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Maldives

Dhivehi Raajje

Capital:Male
Population:395,650
Currency:Rufiyaa (MVR)
Language:Maldivian Dhivehi (dialect of Sinhala, script derived from Arabic), English spoken by most government officials
Eating oceanside in Maldives

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Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of Maldives.

Maldives Factsheet

Customs and Culture

Cultural Attributes

The Maldives is a deeply Islamic nation, and Islam permeates nearly every aspect of daily life, social customs, and legal structure. The country officially follows Sunni Islam, and citizenship is legally tied to the Islamic faith — non-Muslims cannot hold Maldivian citizenship. The call to prayer, heard five times daily, shapes the rhythm of life across the islands, and Friday remains the primary day of communal worship and rest. Maldivian culture reflects a layered history of influences from South Asia, Arabia, and East Africa, shaped by centuries of trade along Indian Ocean routes. The native language, Dhivehi, is an Indo-Aryan language with its own unique script called Thaana, which is written from right to left. Dhivehi remains the official language and is spoken exclusively throughout the islands, though English is widely used in tourism and government contexts. Traditional arts hold a significant place in Maldivian identity. Boduberu, a form of music and dance rooted in East African traditions, features large drums and call-and-response vocals and is performed at community celebrations and festivals. Lacquerwork, known locally as liyaa, involves intricate hand-carved wooden objects adorned with geometric patterns in red, black, and yellow — a craft recognized for its cultural heritage. Family and community bonds are central to Maldivian social life. The extended family unit plays an important role in daily decisions, childcare, and social support. Hospitality toward guests is highly valued, and visitors are typically offered refreshments such as sweet tea and short eats like masroshi, a pastry filled with smoked tuna and coconut. Fish, particularly tuna, forms the cornerstone of the Maldivian diet and cultural identity. The nation's fishing heritage is so significant that a fisherman appears on the national coat of arms. Traditional crafts such as boat-building, mat-weaving from reeds by women in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, and natural rope-making using coconut fiber reflect a culture historically adapted to life on small, resource-limited islands surrounded by the Indian Ocean.

Eating oceanside in Maldives

Pearls of the Indian Ocean

Diet

Most Maldivian men are fisherman and at the end of the day they bring the fish home for the women to cook over an open fire. Most is prepared for export but some is eaten as part of the daily diet along with coconuts, papayas, pineapples, pomegranates and sweet potatoes.

Sailing the ocean near the Maldives

Family

Most Maldivian men make their living as fisherman. At the end of the day they bring their catch home to the women who cook and smoke the fish over an open fire. Most of the fish is prepared for export.

Student Life

Unique to Maldives, modern and traditional schools exist side by side. The traditional schools are staffed by community-paid teachers without formal training and provide basic numeracy and literacy skills in addition to religious instruction. The modern schools, run by both the government and private sector, provide primary and secondary education. Primary and secondary education is available throughout the country and primary education is compulsory. As the modern English-medium school system expands, the traditional system is gradually being upgraded. By early 2003, every inhabited island was equipped to provide primary school education up through grade seven. Secondary schools (grades 8 through 10) are available in atoll capitals and on the islands with larger populations. Five schools have higher secondary classes, two in Capital Male and in three atolls. Only around 5% of students go to high school, but literacy is high at 98%. Seven post-secondary technical training institutes provide opportunities for youth to gain skills that are in demand.

Holidays

  • Independence Day

    7/26

    Independence Day

Dates of Interest

  • July 26th

What should I know about food and eating in the Maldives?

Fish, particularly tuna, is the cornerstone of the Maldivian diet and cultural identity, and guests are typically welcomed with refreshments.

Do

  • Accept offered refreshments like sweet tea and short eats such as masroshi (a pastry filled with smoked tuna and coconut)
  • Expect meals built around fish, coconuts, and fruits like papayas, pineapples, pomegranates, and sweet potatoes

Good to know

  • A fisherman appears on the national coat of arms, reflecting how central fishing is to the culture
  • Traditionally, men bring home the day's catch and women cook and smoke the fish over an open fire
  • Much of the fish caught is prepared for export

What cultural etiquette should travelers be aware of in the Maldives?

The Maldives is a deeply Islamic nation where Sunni Islam shapes daily life, social customs, and law, and hospitality toward guests is highly valued.

Do

  • Respect the rhythm of the five daily calls to prayer
  • Recognize Friday as the primary day of communal worship and rest
  • Use English, which is widely used in tourism and government contexts

Good to know

  • The native language is Dhivehi, written in the Thaana script from right to left
  • Non-Muslims cannot hold Maldivian citizenship, as citizenship is legally tied to the Islamic faith

What role do family and community play in the Maldives?

Family and community bonds are central to Maldivian social life, with the extended family playing an important role in daily decisions, childcare, and social support.

Good to know

  • Hospitality toward guests is highly valued
  • Traditionally men make their living as fishermen while women cook and smoke the catch

What traditional arts and crafts are part of Maldivian culture?

Traditional arts and crafts hold a significant place in Maldivian identity, reflecting a culture adapted to life on small islands.

Good to know

  • Boduberu is a form of music and dance rooted in East African traditions, featuring large drums and call-and-response vocals at community celebrations
  • Lacquerwork (liyaa) involves hand-carved wooden objects with geometric patterns in red, black, and yellow
  • Other traditional crafts include boat-building, mat-weaving from reeds, and rope-making from coconut fiber

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Photos of Maldives

Travel and Tourism

Travel Alert Status
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Currency
rufiyaa (MVR)
Time Difference
UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Climate
tropical; hot, humid; dry, northeast monsoon (November to March); rainy, southwest monsoon (June to August)
Airports
5
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History

Historical Eras

  1. Early Settlement

    400 BCE – 1153

    The earliest inhabitants of the Maldives were likely migrants from southern India, followed by Indo-European-speaking peoples from Sri Lanka around the 4th–5th centuries BCE. The islands developed as a Buddhist maritime society, with Arab and East African sailors gradually expanding their cultural influence. Maldivian legend attributes the founding of the first ruling line to a Sinhalese prince, Koi Male, who settled in the archipelago.

  2. Islamic Sultanate

    1153 – 1558

    In 1153, the Maldives converted to Sunni Islam, marking the establishment of the sultanate and a profound transformation of Maldivian identity, law, and culture. The sultanate governed the archipelago as an independent polity for centuries, its rulers legitimized by Islamic authority and sustained by maritime trade across the Indian Ocean. Mopla pirates from the Malabar Coast periodically harassed the islands, yet the sultanate maintained its sovereignty.

  3. Portuguese Occupation

    1558 – 1573

    Portugal conquered the Maldives in 1558, imposing foreign rule over the sultanate for fifteen years. The occupation was marked by resistance from the Maldivian population, culminating in the successful uprising led by the warrior-patriot Muhammad Thakurufar Al-Azam, who expelled the Portuguese in 1573. His victory restored the Islamic sultanate and enshrined him as a national hero.

  4. British Protectorate

    1887 – 1965

    The Maldives formally became a British protectorate in 1887, with Britain controlling the archipelago's foreign affairs while the sultanate retained internal governance. In 1953 a brief republican experiment failed and the sultanate was restored. The protectorate relationship endured until July 25, 1965, when the Maldives achieved full independence, though it rejoined the Commonwealth only in 1982.

  5. Second Republic & Modern Era

    1968 – present

    On November 11, 1968, the sultanate was abolished and the Republic of Maldives was proclaimed in its present form. The nation developed tourism and fishing as economic pillars, though it faces existential challenges from rising sea levels and was severely struck by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Political liberalization efforts, growing youth crime linked to heroin addiction, and climate vulnerability define the archipelago's contemporary trajectory.

Overview

Maldives comprises 1,191 islands in the Indian Ocean. The earliest settlers were probably from southern India. Indo-European speakers followed them from Sri Lanka in the fourth and fifth centuries BC. In the 12th century AD, sailors from East Africa and Arab countries came to the islands. Today, the Maldivian ethnic identity is a blend of these cultures, reinforced by religion and language. Originally Buddhists, Maldivians were converted to Sunni Islam in the mid-12th century. Islam is the official religion of the entire population. Strict adherence to Islamic precepts and close community relationships have historically helped keep crime low and under control. However, a growing heroin addiction problem and the emergence of youth gangs, especially in Male, have increased the crime rate and the incidence of street violence. The official and common language is Dhivehi, which is related to Sinhala, a language of Sri Lanka. The writing system is from right to left. English is used widely in commerce and increasingly as the medium of instruction in government schools. Some social stratification exists on the islands. It is not rigid, since rank is based on varied factors, including occupation, wealth, perceived Islamic virtue, and family ties. Members of the social elite are concentrated in Male’. The early history of the Maldives is obscure. According to Maldivian legend, a Sinhalese prince named KoiMale was stranded with his bride--daughter of the king of Sri Lanka--in a Maldivian lagoon and stayed on to rule as the first sultan. Over the centuries, the islands have been visited and their development influenced by sailors from countries on the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean littorals. Mopla pirates from the Malabar Coast--present-day Kerala state in India--harassed the islands. In the 16th century, the Portuguese subjugated and ruled the islands for 15 years (1558-73) before being driven away by the warrior-patriot Muhammad Thakurufar Al-Azam. Although governed as an independent Islamic sultanate for most of its history from 1153 to 1968, the Maldives was a British protectorate from 1887 until July 25, 1965. In 1953, there was a brief, abortive attempt at a republican form of government, after which the sultanate was re-imposed. Following independence from Britain in 1965, the sultanate continued to operate for another 3 years. On November 11, 1968, it was abolished and replaced by a republic, and the country assumed its present name.

Timeline of Key Events

  1. 1558 – 1573

    Portuguese occupation, which ends after expulsion by locals.

    Portuguese occupation, which ends after expulsion by locals.

  2. 1558

    Islands become a protectorate first of the Dutch rulers of Ceylon (Sri Lanka).

    Islands become a protectorate first of the Dutch rulers of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and later of the British who take control of Ceylon in 1796.

  3. 1982

    Rejoins Commonwealth.

    Rejoins Commonwealth.

  4. 2002

    Concern over the Maldives’ vulnerability to rising sea levels.

    Concern over the Maldives’ vulnerability to rising sea levels prompts government to announce decision to take legal action against US for refusing to sign Kyoto Protocol.

  5. 2004

    Tsunami generated by a powerful undersea earthquake off the Indonesian coast hits the Maldives.

    Scores of people are killed and many islands suffer severe damage when a tsunami generated by a powerful undersea earthquake off the Indonesian coast hits the Maldives. The government says the disaster has set development work back by 20 years.

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Interesting Facts

  • Maldives has the world's highest marraige rate for an independent country with 19.7 per 1,000 persons (US Virgin Islands is at 35.1 per 1,000).

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Geography and Environment

Terrain
flat, with white sandy beaches
Climate
tropical; hot, humid; dry, northeast monsoon (November to March); rainy, southwest monsoon (June to August)
Natural Hazards
low level of islands makes them very sensitive to sea level rise
Current Environmental Issues
depletion of freshwater aquifers threatens water supplies; global warming and sea level rise; coral reef bleaching
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People & Demographics

Languages Spoken

Maldivian Dhivehi (dialect of Sinhala, script derived from Arabic), English spoken by most government officials

  • Maldivian Dhivehi

Population

Population
395,650
Population in Major Urban Areas
MALE (capital) 132,000
Nationality Noun
Maldivian(s)
Ethnic Groups
South Indians, Sinhalese, Arabs

Education

Literacy Definition
age 15 and over can read and write

Unique to Maldives, modern and traditional schools exist side by side. The traditional schools are staffed by community-paid teachers without formal training and provide basic numeracy and literacy skills in addition to religious instruction.

The modern schools, run by both the government and private sector, provide primary and secondary education. Primary and secondary education is available throughout the country and primary education is compulsory. As the modern English-medium school system expands, the traditional system is gradually being upgraded. By early 2003, every inhabited island was equipped to provide primary school education up through grade seven. Secondary schools (grades 8 through 10) are available in atoll capitals and on the islands with larger populations. Five schools have higher secondary classes, two in Capital Male and in three atolls. Only around 5% of students go to high school, but literacy is high at 98%.

Seven post-secondary technical training institutes provide opportunities for youth to gain skills that are in demand.

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Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
Maldives
Full Country Name
Republic of Maldives
Local - Long
Dhivehi Raajjeyge Jumhooriyyaa
Local - Short
Dhivehi Raajje

Government Structure

Government Type
republic
Legal System
based on Islamic law with admixtures of English common law primarily in commercial matters; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive Branch
chief of state: President Mohamed MUIZZU (since 17 November 2023); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government head of government: President Mohamed MUIZZU (since 17 November 2023); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president and approved by the People's Majlis elections: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in two rounds if needed for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 9 September 2023, with a runoff held on 30 September 2023 election results: Mohamed MUIZZU elected president in runoff; percent of popular vote - Mohamed MUIZZU (PNC) 54.1%, Ibrahim Mohamed SOLIH (MDP) 45.9%
Legislative Branch
unicameral People's Council or Majlis (50 seats; 42 elected by popular vote, 8 appointed by the president; members serve five-year terms) elections: last held 22 January 2005 (next to be held NA 2010) election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 50
Judicial Branch
High Court
Suffrage
21 years of age; universal
Constitution
adopted January 1998
Independence
26 July 1965 (from UK)
National Holiday
Independence Day, 26 July (1965)

Capital City

Capital Name
Male
Capital - geographic coordinate
4 10 N, 73 30 E
Capital Time Difference
UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

derived from the Sanskrit word "mahaalay" meaning "big house"

Military

Branches: Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF): Marine Corps, Security Protection Group, Coast Guard (

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

U.S. Embassy Colombo, Sri Lanka

210 Galle Road, Colombo 3, Sri Lanka

Telephone: (94) (11) 249-8500

Emergency after-hours telephone: (94)-77-725-6307

Facsimile: (94) (11) 249-8590

E-mail: colomboacs@state.gov

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Economy

Tourism is the largest sector of the Maldivian economy, directly contributing around 25% of GDP and, together with related activities, accounting for over two-thirds of the country's foreign exchange earnings. Tourism-related taxes and import duties together generate the bulk of government revenue. Fishing, historically the backbone of the economy, remains the second-leading industry and the largest source of employment outside tourism, with tuna being the principal export.

The Maldivian government launched an economic reform program in 1989, lifting import quotas, opening certain exports to the private sector, and gradually liberalizing regulations to attract foreign investment. These reforms have helped transform the Maldives into one of the higher-income economies in South Asia, classified by the World Bank as an upper-middle-income country.

Agriculture and manufacturing play a comparatively minor role, constrained by limited arable land, a small domestic labor force, and the geographic dispersion of the islands. Most staple foods, fuel, and consumer goods must be imported. Industrial activity is modest and consists mainly of fish processing, garment production, boat building, and handicrafts.

The economy remains highly vulnerable to external shocks, as demonstrated by the sharp contraction during the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent strong rebound driven by the return of international tourists. Public debt has risen significantly in recent years, prompting concerns about fiscal sustainability.

Maldivian authorities continue to express deep concern about the impact of coastal erosion and climate change on this low-lying nation, where more than 80% of the land area lies less than one meter above sea level, making it one of the countries most threatened by rising sea levels.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
Rufiyaa (MVR)
GDP Real Growth Rate
-5.5%

Banknotes

Maldives Money - Front
Maldives Money - Front
Maldives Money - Back
Maldives Money - Back

Budget & Public Finance

Fiscal Year
calendar year
Annual Budget
$362,000,000 (USD)
External Debt
$316,000,000 (USD)

Labor, Industry & Trade

Labor Force by Occupation
agriculture 22%; industry 18%; services 60%
Industries
fish processing, tourism, shipping, boat building, coconut processing, garments, woven mats, rope, handicrafts, coral and sand mining
Agriculture Products
coconuts, corn, sweet potatoes; fish
Export Commodities
fish, clothing
Export Partners
US 52.6%, Sri Lanka 13.3%, Thailand 9.5%, Japan 7.6%, UK 4.7%
Import Commodities
consumer goods, intermediate and capital goods, petroleum products
Import Partners
Singapore 26.6%, UAE 15%, Sri Lanka 13.2%, India 7%, Malaysia 5.7%, Thailand 4.1%

Energy

Oil Production
0 bbl/day
Oil Consumption
4,000 bbl/day
Oil Reserves
0 bbl/day
Natural Gas Production
0 cu m
Natural Gas Consumption
0 cu m
Natural Gas Imports
0 cu m
Natural Gas Exports
0 cu m
Natural Gas Reserves
0 cu m

Communications

Telephone System
general assessment: telephone services have improved; inter-atoll communication through microwave links; all inhabited islands and resorts are connected with telephone and fax service domestic: each island now has at least 1 public telephone, and there are mobile-cellular networks with a rapidly expanding subscribership that has reached 135 per 100 persons international: country code - 960; linked to international submarine cable Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG); satellite earth station - 3 Intelsat (Indian Ocean)
Internet Country Code
.mv

News & Weather

Current Weather

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Latest News

News via Google News

Climate Overview

tropical; hot, humid; dry, northeast monsoon (November to March); rainy, southwest monsoon (June to August)

Videos

2 curated YouTube videos.

  • Source: YouTube

  • Source: YouTube

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Maldives?
The population of Maldives is approximately 395,650.
What should I know about food and eating in the Maldives?
Fish, particularly tuna, is the cornerstone of the Maldivian diet and cultural identity, and guests are typically welcomed with refreshments. Do: Accept offered refreshments like sweet tea and short eats such as masroshi (a pastry filled with smoked tuna and coconut) Expect meals built around fish, coconuts, and fruits like papayas, pineapples, pomegranates, and sweet potatoes A fisherman appears on the national coat of arms, reflecting how central fishing is to the culture Traditionally, men bring home the day's catch and women cook and smoke the fish over an open fire Much of the fish caught is prepared for export
What cultural etiquette should travelers be aware of in the Maldives?
The Maldives is a deeply Islamic nation where Sunni Islam shapes daily life, social customs, and law, and hospitality toward guests is highly valued. Do: Respect the rhythm of the five daily calls to prayer Recognize Friday as the primary day of communal worship and rest Use English, which is widely used in tourism and government contexts The native language is Dhivehi, written in the Thaana script from right to left Non-Muslims cannot hold Maldivian citizenship, as citizenship is legally tied to the Islamic faith
What role do family and community play in the Maldives?
Family and community bonds are central to Maldivian social life, with the extended family playing an important role in daily decisions, childcare, and social support. Hospitality toward guests is highly valued Traditionally men make their living as fishermen while women cook and smoke the catch
What traditional arts and crafts are part of Maldivian culture?
Traditional arts and crafts hold a significant place in Maldivian identity, reflecting a culture adapted to life on small islands. Boduberu is a form of music and dance rooted in East African traditions, featuring large drums and call-and-response vocals at community celebrations Lacquerwork (liyaa) involves hand-carved wooden objects with geometric patterns in red, black, and yellow Other traditional crafts include boat-building, mat-weaving from reeds, and rope-making from coconut fiber
What is the capital of Maldives?
Malé is the capital and largest city of Maldives, situated on a small coral island in the central part of the archipelago. Despite covering an area of roughly 6 square kilometres, Malé functions as the political, economic, and cultural heart of the nation. It is home to the country's main government institutions, the historic Hukuru Miskiy (Old Friday Mosque), and the principal port through which much of the nation's trade and tourism traffic flows.
Where is Maldives located?
Maldives is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka and India in South Asia. The country consists of roughly 1,200 coral islands grouped into 26 natural atolls, stretching across the equator for approximately 820 kilometres from north to south. This positioning makes Maldives one of the world's most geographically dispersed nations and one of the lowest-lying, with most land sitting less than one metre above sea level.
What ocean and seas border Maldives?
As an archipelago nation, Maldives is entirely surrounded by the Indian Ocean, with no land borders of any kind. The island chain lies west of the southern tip of India and southwest of Sri Lanka. The Arabian Sea borders the country to the northwest. This remote oceanic setting has shaped Maldivian history, culture, and economy, making maritime trade, fishing, and, in modern times, ocean-based tourism the defining pillars of national life.
What religion is practiced in Maldives?
Sunni Islam is the official and overwhelmingly dominant religion of Maldives, and Maldivian law requires all citizens to be Muslim. Islam has been central to the country's identity since the 12th century, when the ruling sultan converted from Buddhism. The legal and social framework of the nation is deeply shaped by Islamic principles, and religious observance—including daily prayers, fasting during Ramadan, and Islamic dress codes—is woven into everyday public life.
What is the currency of Maldives?
The currency of Maldives is the Rufiyaa, with the ISO code MVR. It is subdivided into 100 laari and is issued by the Maldives Monetary Authority. In tourist resorts, which operate largely as self-contained economic zones, the US dollar is widely accepted and often preferred. However, the Rufiyaa remains the standard currency for transactions in local island communities and the capital, Malé.
What language is spoken in Maldives?
Maldivian Dhivehi is the official language of Maldives, an Indo-Aryan language closely related to an early form of Sinhala, written in a unique script called Thaana, which was derived from Arabic numerals and letters. Dhivehi has several regional dialects across the atolls, with the Malé dialect serving as the standard. English is widely spoken among government officials, educators, and the tourism industry, making it effectively a second working language in formal and commercial contexts.
What is the geography of Maldives like?
Maldives is a low-lying archipelago composed of approximately 1,200 coral islands, of which around 200 are inhabited, spread across the central Indian Ocean. The islands are organized into 26 atolls sitting atop a submarine ridge known as the Chagos-Laccadive Ridge. Terrain is almost entirely flat, with no hills or rivers, and average ground elevation is under one metre above sea level—making Maldives exceptionally vulnerable to sea-level rise associated with climate change.
What is Maldives known for?
Maldives is internationally recognized for its luxury overwater bungalow resorts, which pioneered a model of exclusive island tourism widely copied elsewhere. The country's crystal-clear lagoons, coral reef ecosystems, and abundant marine life—including whale sharks and manta rays—make it a premier destination for diving and snorkeling. Fishing, particularly tuna caught using traditional pole-and-line methods, remains a cornerstone of the local economy and diet. Maldives also holds a statistical distinction as the country with one of the world's highest recorded marriage rates among independent nations.

Last reviewed 2026

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