World Happiness Report for Maldives 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank Maldives: na
- Happiness Score Maldives:na
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Maldives. MV.
Maldives is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, known for its political structure as a presidential republic. Its notable cultural aspects include traditional music, dance, and cuisine, influenced by South Asian, Arab, and African traditions. The country’s economy is significant largely due to tourism and fishing industries.
- Maldives is the lowest-lying country in the world, with an average ground level of 1.5 meters above sea level.
- The Maldives is made up of 1,192 coral islands grouped in 26 atolls, spread over 90,000 square kilometers.
- The official language of Maldives is Dhivehi, a language similar to Sinhala and other Indic languages.
- Best Time to Visit: The dry season from November to April offers ideal weather for beach vacations and water activities.
- Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting inhabited islands. Alcohol is widely available in resort islands but prohibited elsewhere.
- Safety Precautions: The Maldives is generally safe, but exercise caution against petty crimes and take necessary measures to stay safe in the water.
- Must-See Landmarks: Explore the stunning overwater villas, coral reefs, and crystal-clear lagoons. Visit the National Museum in Malé for cultural insights.
- Culinary Experiences: Savor the fresh seafood, including tuna, octopus, and curries infused with local flavors like coconut and chili.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in the Maldives can be high, especially for imported goods and accommodation.
- Housing: Expat housing options are limited, and properties on resort islands can be expensive. Many foreigners live on the capital island of Malé.
- Healthcare: The healthcare system is relatively well-developed, but advanced medical treatments may require traveling abroad.
Maldives – A Comprehensive Overview
Brief History
The Maldives, an archipelago of 1,192 coral islands in the Indian Ocean, has a rich history dating back to the third century BCE. Early History: The islands were initially settled by Aryan and Dravidian travelers from the Indian subcontinent and Sri Lanka, leading to the establishment of Buddhist kingdoms.
Kingdoms and Empires: The islands were ruled by a succession of dynasties, including the Adeetta, Audalu, and Theemuge dynasties. The Maldives converted to Islam in the 12th century and remained an independent Islamic sultanate until the 16th century.
Colonial Period: The Maldives was a British protectorate from 1887 to 1965, during which time the islands maintained a high degree of autonomy.
Independence and Modern Era: The Maldives gained full independence in 1965 and became a republic in 1968. The country has faced challenges, including political turmoil and environmental threats such as rising sea levels due to climate change.
Current Political Situation: The Maldives is a unitary presidential constitutional republic. Recent elections have been marred by allegations of voter fraud and political unrest.
International Relations: The Maldives maintains close ties with India and has strengthened relations with China in recent years. The country is a member of the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
Human Development and Economy: Tourism is the largest economic sector, with the Maldives renowned for its luxury resorts and natural beauty. Fishing and boat building are also important industries. The country has made significant strides in human development, with high literacy rates and life expectancy.
Cultural Highlights: The Maldives has a rich culture influenced by its Islamic heritage and maritime traditions. The islands are known for their unique boli craft, traditional music, and delicious seafood cuisine.
Challenges and Opportunities: The Maldives faces significant environmental threats due to rising sea levels and climate change. However, the country’s strategic location and tourism potential offer opportunities for sustainable economic growth and development.
Travel Tips for the Maldives
To enjoy your visit to the Maldives, keep these travel tips in mind:
Living in the Maldives
If you’re considering moving to the Maldives, here are some practical tips:
Main facts
Location
Maldives is an island country located in the Indian Ocean, situated in the Arabian Sea, about 600 kilometers (370 miles) southwest of the southern tip of India and Sri Lanka. It is a double chain of 26 atolls, consisting of numerous small coral islands that stretch over 800 kilometers (500 miles) across the equator.
Map References
Maldives is located in the Southern Asia region, situated in the Indian Ocean.
Area – Comparative
Maldives has a total land area of approximately 300 square kilometers (115 square miles), making it slightly more than 1.7 times the size of Washington, D.C.
Land Boundaries and Border Countries
As an island nation, Maldives has no land boundaries.
Coastline
Maldives has a coastline of approximately 644 kilometers (400 miles), consisting of numerous small coral islands and atolls.
Maritime Claims
Maldives claims a territorial sea of 12 nautical miles, an exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles, and a continental shelf of 200 nautical miles or to the edge of the continental margin.
Climate
Maldives has a tropical maritime climate, with hot and humid conditions throughout the year. The average temperature ranges from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). The country experiences two monsoon seasons: the dry northeastern monsoon from December to April, and the wet southwestern monsoon from May to November.
Terrain
Maldives has a low-lying terrain, with flat coral atolls and islands that rarely exceed 2 meters (6.6 feet) above sea level. The islands are composed of coral reefs and sandy beaches.
Elevation Extremes
The highest point in Maldives is an unnamed location on the island of Viligili in the Addu Atoll, which rises to 2.4 meters (7.9 feet) above sea level. The lowest point is the Indian Ocean, at sea level.
Natural Resources
The main natural resources in Maldives are fish, coral, and sand.
Major Bodies of Water
Maldives does not have any major lakes or rivers. The country is surrounded by the Indian Ocean.
Natural Hazards
The main natural hazards affecting Maldives include tsunamis, floods caused by tidal surges, and rising sea levels associated with climate change.
Geography – Notes
Maldives is one of the world’s most low-lying countries, with its highest point standing at only 2.4 meters (7.9 feet) above sea level. This makes the country extremely vulnerable to rising sea levels due to climate change, which poses a significant threat to the islands’ existence.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 3.30%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 1,445. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 26.30%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: 3.20277873.22068.
- Capital: The capital of Maldives is Malé
- Major Cities:
- Malé – Population: 133,412
- Addu City – Population: 33,693
- Fuvahmulah – Population: 11,432
- Kulhudhuffushi – Population: 9,801
- Population: 530,953
- Area(Km2): 90000
- Population Density( P/Km²):1812. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:960
- Official Language(s):Maldives is Dhivehi (official) 100%.
- Currency:
Main Economic Indicators
The Maldives has a small, open, and tourism-driven economy. Tourism accounts for over a quarter of GDP and a significant portion of employment and foreign exchange receipts. The Maldives’ economic fundamentals remain strong, with low inflation, a sizable current account surplus, and substantial international reserves. However, the country faces economic challenges due to its geographic dispersion and vulnerability to climate change and environmental factors. The government aims to diversify the economy, promote sustainable development, and reduce reliance on tourism.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
2022: 0.5% (Source: IMF)
2021: 0.5% (Source: IMF)
Credit Ratings
Fitch: Not available
Moody’s: Not available
Standard & Poor’s: Not available
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 2.2%
Industry: 18.3%
Services: 79.5%
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural Products: Coconuts, corn, sweet potatoes, fish
Industrial Products: Fish processing, tourism, shipping, boat building
Labor Force
Total Labor Force: 218,000 (2022 estimate)
Ranking: Not available
Current Account Balance
2022: -$1.5 billion (Source: IMF)
2021: -$0.7 billion (Source: IMF)
Ranking: Not available
Exports and Imports
Exports: $316 million (2021 estimate)
Key Export Partners: Thailand, Singapore, United States, Sri Lanka, Germany
Main Exports: Fish, scrap metal, ship vessels
Imports: $3.2 billion (2021 estimate)
Key Import Partners: United Arab Emirates, Singapore, China, India, Malaysia
Main Imports: Petroleum products, machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, textiles
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Foreign Exchange Reserves: $851 million (December 2022)
Gold Reserves: Not available
- GDP (Current US$):$5,729,248,472. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 19.50%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 30.20%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. $1.63. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. . It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 6.14%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
1. National Identity
Noun: Maldivian(s)
Adjective: Maldivian
2. Ethnic Groups
– Dhivehi (Indic) 100%
3. Religions
– Sunni Muslim (official) 100%
4. Age Structure
– 0-14 years: 19.55% (male 57,937/female 54,890)
– 15-64 years: 74.03% (male 211,924/female 215,723)
– 65 years and over: 6.42% (male 15,995/female 20,951) (2022 est.)
5. Dependency Ratios
Total dependency ratio: 35.2
Youth dependency ratio: 26.4
Elderly dependency ratio: 8.8 (2022 est.)
6. Median Age
Total: 31.1 years
Male: 30.4 years
Female: 31.8 years (2022 est.)
7. Lifestyle Indicators
Obesity rate: 8.6% (2016)
Alcohol consumption: Prohibited by law
Tobacco use: 24.4% of adults (2020)
Life expectancy at birth: 79.45 years (2022 est.)
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 78.6. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 98.4%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:14.2. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:3. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 1.87. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 52.9%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 213,645. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):16.40%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
The Maldives has no formal military forces. The National Defense Force (MNDF) is a military-style maritime force responsible for maintaining security, protecting the nation’s exclusive economic zone, and safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity. Its main units are the Coast Guard and the Protection Force. The MNDF also includes a Special Forces component.
The Maldives Police Service is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining internal security, public order, and crime prevention.
Military Expenditures
The Maldives’ military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:
- 2022: 1.1%
- 2021: 1.1%
- 2020: 0.9%
- 2019: 1.0%
- 2018: 0.9%
The Maldives ranks among the countries with the lowest military spending globally.
Personnel Strengths
The Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) has approximately 4,500 active personnel.
The Maldives Police Service has a strength of around 5,000 personnel.
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
The MNDF primarily operates small patrol craft and transport vessels for maritime security operations. Its equipment includes a few small arms and light weapons.
There are no significant military acquisitions or development programs underway.
Military Service Age and Obligation
The Maldives has no mandatory military service. Voluntary enlistment into the MNDF is open to Maldivian citizens aged 18 to 28 years.
Military Deployments
The Maldives has no overseas military deployments. However, the MNDF contributes to international maritime security efforts, including counter-piracy operations in the Indian Ocean region.
Strategic Military Notes
The Maldives’ defense strategy focuses on maintaining maritime security, protecting its exclusive economic zone, and safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity. The MNDF plays a crucial role in these efforts.
Given its limited military capabilities, the Maldives relies on external partnerships and cooperation with regional and international organizations for broader security and defense initiatives.
- Armed Forces Size: 5. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 4.56
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 69.80%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.