The name ‘Maldives’ is derived from two components: ‘Malā’ (meaning ‘garland’ or ‘group’ in Sanskrit) and ‘dvīpa’ (meaning ‘island’ or ‘islands’). The term ‘Malādvīpa’ in Sanskrit translates to ‘garland of islands’, which is a fitting description given the dispersed and circular arrangement of the Maldives’ islands. The country’s official name is the “Republic of Maldives,” reflecting its republican form of government. The local language, Dhivehi, is an Indo-Aryan language with close historical ties to languages spoken in the Indian subcontinent.
The Maldives is located approximately 700 kilometres southwest of India and Sri Lanka, making it a significant maritime nation in the Indian Ocean. The archipelago comprises 26 atolls made up of more than 1,000 individual coral islands. The islands are situated on a series of submerged ridges in the ocean, and the country has a maximum length of about 820 kilometres and a maximum width of 130 kilometres.
The Maldives is famous for its coral reefs, which are some of the most diverse and pristine in the world. These reefs host an array of marine species, including fish, molluscs, and sea turtles, making the country a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkelling. Due to its low elevation, the Maldives is extremely vulnerable to the effects of climate change, especially rising sea levels. The highest point in the country is just 2.4 metres above sea level, highlighting the nation’s vulnerability to environmental challenges.
The political structure of the Maldives is a republic with a multi-party system. The head of state is the President, who is both the chief executive and the head of government. The President is elected through direct popular vote for a five-year term. The President has broad powers, but the constitution also establishes a system of checks and balances with the judiciary and legislature.
The legislature, known as the People’s Majlis, is a unicameral body with 87 members elected for five-year terms. It plays a critical role in shaping national policy and law. The judicial system is independent and operates under the guidance of the constitution, which was adopted in 2008.
The Maldives has experienced political instability in recent years, with tensions between different political factions, corruption scandals, and shifts between democratic and authoritarian governance. The country’s political history has been marked by the rule of former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who governed for over three decades, as well as more recent developments, such as the controversial ousting of President Mohamed Nasheed in 2012 and his subsequent return to politics.
The economy of the Maldives is heavily dependent on tourism, fishing, and agriculture. The country’s location and natural beauty make it one of the world’s most sought-after tourist destinations, particularly for luxury resorts and scuba diving. Tourism constitutes over a quarter of the nation’s GDP and provides employment for a significant portion of the population.
Fishing, particularly tuna fishing, has historically been the backbone of the economy. The Maldives is one of the world’s largest exporters of tuna, particularly canned tuna, to markets in Europe and Asia. Additionally, the country’s marine resources play a significant role in both domestic consumption and trade.
Agriculture is limited due to the small and scattered nature of the islands, with most agricultural activities focused on coconut cultivation, along with the growing of fruits and vegetables for local consumption.
The government has also invested in diversifying the economy, exploring sectors such as financial services and information technology. However, the overall economic landscape remains susceptible to global economic shifts, climate change, and the international demand for seafood and tourism.
The population of the Maldives is predominantly composed of ethnic Maldivians, who share cultural ties with the people of southern India and Sri Lanka. The majority of the population is Muslim, with Sunni Islam being the state religion. Dhivehi, the Maldivian language, is spoken by nearly all citizens, although English is widely understood, especially in urban areas and the tourism industry.
The country has a relatively young population, with a median age of around 30 years. While the population is small, the Maldives has experienced rapid urbanisation, with over a third of the population residing in the capital city, Malé. The country has made significant strides in improving education and healthcare, although access to services remains limited in the more remote atolls.
Maldivian culture is a blend of South Asian, Arab, and African influences, with Islam playing a central role in shaping the nation’s customs, traditions, and daily life. The arts, particularly music and dance, are integral to Maldivian culture, with the traditional boduberu drum performance being one of the most famous cultural expressions.
Cuisine in the Maldives is largely based on fish, particularly tuna, as well as coconut, rice, and locally grown vegetables. Popular dishes include mas huni, a breakfast dish made from tuna, coconut, and other ingredients, and garudhiya, a fish soup typically served with rice and side dishes.
In recent years, there has been an increased focus on preserving the Maldives’ cultural heritage, which faces the threat of erosion due to the pressures of globalisation and the impact of tourism.
The Maldives was a member of the Commonwealth of Nations from 1982 until it withdrew in 2016, citing concerns over the Commonwealth’s response to its domestic political issues and its treatment by other member states. The Maldives had been a member of the Commonwealth since the 1980s and participated in various programmes and initiatives, particularly in the areas of development, education, and climate change.
In 2020, under the leadership of President Ibrahim Solih, the Maldives sought to rejoin the Commonwealth. The move was seen as part of a broader effort to strengthen the country’s ties with the international community and emphasise its commitment to democratic principles and human rights.