The Maldives is a tropical paradise located southwest of the Indian subcontinent. This republic consists of nearly 1,200 islands, with most remaining uninhabited.

These coral islands rise no more than 1.8 meters (six feet) above sea level, making the Maldives extremely vulnerable to rising sea levels caused by global warming.

The nation's economy thrives on tourism, with many islands developed as luxurious destinations for high-end travelers. The Maldives has experienced political turbulence since the 2008 electoral defeat of its long-serving president, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.

Republic of Maldives: Facts

Capital: Male

Area: 300 sq km

Population: 392,000

Languages: Dhivehi, English

Life Expectancy: 77 years (men), 81 years (women)

Leader

President-elect: Mohamed Muizzu

Dear Lykkers! Mohamed Muizzu became the president-elect of the Maldives in September 2023 after defeating the incumbent, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, in the presidential elections.

As a candidate for the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), Muizzu secured over 54% of votes in the final run-off. His victory highlighted the Maldives' geopolitical significance, as both India and China vie for influence in the region.

India, with its long-standing ties to the Maldives, monitors the Indian Ocean from this strategic location. Meanwhile, China sees the Maldives as crucial for securing energy supplies from the Gulf and enhancing its naval presence.

Both nations have invested heavily in the Maldives through infrastructure and development loans and grants. Under former President Solih, the Maldives rejoined the Commonwealth in 2020 and witnessed a parliamentary landslide victory for his party in 2019.

Media Landscape

Non-state media in the Maldives face challenges, with journalists reportedly operating in a climate of violence and impunity. A defamation law enacted in 2016 allows authorities to penalize media for content deemed defamatory.

Timeline

1558-1573: The Portuguese occupy the islands but are expelled by locals.

17th Century: The islands become a protectorate of Dutch rulers of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), later transitioning to British control in 1796.

1887: The Maldives becomes a self-governing British protectorate.

1965: Full independence is achieved as a sultanate outside the Commonwealth.

1968: The sultanate is abolished through a referendum, and Ibrahim Nasir becomes president.

1978: Nasir retires, and Maumoon Abdul Gayoom assumes the presidency.

1980s: The development of tourism drives economic growth.

2008: Mohamed Nasheed defeats President Gayoom in elections.

2012: President Nasheed is ousted in a coup.

2018: Ibrahim Mohamed Solih defeats President Abdulla Yameen in a surprise election result.

2020: The Maldives rejoins the Commonwealth.

2023: Mohamed Muizzu defeats President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in elections.