Мальдивы

# Economic Profile of Maldives

Maldives is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean. Despite its small population of approximately 540,000, it is an upper-middle-income country that has developed primarily around tourism. Its GDP is approximately 6 billion dollars, with per capita GDP reaching around 11,000 dollars, maintaining relatively high income levels in the South Asia region.

The pillar of the economy is tourism, accounting for approximately 60% of total GDP and approximately 25% of employment. The tourism industry, leveraging the beautiful marine environment and resort facilities, is the main source of foreign exchange earnings, welcoming over 1.5 million tourists annually. The next important industry is fisheries, with tuna fishing being particularly significant. However, economic diversification is a challenge, with limited development of manufacturing and agriculture.

Regarding recent economic trends, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a sharp decline in tourist arrivals, and the country experienced significant economic contraction in 2020. Subsequently, the economy has been returning to a recovery trajectory as tourism demand rebounds. Expansion of infrastructure investment, particularly harbor and airport development supported by China, is progressing and supporting economic growth.

Notable challenges include high debt burdens, environmental issues, and threats from climate change-induced sea level rise. Maldives is one of the world's lowest-lying countries, making climate change a critical issue for national survival. Additionally, transition from excessive dependence on tourism to a more diversified and stable economic structure is urgently needed. Efforts toward digitalization and green energy adoption are also underway.