Maldives

In brief

The Maldives are a country in South Asia. Their capital is Malé. With 529,676 inhabitants in 2025, it ranks 167th in the world by population, out of the 195 countries recognised by the UN. Their area is 300 km². An island nation, the Maldives have no land border.

GDP per capita stands at $14,615 (2025), 71st in the world. Life expectancy at birth is 81.3 years (2024). 43% of the population lives in cities.

History of the Maldives

Buddhist at first, the Maldives converted to Islam in the 12th century and formed a sultanate. The Portuguese occupied Malé for about fifteen years in the 16th century. A British protectorate from 1887, the archipelago became independent on 26 July 1965 and a republic in 1968. The 2004 tsunami caused heavy damage.

Geography of the Maldives

About 1,200 coral islands grouped in 26 atolls, south-west of India. It is the lowest-lying country in the world: most islands rise no more than one or two metres above the sea, making it very vulnerable to rising oceans. It is also the smallest country in Asia.

Map of the Maldives

Download the map (SVG)Interactive world map

Flag of the Maldives

The flag of the Maldives is red and green. Its official proportions are 2:3 (height to width).

• Red67%
• Green32%

Share of the flag’s surface taken by each colour.

What the flag stands for

Red, with a green rectangle bearing a white crescent. Red evokes the blood of the nation’s heroes, green the coconut palms and peace, the crescent Islam.

Sources: Wikipedia, articles “Maldives” and “Flag of the Maldives”.

See also: flags with a crescent moon.

Download the flag (SVG) All 7 red and green flags All the flags of the world

Fact file

Economy and society