Maldives at a Glance:

The Republic of Maldives is a Small Island Developing State located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka and India. As an archipelago comprising 26 atolls and over 1,190 coral islands, the Maldives is renowned for its white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life.

The Maldives is an “Ocean State” with more territorial sea than land. The ocean and marine resources play a key role in shaping the contours of economic development in the country. Nature based tourism and fishing are the two main drivers of economic growth in the country.

With a population of 515, 122, the Maldives has a rich history dating back over 25,000 years.

The islands were an important stop on ancient trade routes, and the country’s location has made it a crossroads of cultures and civilizations.

The Maldives: A Development Success Story

The history of the Maldives is a story of resilience and adaptation. The Maldives became an independent country on 26 July 1965.

In the early 1980s, the Maldives was one of the world’s 20 poorest countries, with a population of 156,000. By 2011, the Maldives had graduated out of its status as a Least Developed Country – only the third country to do so.

Over the past decades, the Maldives has experienced steady growth in human development, through key investment in health and education.

Today, it is an Upper Middle-Income Country, which has made leaps in its development trajectory, both social and economic. Key investment in health and education, including Universal Health Coverage and free education to all students until 12 grade, has resulted in steady growth in human development.

While the Maldivian economy experienced a sharp fall in 2020 due to COVID-19, economic growth rebound quickly in 2021. The economy is projected to grow by 8.1% in 2023.

The country is a world-renowned tourism destination, a pioneer in sustainable fisheries, and a global champion for climate change.

The Unique Geography of the Maldives:

The Maldives is vulnerable to a range of environmental challenges, including rising sea levels, ocean acidification, coral bleaching, and saltwater intrusion. These challenges threaten the country's delicate ecosystem and its economy, which is heavily reliant on tourism. However, the Maldives has taken proactive steps to address these challenges and build resilience.

One of the key ways the Maldives is building resilience is by investing in renewable energy. Maldives has a target to reach net-zero emissions by the year 2030..

The Maldives is also implementing coastal protection measures to address the threat of rising sea levels. The country has built seawalls and breakwaters to protect its islands from storm surges and erosion and is exploring artificial reefs to protect its coral reefs. By investing in these measures, the Maldives is building resilience to the impacts of climate change and protecting its fragile ecosystem.

The Maldives is also promoting sustainable tourism practices to support its economy while also protecting its environment. The country has implemented a range of measures to reduce the environmental impact of tourism, including promoting eco-friendly hotels, encouraging responsible waste management practices, and regulating the use of motorized water sports. By promoting sustainable tourism practices, the Maldives is building resilience to the impacts of climate change while also supporting its economy.

In conclusion, the Maldives is a resilience country that has shown remarkable strength in the face of environmental challenges. By investing in renewable energy, implementing coastal protection measures, and promoting sustainable tourism practices, the Maldives is building resilience to the impacts of climate change and protecting its fragile ecosystem. The Maldives serves as a model for other countries that are facing similar challenges and shows that with proactive measures, it is possible to build resilience and thrive in the face of adversity.

Environment:

The environmental treasures of the Maldives are as diverse as they are captivating. Coral reefs constitute the foundation of the Maldives' marine ecosystem, offering shelter and nourishment to a wide variety of marine species. The islands host over 1,000 types of fish,

Climate:

The Maldives experiences a tropical monsoon climate, with warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. The average temperature ranges from 25°C (77°F) to 31°C (88°F), making it a perfect destination for sun-seekers. The Maldives has two distinct seasons: the dry season (known as "Iruvai") and the wet season (known as "Hulhangu").

The dry season usually lasts from December to April and is characterized by relatively lower humidity and infrequent rain. This period is ideal for outdoor activities, such as snorkeling and diving. The wet season, which typically occurs from May to November, is marked by higher humidity, stronger winds, and more frequent rainfall. Despite the rain, the wet season still offers plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures, with short-lived showers typically occurring in the afternoon or evening.