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Maldives

Dhivehi Raajje

Capital:Male
Population:521,457
Currency:Rufiyaa (MVR)
Language:Maldivian Dhivehi (dialect of Sinhala, script derived from Arabic), English spoken by most government officials
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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

Get More Customs and Culture

5 more cultural topics for members

Social Customs & Etiquette · Diet · Family · Dating Customs · Student Life

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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

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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
521,457
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.

Health Information

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in the Maldives has risen dramatically over the past several decades, reflecting remarkable improvements in healthcare infrastructure, public health policy, and living standards across the island nation. As of the most recent available estimates, the average life expectancy at birth in the Maldives stands at approximately 80 to 81 years, placing the country well above the average for South Asian nations and comparable to many upper-middle-income countries worldwide. Historically, life expectancy in the Maldives was considerably lower. In the 1960s and 1970s, high infant and child mortality rates, limited access to medical facilities, and the geographic challenges of delivering healthcare across nearly 1,200 scattered coral islands kept life expectancy relatively modest. Sustained investment in health services, expanded immunization programs, improved maternal and child healthcare, and better access to clean water and sanitation have all contributed significantly to the country's longevity gains. Women in the Maldives tend to outlive men, as is common in most parts of the world, with female life expectancy slightly exceeding that of males. The gap, while modest, is consistent with global patterns tied to differences in occupational risks, health-seeking behavior, and biological factors. The Maldivian government has worked in partnership with international organizations to strengthen healthcare delivery, particularly in the more remote atolls where access to hospitals and specialist care can be limited. The development of regional hospitals and the use of sea and air transport for medical referrals has helped extend quality care beyond Malé, the densely populated capital. Noncommunicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes, have emerged as growing concerns for adult health and longevity as the country undergoes an epidemiological transition away from infectious disease as the primary cause of death. Addressing these conditions through lifestyle education, early screening, and expanded clinical services remains a central public health priority. The relatively high prevalence of diabetes in particular poses a longer-term challenge to sustaining the gains in life expectancy achieved over recent decades. Overall, the Maldives stands as a notable example of health progress in a small island developing state, achieving life expectancy figures that reflect decades of focused investment in the well-being of its population.
Infant Mortality Rate
The Maldives has achieved a remarkable reduction in infant mortality over recent decades, transforming from one of the higher-risk nations in South Asia to a regional success story in child health outcomes. The infant mortality rate in the Maldives currently stands at approximately 6 to 7 deaths per 1,000 live births, a figure that places the country well below the South Asian regional average and reflects sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure and maternal and child health programs. This progress is particularly striking given the country's unique geographic challenges. The Maldives consists of over 1,000 coral islands spread across nearly 90,000 square kilometers of the Indian Ocean, making the consistent delivery of healthcare services to remote and sparsely populated atolls a logistical challenge. Despite this, the government has prioritized universal access to primary healthcare, including prenatal care, skilled birth attendance, and postnatal support, all of which directly influence infant survival rates. Decades ago, the infant mortality rate in the Maldives was significantly higher, exceeding 100 deaths per 1,000 live births in the 1970s and early 1980s. The dramatic decline since then reflects improvements in access to clean water and sanitation, expanded immunization coverage, better nutrition programs, and increased availability of trained healthcare workers across the atolls. Key contributors to the ongoing low infant mortality rate include high rates of immunization against preventable diseases, active programs to combat neonatal infections, and government-run health centers on inhabited islands. UNICEF and the World Health Organization have both worked in partnership with the Maldivian government on child health initiatives that have helped sustain these gains. While the current figures are impressive by developing-nation standards, health officials continue to monitor disparities between the capital Malé and outer atolls, where access to specialist neonatal care remains more limited. Continued investment in telemedicine, emergency transport systems, and community health worker training is considered essential to maintaining and further improving infant survival rates across all islands.

Life Expectancy

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in the Maldives has risen dramatically over the past several decades, reflecting remarkable improvements in healthcare infrastructure, public health policy, and living standards across the island nation. As of the most recent available estimates, the average life expectancy at birth in the Maldives stands at approximately 80 to 81 years, placing the country well above the average for South Asian nations and comparable to many upper-middle-income countries worldwide. Historically, life expectancy in the Maldives was considerably lower. In the 1960s and 1970s, high infant and child mortality rates, limited access to medical facilities, and the geographic challenges of delivering healthcare across nearly 1,200 scattered coral islands kept life expectancy relatively modest. Sustained investment in health services, expanded immunization programs, improved maternal and child healthcare, and better access to clean water and sanitation have all contributed significantly to the country's longevity gains. Women in the Maldives tend to outlive men, as is common in most parts of the world, with female life expectancy slightly exceeding that of males. The gap, while modest, is consistent with global patterns tied to differences in occupational risks, health-seeking behavior, and biological factors. The Maldivian government has worked in partnership with international organizations to strengthen healthcare delivery, particularly in the more remote atolls where access to hospitals and specialist care can be limited. The development of regional hospitals and the use of sea and air transport for medical referrals has helped extend quality care beyond Malé, the densely populated capital. Noncommunicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes, have emerged as growing concerns for adult health and longevity as the country undergoes an epidemiological transition away from infectious disease as the primary cause of death. Addressing these conditions through lifestyle education, early screening, and expanded clinical services remains a central public health priority. The relatively high prevalence of diabetes in particular poses a longer-term challenge to sustaining the gains in life expectancy achieved over recent decades. Overall, the Maldives stands as a notable example of health progress in a small island developing state, achieving life expectancy figures that reflect decades of focused investment in the well-being of its population.
Infant Mortality Rate
The Maldives has achieved a remarkable reduction in infant mortality over recent decades, transforming from one of the higher-risk nations in South Asia to a regional success story in child health outcomes. The infant mortality rate in the Maldives currently stands at approximately 6 to 7 deaths per 1,000 live births, a figure that places the country well below the South Asian regional average and reflects sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure and maternal and child health programs. This progress is particularly striking given the country's unique geographic challenges. The Maldives consists of over 1,000 coral islands spread across nearly 90,000 square kilometers of the Indian Ocean, making the consistent delivery of healthcare services to remote and sparsely populated atolls a logistical challenge. Despite this, the government has prioritized universal access to primary healthcare, including prenatal care, skilled birth attendance, and postnatal support, all of which directly influence infant survival rates. Decades ago, the infant mortality rate in the Maldives was significantly higher, exceeding 100 deaths per 1,000 live births in the 1970s and early 1980s. The dramatic decline since then reflects improvements in access to clean water and sanitation, expanded immunization coverage, better nutrition programs, and increased availability of trained healthcare workers across the atolls. Key contributors to the ongoing low infant mortality rate include high rates of immunization against preventable diseases, active programs to combat neonatal infections, and government-run health centers on inhabited islands. UNICEF and the World Health Organization have both worked in partnership with the Maldivian government on child health initiatives that have helped sustain these gains. While the current figures are impressive by developing-nation standards, health officials continue to monitor disparities between the capital Malé and outer atolls, where access to specialist neonatal care remains more limited. Continued investment in telemedicine, emergency transport systems, and community health worker training is considered essential to maintaining and further improving infant survival rates across all islands.
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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 Majlis (87 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote to serve five-year terms) Elections: last held on 21 April 2024 (next to be held in 2029) Election results: percent of vote by party — PPM/PNC coalition 45.5%, MDP 33.7%, other 20.8%; seats by party — PPM/PNC coalition 75, MDP 12, other parties and independents 0; composition — men 84, women 3
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.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
Rufiyaa (MVR)
GDP Real Growth Rate
4.7%
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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 521,457.
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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