Maldives
Region
🌍 Asia
Population
👥 515
Currency
💱 Maldivian rufiyaa
Languages
🗣️ Divehi
This mark means a fact is linked to a checked source. Hover or tap it to see the source. 35 of 141 facts on this page are sourced.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
Republic of Maldives
Continent
Asia
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Maldivan
Independence
July 26, 1965 (from the UK)
Top-Level Domain
.mv
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+960
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+05:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Malé
ISO Alpha-2
MV
ISO Alpha-3
MDV
UN Code
462
Geographic Coordinates
3.25,73
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
300#215 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
515,132#172 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
1,765.08
Highest Point (m)
2.4 meters (Villingili)
Lowest Point (m)
Sea level
Land Use
Agricultural land accounts for a very small percentage; the majority is used for other purposes, including built-up areas and beaches.
Irrigated Land
Irrigation is not widely used in the Maldives.
Coastline Length
644 km
Climate
Tropical monsoon; hot and humid; dry season (northeast monsoon, November to March); rainy season (southwest monsoon, June to August)
Natural Resources
Fish
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
No land borders
Major Rivers
This island nation has no major rivers.
Major Lakes
This island nation has no major lakes.
Government Type
Presidential republic
Administrative Divisions
7 provinces and 20 atolls
Legal System
Based on a combination of Islamic law, English common law, and other sources.
Chief of State
President Mohamed Muizzu
Head of Government
President Mohamed Muizzu
Cabinet
The Cabinet is appointed by the President.
Elections
President elected by popular vote; last held September 9, 2023
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court, High Court, trial courts
Legislative Branch
Unicameral People's Majlis (parliament)
Major Political Parties
Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Maldivian rufiyaa
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
7.74#161 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
15.12#158 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
14,614.72#90 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
4.59
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
9.33
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
69.86
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
4.01#63 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
272,320
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
4.51#112 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Central government debt, total (% of GDP) (2011)Checked September 29, 2026
57.3
Budget
The Maldivian government's annual budget is approximately $2.5 billion.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
5.52#130 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
5.53#140 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Foreign reserves are estimated to be around $0.8 billion.
Currency Exchange
Currency exchange rates can be found at major banks and online financial platforms.
GDP by Sector
Tourism, fishing, and construction are the main contributors to GDP.
Major Industries
Tourism, fishing, and shipping are major industries.
Major Export Partners
Major export partners include Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Major Import Partners
Major import partners include the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, and India.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2019)Checked September 29, 2026
98.21#41 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
10.6
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
2.4
Net Migration Rate
The net migration rate is approximately 0 migrants per 1,000 population.
Median Age
The median age is approximately 30 years.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
42.51#166 of 214
Urbanization Rate
The urbanization rate is approximately 1.5% annually.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
81.3#44 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
The HIV/AIDS prevalence rate is very low.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
9.25
Ethnic Groups
The population is predominantly Maldivian, with influences from various South Asian cultures.
Religions
Islam is the state religion.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
Divehi
Education
Education System
The education system is primarily public, with Islamic studies as a core component. It includes primary, secondary, and higher education levels.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2003)Checked September 29, 2026
12.2
Government Education Spending
Government expenditure on education is a significant portion of the budget.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
Major universities include the Maldives National University and Villa College.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Culture is influenced by Islam, with strong traditions and a focus on family and community. It features Dhivehi language and customs.
National Holidays
National holidays include Independence Day, Republic Day, and religious festivals like Eid.
Popular Music
Bodu Beru is a traditional form of music. Modern Maldivian music incorporates local and international influences.
Traditional Food
Traditional food includes fish-based dishes like Mas Huni (tuna with coconut and onion).
Sports
Popular sports include football (soccer), water sports, and cricket.
Major Festivals
Major festivals include Eid celebrations and cultural events.
Famous People
Famous people include political figures, athletes, and artists.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Cultural heritage sites include ancient mosques and historical landmarks.
UNESCO Sites
There are no UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Annual Tourist Visits
High annual tourist visits.
Tourism Overview
Tourism is the main industry, focused on luxury resorts.
Top Tourist Attractions
Baa Atoll, Male Atoll, Huvahandhoo, numerous private island resorts, diving spots.
Famous Cities
Malé.
National Parks
Marine protected areas, not specifically designated as National Parks.
Protected Areas
Numerous marine protected areas.
Best Time to Visit
—
Tourist Visa Info
Visa on arrival for most nationalities.
Visa Requirements Overview
—
Travel Advisory
Generally safe, but be aware of local customs and environmental factors.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
The healthcare quality index is moderate.
Medical Cost
Medical costs are relatively high due to the reliance on imported goods and services.
Number of Hospitals
There are several hospitals located across the islands.
Universal Healthcare
Maldives provides healthcare through a public system, with services available at various levels, including primary healthcare centers and hospitals.
Medical Services Overview
Medical services are available, with a reliance on imported medical professionals and supplies.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical access is available, but may be limited on remote islands.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
119
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
102
Emergency Number (Fire)
118
Crime Rate
Low crime rate.
Safety Index
High safety index.
Military Expenditure
Relatively low military expenditure.
Emergency Services Overview
Emergency services available, primarily in Malé and major islands.
Safety Overview
—
Military Branches
Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
High electricity access in urban areas; increasing access in other islands.
Water Access
Generally good water access; desalination plants are common.
Sanitation Access
Improved sanitation; sewage systems in urban areas, septic tanks elsewhere.
Railways
There are no railways.
Roadways
Limited roadways, primarily in Malé; focus on island transport.
Transportation System
Transportation relies heavily on boats, ferries, and seaplanes. Roads are available in populated islands.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Gan International Airport (GAN), Hanimaadhoo International Airport (HAQ), Velana International Airport (MLE), Kaadedhdhoo Airport (KDM), Kadhdhoo Airport (KDO), Maafaru International Airport (NMF)
Ports
Main port in Malé (Male' Commercial Harbour), serving imports and exports.
Public Transit
Ferry services between islands; limited public transport in Malé.
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
85.24#86 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
Very high mobile subscriptions per 100 people.
Tech Startups
Growing tech startup scene, particularly in tourism-related technologies.
Innovation Index
Moderate innovation index.
ICT Development Index
Moderate to high ICT Development Index.
TV Broadcast Stations
Several television stations.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Numerous radio stations.
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
3.57#82 of 202
Air Quality Index
Generally good air quality, but can be affected by tourism and local activities.
Water Pollution Level
Moderate water pollution, primarily from sewage and solid waste disposal.
Renewable Energy Usage
Growing, but still low, reliance on renewable energy, primarily solar power.
Environmental Issues
Climate change impacts, rising sea levels, coastal erosion, coral bleaching, and waste management.
Natural Hazards
Tsunamis, cyclones, and rising sea levels.
Waste Management
Challenges in waste disposal, particularly solid waste, with limited recycling infrastructure.
Environmental Agreements
Part of various international agreements, including climate change and biodiversity.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Maintains diplomatic missions in various countries.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
Commonwealth
Major Treaties
Part of major international treaties on climate change, oceans, etc.
Visa-Free Countries
Offers visa-free access to a significant number of countries.