Asia > Southern Asia > Maldives

Maldives

Capital: Male; GDP growth (annual %) 2016: 4.1%;
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Key Facts

Full name: Republic of Maldives
Population: 313,900 (UN, 2010)
Area: 298 sq km (115 sq miles)
Major language: Divehi
Major religion: Islam
Life expectancy: 76 years (men), 79 years (women) (UN)
Monetary unit: 1 rufiyaa = 100 laari
Main exports: Fish
GNI per capita: US $4,240 (World Bank, 2010)
Internet domain: .mv
International dialling code: +960

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  • Economic diversification vital for food and energy security

    2013/10/12

    The Maldives continues to face huge issues of food security, last year importing 90 percent of all goods consumed, while also being one of the most “oil vulnerable” countries in the world, according to a government report calling for significant economic diversification.

    According to the Maldives Economic Diversification Strategy (MEDS), released last week, the nation has become “over-dependent on tourism”, with the industry last year accounting for more than two thirds of the Maldives’ Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    The report concluded that such a reliance on one sector alone had left the country’s economy particularly susceptible to natural disasters and adverse financial conditions.