Maldives

The Maldives, officially the Republic of Maldives, is an archipelagic country in the Indian Ocean, near the southeastern boundary of the Arabian Sea. It lies southwest of India and Sri Lanka, about 750 kilometres from the Asian continent's mainland. Made up of 26 atolls stretching across the equator, the Maldives is the smallest country in Asia, with a land area of only 298 square kilometres, but it spreads over a much larger area of the sea.

With a population of around 515,132 people, the Maldives is one of the least populous and most densely populated countries in the world. Its ground level is very low, averaging just 1.5 metres above sea level, and its highest natural point reaches only 2.4 metres. This makes the Maldives particularly vulnerable to climate change and rising sea levels.

The capital, Malé, has been an important center since ancient times. The islands have been inhabited for over 2,500 years and have a rich history of trade and culture. The Maldives became independent from the United Kingdom in 1965 and established a presidential republic in 1968. Today, the country is known for its growing tourism industry and strong economic ties within the region. The Maldives is a member of several international organizations, including the United Nations and the Commonwealth of Nations.

Etymology

See also: Names of the Maldives

The Maldives have had many names throughout history. Early settlers were known as Dheyvis, and the first kingdom was called the Kingdom of Dheeva Maari.

The name "Maldives" likely comes from words in old languages meaning "garland of islands". People from the Maldives are called Dhivehin. Different cultures and languages have had their own ways of saying the name, showing how many visitors and traders passed through the islands over time.

History

Main article: History of the Maldives

Ancient history and settlement

Main article: History of the Maldives § Early Age

The Maldives has a long history, with records showing people living there over 2,500 years ago. Ancient texts and artefacts suggest that people from nearby areas, like Sri Lanka and the Indian subcontinent, settled in the Maldives long ago. These early communities built their homes from materials like wood and palm fronds, which didn’t last long in the salty, windy climate.

The country’s history is known from old writings, traditions, and languages. Some of the earliest stories talk about people called the Dheyvis, who came from places in India. Over time, many different groups, including people from Tamil and Malabar regions, settled in the Maldives, influencing its culture and language.

Buddhist period

Main articles: History of the Maldives § Buddhist period, and Buddhism in the Maldives

For about 1,400 years, Buddhism was the main religion in the Maldives. This period was very important for the country’s culture, language, and way of life. Many of the Maldives’ traditions, writings, and buildings began during this time. Buddhist temples and monasteries were common, and many old structures still show signs of this history.

Islamic period

See also: History of the Maldives § Islamic Period, Islam in Maldives, List of Maldivian monarchs, and Sultanate of the Maldive Islands

In the 12th century, the Maldives began to change to Islam. The last Buddhist king became a Muslim and took the title of Sultan. This brought new traditions and languages, like Arabic, to the country. Trade grew, especially with places like the Bengal Sultanate, and goods like cowrie shells and coir fibre became important.

Protectorate period

In 1558, Portuguese traders tried to control the Maldives but were driven out by local leaders. Later, the Dutch and then the British became influential. The British made the Maldives a protectorate, meaning they helped protect the country but let local leaders govern daily life. This lasted until the mid-20th century.

Independence and republic

Main article: Independence of the Maldives

The Maldives became fully independent in 1965. In 1968, the country changed from a monarchy to a republic. Since then, the Maldives has seen changes in leadership, natural disasters like the 2004 tsunami, and efforts to build a modern nation with new laws and services for its people.

21st century

Main article: History of the Maldives § 21st century

The Maldives faced big challenges after the 2004 tsunami, which damaged many islands and homes. In the years that followed, the country worked on rebuilding and improving its government and economy. New leaders brought changes, and the Maldives continues to grow and develop today.

Geography

Main article: Geography of the Maldives

The Maldives is a country made up of 1,192 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls. These islands stretch over 871 kilometres (541 miles) from north to south and 130 kilometres (81 miles) from east to west. Only 298 square kilometres (115 square miles) of the country's total area of about 90,000 square kilometres (35,000 square miles) is dry land, making it one of the world's most spread-out countries. The islands sit between latitudes 1°S and 8°N, and longitudes 72° and 74°E.

The Maldives is the lowest country in the world, with natural ground levels averaging just 1.5 metres (about 5 feet) above sea level. In some places, construction has raised the land higher. Because of this, the Maldives faces a serious risk from rising sea levels. Scientists have warned that, if sea levels continue to rise at the current rate, the Maldives could become uninhabitable by the year 2100.

Climate

The Maldives has a tropical monsoon climate, which means it is always hot and often humid. The country experiences two main seasons: a dry season and a rainy season. The shift between these seasons happens in April and May. The rainy season, brought by strong winds and storms, lasts from June to November. The average high temperature in the Maldives is 31.5°C, and the average low is 26.4°C.

Sea level rise

Main article: Climate change in the Maldives

See also: Effects of climate change on island nations and The Island President

In 1988, leaders of the Maldives said that rising sea levels could cover the entire country within 30 years. More recent studies suggest that, by 2100, rising seas might make many of the Maldives' islands hard to live on. Because of these concerns, former president Mohamed Nasheed spoke about the possibility of buying land in other countries to ensure a safe place to live if the Maldives becomes flooded. He also spoke about reducing the use of fuels that contribute to climate change and promoted efforts to protect the environment.

Environment

Environmental issues in the Maldives include poor waste disposal and damage to natural areas. While the islands themselves stay quite clean, waste from cities and resorts is often sent to places that are not well prepared to handle it. The country has 31 protected areas managed by government groups to help protect its natural resources.

Marine ecosystem

The waters around the Maldives are full of marine life. There are many types of coral, over 2,000 kinds of fish, and other sea creatures like sea turtles, whales, dolphins, and many species of shellfish. The coral reefs are important homes for many sea animals, but they have faced damage from changes in water temperature. Scientists have tried different ways to help the coral grow again, with some success.

Wildlife

Main article: Wildlife of the Maldives

The Maldives' wildlife includes plants and animals that live on the islands and in the surrounding waters. Studies show that animal life can differ a lot between nearby island groups, possibly because of differences in fishing and other human activities. Land animals are few because the islands are small, but the seas around them are home to many kinds of sea turtles, fish, birds, and other sea creatures. Some birds that visit the Maldives are migratory, meaning they travel from other places. The islands also have some types of lizards and small snakes.

Government and politics

Main article: Politics of the Maldives

Mohamed Muizzu, President since 2023

Hussain Mohamed Latheef, Vice President since 2023

The Maldives is a presidential constitutional republic. The president is both the head of government and head of state. The president leads the executive branch and appoints the cabinet, which must be approved by the People's Majlis (Parliament). The president also leads the armed forces. The current president is Mohamed Muizzu, who took office on 17 November 2023. Both the president and members of the unicameral Majlis serve five-year terms. The number of parliament members depends on the populations of the atolls. In the 2024 parliamentary election, the People's National Congress (PNC) won a large majority in the parliament.

The constitution of the Maldives was first introduced in 1968 and has been updated several times. The current constitution was ratified in 2008. It includes an independent judiciary and commissions to oversee elections and fight corruption. It also reduces some powers of the president and strengthens the parliament. The president remains the head of state, head of government, and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.

Administrative divisions

Main article: Administrative divisions of the Maldives

The Maldives has twenty-six natural atolls and some island groups on isolated reefs. These are divided into twenty-one administrative divisions, including 17 administrative atolls and four cities: Malé, Addu, Fuvahmulah, Thinadhoo, and Kulhudhuffushi. Each atoll is managed by an elected Atoll Council, and each island has an elected Island Council.

Foreign relations

Main article: Foreign relations of the Maldives

Since 1996, the Maldives has monitored progress for the Indian Ocean Commission. The Maldives joined the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Commonwealth in 1982. In 2016, the Maldives left the Commonwealth but rejoined in 2020 after showing democratic reforms. The Maldives has close ties with Seychelles and Mauritius. In June 2024, the Maldives banned Israeli passport holders from entering the country in response to the ongoing Gaza war.

Military

The Maldives National Defence Force protects the country's security and sovereignty. Its duties include defending the nation, protecting its waters, and keeping peace. The force includes the Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Special Forces, and other units. Because the Maldives is mostly water, protecting its seas is very important. The Coast Guard helps with this and responds to emergencies at sea. In 2019, the Maldives signed the UN treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

Law

See also: Judiciary of the Maldives and Law enforcement in the Maldives

The Constitution of the Maldives states that judges are independent and must follow Islamic Shari'ah when laws are unclear. Islam is the official religion, and only Muslims can be citizens. A new penal code came into effect in 2015, combining modern laws with Islamic principles.

Human rights

Main article: Human rights in the Maldives

Human rights in the Maldives can be difficult. Reports have mentioned issues like corruption, limits on religious freedom, and unequal treatment of women.

Economy

Main article: Economy of the Maldives

Long ago, the Maldives were famous for their cowry shells, which were used as money in many places. The islands were called the "Money Isles" by Arab traders. These shells were even sent to Africa by ships from faraway lands.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the Maldives was one of the poorest countries, with only about 100,000 people. The government then made changes to help the country grow. They let more private businesses start and opened the country up to tourism. Even though farming and making things were not very important, fishing was very important for many years.

Tourism

Main articles: Tourism in the Maldives, Diving in the Maldives, and List of mosques in the Maldives

Tourism began to grow in the 1970s and has become very important to the Maldives. Today, many people visit the islands to relax and enjoy the beautiful beaches. Tourism helps the country make money and gives jobs to many people. The first resorts opened in 1972, and now there are many more.

Since 1972, tourism has become the biggest source of money for the Maldives. In 2019, over 1.7 million visitors came to enjoy the islands.

The country has six heritage Maldivian coral mosques listed as UNESCO tentative sites.

Visitors

See also: § Transportation, and Visa policy of Maldives

People visiting the Maldives do not need a visa before they arrive, but they must have a passport that is valid for at least one month. They also need to show their travel plans, proof they can pay for their stay, and sometimes a special health certificate. Most visitors fly into Velana International Airport, near the capital city of Malé. Flights come from many places, including India, Sri Lanka, and the Middle East.

Fishing industry

Main article: Fishing industry in the Maldives

Fishing has always been very important to the Maldives. Many people work on fishing boats, and the government supports this industry. In the 1970s, new boats and tools were added to help fishermen catch more fish. Fishing still helps the country make money and gives jobs to many people.

Transportation

Main articles: Transport in the Maldives and List of airports in the Maldives

Velana International Airport is the main place for people to arrive in the Maldives. From there, people can take flights, seaplanes, or boats to travel between the islands. There are several companies that help with these trips, using different kinds of planes and boats. Some resorts also arrange special trips for their guests.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of the Maldives

The largest group of people in the Maldives are the Maldivians (Dhivehin), who live on the islands and speak the Dhivehi language. They are mainly from an Indo-Aryan background with some Middle Eastern, South Asian, Austronesian, and African influences.

In the past, there was also a small Tamil group called the Giraavaru people, but they have mostly joined the larger Maldivian community. There was also a small Sinhalese group, making up about 0.7% of the population in 2000.

The population of the Maldives grew quickly in the late 1970s and 1980s but slowed down later. By 2006, the population was about 299,000, and by 2022, it had grown to over 515,000, with many people from countries like Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka living and working there.

Languages

See also: Maldivian language

The official language of the Maldives is Dhivehi, which is closely related to the Sinhala language of Sri Lanka. It uses a special script called Thaana, which is written from right to left. English is also widely spoken, especially in tourism and education. Arabic is taught in schools because Islam is the main religion.

Religion

Main article: Religion in the Maldives

After a time when many people followed Buddhism, Muslim traders brought Islam to the Maldives, and most people converted by the mid-12th century. Today, Islam is the official religion, and everyone must follow it to be a citizen. There are a very small number of Christian people, but this is not widely known.

Education

Main article: Education in the Maldives

The Maldives has several schools and a national university. Training centers for health, vocational skills, teaching, hotel services, management, and law were set up in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. The Maldives National University was officially named in 2011.

Health

Main article: Health in the Maldives

The Maldives does well in meeting health needs, especially for children and adults. However, there are challenges with health on smaller islands and problems with expensive food. In May 2021, the Maldives saw a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases, which put pressure on health services.

Culture

Main article: Culture of the Maldives

See also: Maldivian cuisine and Folklore of the Maldives

The culture of the Maldives is shaped by the many different groups of people who have lived on the islands over time. Since the 12th century, influences from Arabia have also played a role, especially because the Maldives turned to Islam and is located in a key spot in the central Indian Ocean where traders from far away places often passed by.

Sports are very important in the Maldives. Because the country is made up of many islands surrounded by the ocean, water sports are very popular. Surfing is especially well-known, and places such as the atolls of North and South Malé, Thulusdhoo, and Himmafushi are great for it. Football in the Maldives is also widely played and followed. The country even has its own football league called the Dhivehi Premier League.

Main articles: Television Maldives, Voice of Maldives, and List of newspapers in the Maldives