAARC, SACEP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
chief of mission: Ambassador Ahmed SAREER (since 11 January 2013)
chancery: 800 2nd Avenue, Suite 400E, New York, NY 10017
telephone: [1] (212) 599-6194
FAX: [1] (212) 599-6195
the US does not have an embassy in Maldives; the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, currently Ambassador Michele J. SISON, is accredited to Maldives and makes periodic visits
red with a large green rectangle in the center bearing a vertical white crescent moon; the closed side of the crescent is on the hoist side of the flag; red recalls those who have sacrificed their lives in defense of their country, the green rectangle represents peace and prosperity, and the white crescent signifies Islam
coconut palm, yellowfin tuna
name: "Gaumee Salaam" (National Salute)
lyrics/music: Mohamed Jameel DIDI/Wannakuwattawaduge DON AMARADEVA
note: lyrics adopted 1948, music adopted 1972; between 1948 and 1972, the lyrics were sung to the tune of "Auld Lang Syne"
Tourism, Maldives' largest economic activity, accounts for 28% of GDP and more than 60% of foreign exchange receipts. Fishing is the second leading sector, but the fish catch has dropped sharply in recent years. Agriculture and manufacturing continue to play a lesser role in the economy, constrained by the limited availability of cultivable land and the shortage of domestic labor. Lower than expected tourist arrivals and fish exports, combined with high government spending on social needs, subsidies, and civil servant salaries contributed to a balance of payments crisis, which was temporarily eased with a $79.3 million IMF Stand-By agreement. However, after the first two disbursements, the IMF withheld subsequent disbursements due to concerns over Maldives' growing budget deficit, and the government has been seeking other sources of budgetary support ever since. A new Goods and Services Tax (GST) on tourism introduced in January 2011, on general goods and services in October 2011, and a new Business Profit Tax introduced in July 2011 have provided a boost to revenue. Economic growth slowed to 3.4% of GDP in 2012, compared to 7.0% in 2011 because of slower tourist arrivals and weak global conditions. Diversifying the economy beyond tourism and fishing, reforming public finance, increasing employment opportunities, and combating corruption, cronyism, and a growing drug problem are major near-term challenges facing the government. Gross foreign reserves at the end of November 2012 were approximately $356 million, compared with $326 million in 2011, and were sufficient to finance only 2.6 months of imports. Over the longer term Maldivian authorities worry about the impact of erosion and possible global warming on their low-lying country; 80% of the area is 1 meter or less above sea level.
$2.93 billion (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 182
note: data are in 2012 US dollars
$2.077 billion (2012 est.)
0.9% (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 161
$8,900 (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 123
note: data are in 2012 US dollars
agriculture: 3%
industry: 17%
services: 80% (2012 est.)
coconuts, corn, sweet potatoes; fish
tourism, fish processing, shipping, boat building, coconut processing, woven mats, rope, handicrafts, coral and sand mining
-0.9% (2004 est.)
country comparison to the world: 145
152,500 (2010)
country comparison to the world: 177
agriculture: 11%
industry: 23%
services: 65% (2006 est.)
28% (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 177
lowest 10%: 1.2%
highest 10%: 33.3% (FY09/10)
revenues: $638 million
expenditures: $917 million (2012 est.)
30.7% of GDP (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 90
-13.4% of GDP (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 212
5.1% (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 149
7% (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 43
10.5% (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 86
$547.1 million (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 158
$1.298 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 161
$1.559 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 138
$555 million (31 December 2011 est.)
$-600 million (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 108
$283 million (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 180
France 18.9%, Thailand 15.8%, UK 11.4%, US 9.4%, Sri Lanka 8.6%, Italy 8.1%, Germany 6.4% (2012)
$1.406 billion (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 174
petroleum products, clothing, intermediate and capital goods
Singapore 21.7%, UAE 20.9%, India 9.6%, Malaysia 7.6%, China 6%, Thailand 5.6%, Sri Lanka 4% (2012)
$356 million (30 November 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 151
$890.8 million (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 163
rufiyaa (MVR) per US dollar -
301.1 million kWh (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 172
280 million kWh (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 177
0 kWh (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 107
0 kWh (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 109
62,080 kW (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 179
99.9% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 44
0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 143
0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 185
0.1% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 99
0 bbl/day (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 196
0 bbl/day (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 158
0 bbl/day (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 97
0 bbl (1 January 2013 es)
country comparison to the world: 166
0 bbl/day (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 209
6,875 bbl/day (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 162
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 199
6,088 bbl/day (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 141
0 cu m (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 170
0 cu m (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 175
0 cu m (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 151
0 cu m (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 100
0 cu m (1 January 2013 es)
country comparison to the world: 173
1.071 million Mt (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 166
23,140 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 183
560,000 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 166
general assessment: telephone services have improved; inter-atoll communication through microwave links; all inhabited islands and resorts are connected with telephone and fax service
domestic: each island now has at least 1 public telephone, and there are mobile-cellular networks with a rapidly expanding subscribership that has reached 135 per 100 persons
international: country code - 960; linked to international submarine cable Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG); satellite earth station - 3 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) (2011)
state-owned radio and TV monopoly until recently; state-owned TV operates 2 channels; 3 privately owned TV stations; state owns Voice of Maldives and operates both an entertainment and a music-based station; 5 privately owned radio stations (2012)
3,296 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 153
86,400 (2009)
country comparison to the world: 164
9 (2013)
country comparison to the world: 159
total: 7
over 3,047 m: 1
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 4 (2013)
total: 2
914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2013)
total: 88 km
country comparison to the world: 215
paved roads: 88 km - 60 km in Male; 14 km on Addu Atolis; 14 km on Laamu
note: island roads are mainly compacted coral (2013)
total: 18
country comparison to the world: 97
by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 14, petroleum tanker 1, refrigerated cargo 2
foreign-owned: 4 (Singapore 4)
registered in other countries: 4 (Panama 2, Tuvalu 1, unknown 1) (2010)
Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF): Marine Corps, Security Protection Group, Coast Guard (2010)
18-28 years of age for voluntary service; no conscription; 10th grade or equivalent education required; must not be a member of a political party (2012)
males age 16-49: 156,319
females age 16-49: 98,815 (2010 est.)
males age 16-49: 135,374
females age 16-49: 85,181 (2010 est.)
male: 4,167
female: 3,595 (2010 est.)
the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF), with its small size and with little serviceable equipment, is inadequate to prevent external aggression and is primarily tasked to reinforce the Maldives Police Service (MPS) and ensure security in the exclusive economic zone (2008)
