Maldives

Maldives

Maldives, officially the Republic of Maldives, is a small island nation located in South Asia, in the Indian Ocean. It lies southwest of India and Sri Lanka and consists of a chain of nearly 1,200 coral islands grouped into 26 natural atolls. The Maldives is globally known for its luxury resorts, marine biodiversity, and tourism-driven economy.

The Maldives covers an area of approximately 298 square kilometres, making it one of the smallest countries in Asia, with a population of around 520,000 people as of 2025–2026.

Key Country Information

  • Capital City: Malé
  • Head of State (President): Mohamed Muizzu
  • Official Language: Dhivehi
  • Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)
  • International Dialing Code: +960

Population and Economy

The Maldives has a population of approximately 520,000. Its economy is highly dependent on tourism, which contributes a major share of government revenue and employment.

Other important sectors include fishing, construction, transportation, hospitality services, and public administration. Due to limited local manpower, the Maldives relies heavily on foreign workers, especially in resorts and infrastructure projects.

International Memberships

  • United Nations (UN): Member since 1965
  • South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC): Member since 1985
  • Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC): Member
  • Commonwealth of Nations: Rejoined in 2020
  • World Bank Group: Member

Living and Working in the Maldives

The Maldives is a major destination for foreign workers due to strong demand in tourism, hospitality, construction, and domestic services. Many workers are employed in island resorts, hotels, and large infrastructure projects.

Foreign nationals must obtain a work visa and residence permit, sponsored by an employer registered in the Maldives. Employers usually arrange accommodation, meals, medical insurance, and work permits.

Living conditions vary by location. Resort islands offer provided housing and meals, while Malé has higher living costs and limited housing space.

Summary

The Maldives is a small but economically important island nation in South Asia with a tourism-driven economy and strong reliance on foreign labor. As a member of the UN, SAARC, OIC, and Commonwealth, it continues to attract foreign workers seeking employment in hospitality, construction, and related sectors.