Maldives
Republic of Maldives
Population
521K
GDP
$6.2B
Capital
Male
Government
Unitary presidential republic
At a Glance
Human Development
0.7
HDI (0-1)
Democracy
5.3
EIU (0-10)
Press Freedom
—
RSF score
Corruption
—
TI CPI (0-100)
Innovation
—
GII score
Happiness
—
WHR (0-10)
The Maldives is a small island nation in the Indian Ocean composed of approximately 1,200 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls. It is the lowest-lying country in the world, with an average elevation of just 1.5 meters, making it existentially vulnerable to sea-level rise driven by climate change.
The Maldives has been a leading voice on climate action at the UN, famously holding a cabinet meeting underwater in 2009 to highlight the threat of rising seas. Tourism and fishing are the pillars of the economy, with luxury resorts driving much of the country's income.
The Maldives has become a site of India-China competition, with both countries vying for strategic influence through infrastructure projects and security partnerships. Under President Mohamed Muizzu, the Maldives has tilted toward China while seeking to reduce Indian military presence.
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As the Maldives, climate change is your defining issue -- frame it as an existential threat and use powerful imagery (drowning islands, displaced populations). Build coalitions with Pacific and Caribbean small island states through AOSIS and the Climate Vulnerable Forum.
Push for ambitious emissions reduction targets, loss and damage financing, and climate adaptation funding. Your moral authority on climate is unmatched -- use it to punch far above your weight.
On geopolitics, navigate carefully between India and China. Maintain working relationships with both while extracting maximum development assistance. Align with the OIC on Muslim-world issues.
Avoid getting drawn into India-China rivalry in ways that compromise your climate advocacy -- keep the focus on small-state vulnerability and multilateral solutions.
Foreign Policy
The Maldives' foreign policy oscillates between India and China depending on the government in power. Under Muizzu, the 'India Out' campaign led to a pivot toward Beijing, with Chinese infrastructure investment expanding. India historically provided the primary security umbrella, and the relationship remains important despite tensions.
The Maldives is active in the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) and the Climate Vulnerable Forum. It is a member of SAARC, the OIC, and the Commonwealth. Climate diplomacy is the country's most prominent international contribution.