Country explorer: Maldives
EXPERIMENTAL
2024
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Overview
Maldives is a upper-middle-income island nation in South Asia with a very small population. Its economy has been volatile in recent decades, and is based on tourism, fishing, agriculture and construction.
The Maldives boasts about 26 coral atolls with over 1,000 islands, making it an ideal destination for beach lovers and divers.
Economy
The Maldives has experienced substantial economic growth, evidenced by a marked increase in GDP per capita despite facing challenges like high unemployment rates and significant inflation, distinguishing it as a nation successfully transitioning towards higher economic resilience and prosperity among island economies.
Demographics
Maldives has experienced demographic transitions characterized by a steady population growth, a moderate decrease in fertility rates, a significant increase in life expectancy, and fluctuations in net migration, reflecting societal shifts towards smaller families, improved healthcare, and dynamic migration patterns, common among rapidly developing island nations.
Basic needs
Maldives has demonstrated significant improvement in basic needs, achieving near-universal access to clean cooking fuels and electricity, reflecting profound societal progress and positioning it ahead of many peers in these aspects.
Human development
The Maldives has exhibited significant progress in human development, as evidenced by substantial improvements in the Human Development Index, a dramatic reduction in child mortality rates, and the achievement of near-universal literacy, distinguishing it as a rapidly advancing nation among its upper-middle-income peers.
Environment & energy
The Maldives has seen a notable shift towards recognizing renewable energy sources in its electricity production mix amidst challenges of limited renewable freshwater resources and constant forest area, highlighting its distinctive approach to environmental sustainability and energy security within the context of its geographical constraints and vulnerability to climate change.
Technology & innovation
The Maldives has experienced significant digital transformation, evidenced by marked increases in internet usage and mobile phone subscriptions, paralleling trends in rapid technological adoption seen among upper-middle-income countries, despite the absence of data on research & development spending and scientific publications.
Culture & society
The Maldives has seen a significant increase in the share of its population born abroad, improved life satisfaction, decreased gender inequalities, and a marked decrease in its dependency ratio, reflecting substantial societal and economic transformations distinguishing it from many of its regional peers with its unique demographic and socio-economic dynamics.
Governance
Maldives has experienced significant fluctuations in governance, marked by advancements in the rule of law, a volatile struggle with corruption, and notable improvements in political civil liberties and press freedom, distinguishing it as a nation on a complex path of democratic reforms and challenges.