Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Maldives
ދިވެހިރާއްޖޭގެ ޖުމުހޫރިއްޔާ
CapitalMalé
Population529,676
GDP$7.7bn
Area298 km²
RegionSouth Asia
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:11 am
Country facts
Overview
Background
A sultanate since the 12th century, the Maldives became a British protectorate in 1887 and a republic in 1968, three years after independence. President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM dominated Maldives' political scene for 30 years, elected to six successive terms by single-party referendums. After political demonstrations in the capital Male in 2003, GAYOOM and his government pledged to embark upon a process of liberalization and democratic reforms, including a more representative political system and expanded political freedoms. Political parties were legalized in 2005.
In 2008, a constituent assembly -- termed the "Special Majlis" -- finalized a new constitution ratified by GAYOOM. The first-ever presidential elections under a multi-candidate, multi-party system were held later that year. GAYOOM was defeated in a runoff by Mohamed NASHEED, a political activist whom the regime had jailed several years earlier. In 2012, after several weeks of street protests in response to a top judge's arrest, NASHEED resigned the presidency and handed over power to Vice President Mohammed WAHEED Hassan Maniku. A government-appointed Commission of National Inquiry concluded that there was no evidence of a coup, but NASHEED contended that police and military personnel forced him to resign. NASHEED, WAHEED, and Abdulla YAMEEN Abdul Gayoom ran in the 2013 elections with YAMEEN ultimately winning the presidency after three rounds of voting. In 2018, YAMEEN lost his reelection bid to parliamentarian Ibrahim Mohamed SOLIH. YAMEEN was arrested and jailed in 2022 on corruption charges. Maldives' fourth democratic election was held in September 2023. The winner, Male City Mayor Dr. Mohamed MUIZZU, campaigned on a platform of Maldivian sovereignty, vowing to remove Indian military personnel from the country. MUIZZU represents a joint Progressive Pary of Maldives and People's National Congress (PPM/PNC) coalition.
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2018, 2013In 2008, a constituent assembly -- termed the "Special Majlis" -- finalized a new constitution ratified by GAYOOM. The first-ever presidential elections under a multi-candidate, multi-party system were held later that year. GAYOOM was defeated in a runoff by Mohamed NASHEED, a political activist whom the regime had jailed several years earlier. In 2012, after several weeks of street protests in response to a top judge's arrest, NASHEED resigned the presidency and handed over power to Vice President Mohammed WAHEED Hassan Maniku. A government-appointed Commission of National Inquiry concluded that there was no evidence of a coup, but NASHEED contended that police and military personnel forced him to resign. NASHEED, WAHEED, and Abdulla YAMEEN Abdul Gayoom ran in the 2013 elections with YAMEEN ultimately winning the presidency after three rounds of voting. In 2018, YAMEEN lost his reelection bid to parliamentarian Ibrahim Mohamed SOLIH. YAMEEN was arrested and jailed in 2022 on corruption charges. Maldives' fourth democratic election was held in September 2023. The winner, Male City Mayor Dr. Mohamed MUIZZU, campaigned on a platform of Maldivian sovereignty, vowing to remove Indian military personnel from the country. MUIZZU represents a joint Progressive Pary of Maldives and People's National Congress (PPM/PNC) coalition.
Geography
Location
Southern Asia, group of atolls in the Indian Ocean, south-southwest of India
Map references
Asia
Area
total: 298 sq km
land: 298 sq km
water: 0 sq km
land: 298 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative
about 1.7 times the size of Washington, D.C.
Land boundaries
total: 0 km
Coastline
644 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
note: note: measured from claimed archipelagic straight baselines
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
note: note: measured from claimed archipelagic straight baselines
Climate
tropical; hot, humid; dry, northeast monsoon (November to March); rainy, southwest monsoon (June to August)
Terrain
flat coral atolls, with white sandy beaches; sits atop the submarine volcanic Chagos-Laccadive Ridge
Elevation
highest point: 8th tee, golf course, Villingi Island 5 m
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
mean elevation: 2 m
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
mean elevation: 2 m
Natural resources
fish
Land use
agricultural land: 19.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 13.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 3.4% (2023 est.)
forest: 12.5% (2023 est.)
other: 67.7% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 13.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 3.4% (2023 est.)
forest: 12.5% (2023 est.)
other: 67.7% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
0 sq km (2012)
Reference: 2012Population distribution
about a third of the population lives in the centrally located capital city of Male and almost a tenth in southern Addu City; the remainder of the populace is spread over the 200 or so populated islands of the archipelago
Natural hazards
tsunamis; low elevation of islands makes them sensitive to sea level rise
Geography - note
smallest Asian country; archipelago of 1,190 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls (200 inhabited islands, plus 80 islands with tourist resorts); strategic location along major sea lanes in Indian Ocean
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Maldivian(s)
adjective: Maldivian
adjective: Maldivian
Ethnic groups
homogeneous mixture of Sinhalese, Dravidian, Arab, Australasian, and African resulting from historical changes in regional hegemony over marine trade routes
Languages
Dhivehi (official, closely related to Sinhala, script derived from Arabic), English (spoken by most government officials)
Religions
Sunni Muslim (official)
Age structure
0-14 years: 22.4% (male 44,321/female 42,626)
15-64 years: 71.5% (male 143,021/female 135,044)
65 years and over: 6.1% (2024 est.) (male 10,397/female 13,449)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 71.5% (male 143,021/female 135,044)
65 years and over: 6.1% (2024 est.) (male 10,397/female 13,449)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 39.8 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 31.3 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 8.6 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 11.7 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 31.3 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 8.6 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 11.7 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 31.9 years (2024 est.)
male: 31.3 years
female: 32.4 years
Reference: 2024male: 31.3 years
female: 32.4 years
Population growth rate
-0.2% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
15.1 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
4.3 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population distribution
about a third of the population lives in the centrally located capital city of Male and almost a tenth in southern Addu City; the remainder of the populace is spread over the 200 or so populated islands of the archipelago
Major urban areas - population
177,000 MALE (capital) (2018)
Reference: 2018Sex ratio
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female
total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Reference: 20240-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female
total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
23.2 years (2016/17 est.)
note: note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49
Reference: 2016note: note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49
Maternal mortality ratio
32 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
0.83 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: urban: urban: 99.1% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 99.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 99.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0.4% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 99.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 99.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0.4% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 10% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 18.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 18.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
2.24 physicians/1,000 population (2019)
Reference: 2019Hospital bed density
5 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
8.6% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 1.38 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 0.33 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.59 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.45 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019beer: 0.33 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.59 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.45 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 28% (2025 est.)
male: 41.5% (2025 est.)
female: 9.2% (2025 est.)
male: 41.5% (2025 est.)
female: 9.2% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
14.8% (2017 est.)
Reference: 2017Currently married women (ages 15-49)
71.9% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Child marriage
women married by age 15: 0% (2017)
women married by age 18: 2.2% (2017)
men married by age 18: 2.2% (2017)
Reference: 2017women married by age 18: 2.2% (2017)
men married by age 18: 2.2% (2017)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 13 years (2022 est.)
male: 11 years (2022 est.)
female: 15 years (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022male: 11 years (2022 est.)
female: 15 years (2022 est.)
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
IDPs: 54 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of state | Mohamed Muizzu | — | 2023-11-17 | Current | Reported |
| Head of government | Mohamed Muizzu | — | 2023-11-17 | Current | Reported |
Country name
conventional long form: Republic of Maldives
conventional short form: Maldives
local long form: Dhivehi Raajjeyge Jumhooriyyaa
local short form: Dhivehi Raajje
etymology: the origin of the name is obscure but may derive from the Sanskrit word maladvipa, meaning "garland of islands;" the local name, Dhivehi Raajje, means "land of the Dhivehi people" in the local language
conventional short form: Maldives
local long form: Dhivehi Raajjeyge Jumhooriyyaa
local short form: Dhivehi Raajje
etymology: the origin of the name is obscure but may derive from the Sanskrit word maladvipa, meaning "garland of islands;" the local name, Dhivehi Raajje, means "land of the Dhivehi people" in the local language
Government type
presidential republic
Capital
name: Malé
geographic coordinates: 4 10 N, 73 30 E
time difference: UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the name may come from the Sanskrit word mala, or "garland"
geographic coordinates: 4 10 N, 73 30 E
time difference: UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the name may come from the Sanskrit word mala, or "garland"
Administrative divisions
21 administrative atolls (atholhuthah, singular - atholhu); Addu (Addu City), Ariatholhu Dhekunuburi (South Ari Atoll), Ariatholhu Uthuruburi (North Ari Atoll), Faadhippolhu, Felidhuatholhu (Felidhu Atoll), Fuvammulah, Hahdhunmathi, Huvadhuatholhu Dhekunuburi (South Huvadhu Atoll), Huvadhuatholhu Uthuruburi (North Huvadhu Atoll), Kolhumadulu, Maale (Male), Maaleatholhu (Male Atoll), Maalhosmadulu Dhekunuburi (South Maalhosmadulu), Maalhosmadulu Uthuruburi (North Maalhosmadulu), Miladhunmadulu Dhekunuburi (South Miladhunmadulu), Miladhunmadulu Uthuruburi (North Miladhunmadulu), Mulakatholhu (Mulaku Atoll), Nilandheatholhu Dhekunuburi (South Nilandhe Atoll), Nilandheatholhu Uthuruburi (North Nilandhe Atoll), Thiladhunmathee Dhekunuburi (South Thiladhunmathi), Thiladhunmathee Uthuruburi (North Thiladhunmathi)
Legal system
Islamic (sharia) legal system with English common law influences, primarily in commercial matters
Constitution
history: many previous; latest ratified 7 August 2008
amendment process: proposed by Parliament; passage requires at least three-quarters majority vote by its membership and the signature of the president of the republic; passage of amendments to constitutional articles on rights and freedoms and the terms of office of Parliament and of the president also requires a majority vote in a referendum
Reference: 2008amendment process: proposed by Parliament; passage requires at least three-quarters majority vote by its membership and the signature of the president of the republic; passage of amendments to constitutional articles on rights and freedoms and the terms of office of Parliament and of the president also requires a majority vote in a referendum
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Maldives
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: unknown
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Maldives
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: unknown
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state: President Mohamed MUIZZU (since 17 November 2023)
head of government: President Mohamed MUIZZU (since 17 November 2023)
cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president, approved by People's Majlis
election/appointment process: president directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term)
most recent election date: 9 September 2023, with runoff on 30 September 2023
election results: 2023: Mohamed MUIZZU elected president in the second round; percent of vote in first round - Mohamed MUIZZU (PNC) 46.1%, Ibrahim Mohamed SOLIH (MDP) 39.1%, Ilyas LABEEB (DEMS) 7.1%, other 7.7%; percent of vote in the second round - Mohamed MUIZZU 54%, Ibrahim Mohamed SOLIH 46%
2018: Ibrahim Mohamed SOLIH elected president in first round; Ibrahim Mohamed SOLIH (MDP) 58.3%, Abdulla YAMEEN Abdul Gayoom (PPM) 41.7%
expected date of next election: 2028
Reference: 2028, 2023, 2018head of government: President Mohamed MUIZZU (since 17 November 2023)
cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president, approved by People's Majlis
election/appointment process: president directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term)
most recent election date: 9 September 2023, with runoff on 30 September 2023
election results: 2023: Mohamed MUIZZU elected president in the second round; percent of vote in first round - Mohamed MUIZZU (PNC) 46.1%, Ibrahim Mohamed SOLIH (MDP) 39.1%, Ilyas LABEEB (DEMS) 7.1%, other 7.7%; percent of vote in the second round - Mohamed MUIZZU 54%, Ibrahim Mohamed SOLIH 46%
2018: Ibrahim Mohamed SOLIH elected president in first round; Ibrahim Mohamed SOLIH (MDP) 58.3%, Abdulla YAMEEN Abdul Gayoom (PPM) 41.7%
expected date of next election: 2028
Legislative branch
legislature name: People's Majlis (Majlis)
legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 93 (all directly elected)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 4/21/2024
parties elected and seats per party: People's National Congress (PNC) (66); Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) (12); Independents (11); Other (4)
percentage of women in chamber: 3.2%
expected date of next election: April 2029
Reference: 2029, 2024legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 93 (all directly elected)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 4/21/2024
parties elected and seats per party: People's National Congress (PNC) (66); Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) (12); Independents (11); Other (4)
percentage of women in chamber: 3.2%
expected date of next election: April 2029
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and 6 justices)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges appointed by the president in consultation with the Judicial Service Commission -- a 10-member body of selected senior government officials and the public -- and on confirmation by voting members of the People's Majlis; 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)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges appointed by the president in consultation with the Judicial Service Commission -- a 10-member body of selected senior government officials and the public -- and on confirmation by voting members of the People's Majlis; 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)
Political parties
Adhaalath (Justice) Party or AP
Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party or DRP
Maldives Development Alliance or MDA
Maldivian Democratic Party or MDP
Maldives Third Way Democrats or MTD
People's National Congress or PNC
People's National Front
Republican (Jumhooree) Party or JP
Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party or DRP
Maldives Development Alliance or MDA
Maldivian Democratic Party or MDP
Maldives Third Way Democrats or MTD
People's National Congress or PNC
People's National Front
Republican (Jumhooree) Party or JP
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Abdul GHAFOOR Mohamed (since 15 June 2023)
chancery: 1100 H Street NW, Suite 250, Washington, D.C. 20005
telephone: [1] (202) 516-5458
email address and website: WashingtonInfo@foreign.gov.mv
The Embassy (mdvmission.gov.mv)
Reference: 2023chancery: 1100 H Street NW, Suite 250, Washington, D.C. 20005
telephone: [1] (202) 516-5458
email address and website: WashingtonInfo@foreign.gov.mv
The Embassy (mdvmission.gov.mv)
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Hugo Yue-Ho YON (since 6 September 2023); note - Ambassador YON is the first resident US ambassador to the Republic of Maldives
embassy: 210 Galle Road, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka; note - as of early November 2023, the US has no consular or diplomatic offices in Maldives; the US Mission to Maldives operates from US Embassy Colombo, Sri Lanka
telephone: [94] (11) 249-8500
FAX: [94] (11) 243-7345
email address and website: Homepage - U.S. Embassy in Maldives
Reference: 2023embassy: 210 Galle Road, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka; note - as of early November 2023, the US has no consular or diplomatic offices in Maldives; the US Mission to Maldives operates from US Embassy Colombo, Sri Lanka
telephone: [94] (11) 249-8500
FAX: [94] (11) 243-7345
email address and website: Homepage - U.S. Embassy in Maldives
International organization participation
ADB, AOSIS, C, CP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, 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
Independence
26 July 1965 (from the UK)
Reference: 1965National holiday
Independence Day, 26 July (1965)
Reference: 1965Flag
description: red with a large green rectangle in the center and a vertical white crescent moon centered on the rectangle
meaning: red stands for those who have sacrificed their lives to defend the country, green for peace and prosperity, and the white crescent is a symbol of Islam
meaning: red stands for those who have sacrificed their lives to defend the country, green for peace and prosperity, and the white crescent is a symbol of Islam
National symbol(s)
coconut palm, yellowfin tuna
National color(s)
red, green, white
National anthem(s)
title: "Gaumee Salaam" (National Salute)
lyrics/music: Mohamed Jameel DIDI/Wannakuwattawaduge DON AMARADEVA
history: lyrics adopted 1948, music adopted 1972; the anthem has seven verses, but only the first two are commonly used
Reference: 1972, 1948lyrics/music: Mohamed Jameel DIDI/Wannakuwattawaduge DON AMARADEVA
history: lyrics adopted 1948, music adopted 1972; the anthem has seven verses, but only the first two are commonly used
Government & Official Links
| Institution | Official website | X / Twitter | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maldives official website | Official website | — | Reported · source Checked September 20, 2026 |
Institutional accounts only; personal accounts of political office-holders are excluded.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| People's Majlis | — | 85 | — |
Economy
Economic overview
upper middle-income Indian Ocean island economy; major tourism, fishing, and shipping industries; high public debt; systemic corruption; crippled by COVID-19; ongoing deflation; poverty has tripled since pandemic began
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $12.325 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $11.723 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $11.194 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $11.723 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $11.194 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $23,400 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $22,300 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $21,400 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $22,300 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $21,400 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 3% (2024 est.)
industry: 9% (2024 est.)
services: 73.8% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2024industry: 9% (2024 est.)
services: 73.8% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 51.4% (2023 est.)
government consumption: 17.1% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 35% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: -2% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 74.4% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -75.7% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023government consumption: 17.1% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 35% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: -2% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 74.4% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -75.7% (2023 est.)
Agricultural products
fruits, vegetables, nuts, other meats, papayas, bananas, tomatoes, maize, pulses, chillies/peppers (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
tourism, fish processing, shipping, boat building, coconut processing, woven mats, rope, handicrafts, coral and sand mining
Industrial production growth rate
-2.7% (2024 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2024note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
270,300 (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 16.1% (2024 est.)
male: 20% (2024 est.)
female: 9.5% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 20% (2024 est.)
female: 9.5% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
5.4% (2019 est.)
note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Reference: 2019note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2019: 29.3 (2019 est.)
note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Reference: 2019note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 3.8% (2019 est.)
highest 10%: 23.3% (2019 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Reference: 2019highest 10%: 23.3% (2019 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances
Remittances 2024: 0.1% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances 2023: 0.1% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 0.1% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Remittances 2023: 0.1% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 0.1% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $1.407 billion (2021 est.)
expenditures: $1.939 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2021expenditures: $1.939 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2016: 61.7% of GDP (2016 est.)
Reference: 2016Taxes and other revenues
19.5% (of GDP) (2021 est.)
note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Reference: 2021note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$1.257 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$1.4 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$1.042 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$1.4 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$1.042 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $5.413 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $4.88 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $5.096 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $4.88 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $5.096 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Thailand 32%, India 21%, Singapore 9%, UK 7%, Germany 5% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
fish, aircraft, refined petroleum, scrap iron, natural gas (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $5.344 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $4.984 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $4.939 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $4.984 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $4.939 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
India 15%, UAE 15%, Oman 14%, China 12%, Singapore 8% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, plastic products, aircraft, granite, ships (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $673.886 million (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $590.523 million (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $832.094 million (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $590.523 million (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $832.094 million (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $3.113 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: rufiyaa (MVR) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024: 15.389 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 15.387 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 15.387 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 15.373 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 15.381 (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Exchange rates 2024: 15.389 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 15.387 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 15.387 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 15.373 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 15.381 (2020 est.)
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$1.257 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$1.4 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$1.042 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$1.4 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$1.042 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $5.413 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $4.88 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $5.096 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $4.88 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $5.096 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Thailand 32%, India 21%, Singapore 9%, UK 7%, Germany 5% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
fish, aircraft, refined petroleum, scrap iron, natural gas (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $5.344 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $4.984 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $4.939 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $4.984 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $4.939 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
India 15%, UAE 15%, Oman 14%, China 12%, Singapore 8% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, plastic products, aircraft, granite, ships (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 432,000 kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 821.397 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 25.867 million kWh (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 821.397 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 25.867 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 93.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 6.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023solar: 6.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal
imports: 8 metric tons (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Petroleum
refined petroleum consumption: 13,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 50.886 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 13,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2023 est.)
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
32 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 10% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 18.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 18.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
2.24 physicians/1,000 population (2019)
Reference: 2019Hospital bed density
5 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Obesity - adult prevalence rate
8.6% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco use
total: 28% (2025 est.)
male: 41.5% (2025 est.)
female: 9.2% (2025 est.)
male: 41.5% (2025 est.)
female: 9.2% (2025 est.)
Education
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 13 years (2022 est.)
male: 11 years (2022 est.)
female: 15 years (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022male: 11 years (2022 est.)
female: 15 years (2022 est.)
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
Islamic (sharia) legal system with English common law influences, primarily in commercial matters
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and 6 justices)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges appointed by the president in consultation with the Judicial Service Commission -- a 10-member body of selected senior government officials and the public -- and on confirmation by voting members of the People's Majlis; 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)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges appointed by the president in consultation with the Judicial Service Commission -- a 10-member body of selected senior government officials and the public -- and on confirmation by voting members of the People's Majlis; 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)
Military & Security
Military and security forces
Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF): Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Air Corps, Fire and Rescue Service
Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology (MOHST): Maldives Police Service (2025)
note: note: in addition to the MNDF, the Maldives Ministry of Defense controls the Aviation Security Command, which provides security for the civil aviation industry, and the National Counter Terrorism Center
Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology (MOHST): Maldives Police Service (2025)
note: note: in addition to the MNDF, the Maldives Ministry of Defense controls the Aviation Security Command, which provides security for the civil aviation industry, and the National Counter Terrorism Center
Military expenditures
not available
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 3-4,000 active Defense Forces (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the Defense Force has a limited inventory consisting of a mix of mostly secondhand or donated equipment from suppliers such as Germany, India, Japan, Turkey, and the UK (2025)
Military service age and obligation
18-25 years of age for voluntary service; no conscription (2024)
Reference: 2024Military - note
the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) is responsible for defending and safeguarding the Maldives' territorial integrity, economic exclusion zone, and people; it is also responsible for disaster relief, and if requested, assisting the Maldives Police Service in maintaining internal security and law and order; maritime security is its largest focus; the Indian Armed Forces have long been the MNDF's most important partner (2025)
International Relations
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Abdul GHAFOOR Mohamed (since 15 June 2023)
chancery: 1100 H Street NW, Suite 250, Washington, D.C. 20005
telephone: [1] (202) 516-5458
email address and website: WashingtonInfo@foreign.gov.mv
The Embassy (mdvmission.gov.mv)
Reference: 2023chancery: 1100 H Street NW, Suite 250, Washington, D.C. 20005
telephone: [1] (202) 516-5458
email address and website: WashingtonInfo@foreign.gov.mv
The Embassy (mdvmission.gov.mv)
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Hugo Yue-Ho YON (since 6 September 2023); note - Ambassador YON is the first resident US ambassador to the Republic of Maldives
embassy: 210 Galle Road, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka; note - as of early November 2023, the US has no consular or diplomatic offices in Maldives; the US Mission to Maldives operates from US Embassy Colombo, Sri Lanka
telephone: [94] (11) 249-8500
FAX: [94] (11) 243-7345
email address and website: Homepage - U.S. Embassy in Maldives
Reference: 2023embassy: 210 Galle Road, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka; note - as of early November 2023, the US has no consular or diplomatic offices in Maldives; the US Mission to Maldives operates from US Embassy Colombo, Sri Lanka
telephone: [94] (11) 249-8500
FAX: [94] (11) 243-7345
email address and website: Homepage - U.S. Embassy in Maldives
International organization participation
ADB, AOSIS, C, CP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, 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
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth of Nations (Commonwealth) | member | 2020-02-01 |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1965-09-21 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | — |
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
International organization participation
ADB, AOSIS, C, CP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, 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
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
IDPs: 54 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Trafficking in persons
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — the government did not demonstrate overall increasing efforts to eliminate trafficking compared with the previous reporting period, therefore Maldives remained on Tier 2 Watch List for the second consecutive year; for more details, go to: https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-trafficking-in-persons-report/maldives/
Terrorist group(s)
Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS)
note: note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
note: note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
8Q
Airports
20 (2025)
Merchant marine
total: 82 (2023)
by type: general cargo 30, oil tanker 20, other 32
Reference: 2023by type: general cargo 30, oil tanker 20, other 32
Ports
total ports: 1 (2024)
large: 0
medium: 0
small: 0
very small: 1
ports with oil terminals: 1
key ports: Male
Reference: 2024large: 0
medium: 0
small: 0
very small: 1
ports with oil terminals: 1
key ports: Male
Environment
Environmental issues
rising sea levels; depletion of freshwater aquifers; inadequate sewage treatment; coral reef bleaching
International environmental agreements
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Climate
tropical; hot, humid; dry, northeast monsoon (November to March); rainy, southwest monsoon (June to August)
Land use
agricultural land: 19.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 13.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 3.4% (2023 est.)
forest: 12.5% (2023 est.)
other: 67.7% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 13.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 3.4% (2023 est.)
forest: 12.5% (2023 est.)
other: 67.7% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 42% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 2.34% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 2.34% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 1.908 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 1.908 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from petroleum and other liquids: 1.908 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
12.3 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 211,500 tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 20.9% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 20.9% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 5.6 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
industrial: 300,000 cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 268,194 cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022industrial: 300,000 cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 268,194 cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
30 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 13,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2023 est.)
Broadcast media
formerly a state-owned radio and TV monopoly; now 4 state-operated and 7 privately owned TV stations; 4 state-operated and 7 privately owned radio stations (2019)
Reference: 2019Internet country code
.mv
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 443,308 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 458,287 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 473,099 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 487,731 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 502,118 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 516,154 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 524,106 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 525,994 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 527,799 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 529,676 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $4,409,942,624 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $4,816,426,257 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $5,404,344,163 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $5,726,094,799 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $3,712,604,583 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $5,252,457,370 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $6,177,123,352 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $6,621,008,704 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $7,061,608,267 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $7,741,066,861 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 70,079 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 75,099 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 1,685 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 1,092 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 824 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 1,432 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 2,624 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 2,694 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 2,703 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 2,773 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 9,421 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 9,555 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 9,637 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 9,648 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 9,642 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 9,412 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | -2,674 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | -2,877 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | -2,421 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | -2,283 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 529,676 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 531,517 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 436,330 | 2017 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 75,099 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 14.2% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 2,773 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | -2,283 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 62 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 19 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.695 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | 1.213 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | 0.203 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | 1.028 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | 0.948 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | 1.210 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | 0.164 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | No No Illegal (codified in 2014); Penalty: Up to 8 years imprisonment, house arrest, lashings and fines. (unenforced) LGBTQ welcomed in tourist islands. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | No No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | No No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | No No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | No No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | No No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | No No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $7,741,066,861 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $14,615 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 6.3% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 4.0% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 4.5% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | Upper middle income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 81.3 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 1.6 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 42.5% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 85.2% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 78.2% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 78.3% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 156.5% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 98.2% | 2019 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 79.4% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 5.2% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 100.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 1.2% | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 9.2% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 4.7 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 2.8% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 148.1 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 19.6 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 1,330 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | 4.1742° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | 73.5109° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | 4.1800° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | 73.5100° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC+05:00, Indian/Maldives | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:10:29