Maldives

THE REPUBLIC OF MALDIVES, a chain of 1,190 islands located in the Indian Ocean in southern Asia, is one of the least-developed countries in the world. The Maldivian economy is dependent on tourism, which makes up 20 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), over 60 percent of all foreign exchange receipts, and 90 percent of tax revenues. Fish are the islands’ most valuable natural resources, and the fishing industry is second only to tourism as an income producer.

At present, only around 22 percent of the labor force are involved in agriculture, and most food is imported. Manufacturing revolves around garment production, boat building, and handicrafts. In 1989 the government initiated economic reforms designed to liberalize regulations and encourage foreign investment. The country is currently experiencing a movement toward greater political freedom after riots in 2004.

Maldives is still in the process of recovering from the tsunami that hit the island in December 2004, killing 83 people and injuring 2,214 others. The tsunami left physical, emotional, and economic devastation in its path. Nine islands were flooded by tsunami waves, and 13 were abandoned. Thousands of islanders were forced to flee their homes, and schools and businesses were demolished. The tourist industry floundered. The tsunami also created a healthcare crisis.

The giant waves destroyed a regional hospital, two atoll hospitals, 14 health centers, and 20 health posts. Maldivians were faced with contaminated water and inadequate sanitation, increasing risks for waterand vectorborne diseases that included diarrhea, typhoid, hepatitis, viral fever, and dysentery. While the specific poverty rate is unknown, it is evident that the tsunami increased the number of poor in the Maldives.

The Maldivian population of 349,106 has a life expectancy of 64.06 years and a median age of 17.69. The projected life span has steadily risen since the 1970s. Some 44 percent of the population are under the age of 14, and 3.1 percent are 65 or over. Over 90 percent of Maldivians are likely to live to see a 40th birthday. Normally all Maldivians have access to safe water, and 54 percent have access to proper sanitation. Health clinics are located around the islands to make medical care accessible. There are 78 physicians for every 100,000 people, and most Maldivians are able to afford essential drugs.

Childhood mortality has declined drastically in the Maldives over the past decades. Between 1970 and 2005, infant mortality dropped from 157 deaths to 56.52 per 1,000 live births. Mortality rates for children under 5 plunged from 255 per 1,000 in 1970 to 77 per 1,000 in 2002. However, almost one-third of all children in this age group are malnourished. Over 20 percent of babies are underweight at birth, and seven percent of children under 5 are severely underweight. Approximately 25 percent of under-5s experience moderate to severe stunting, and 13 percent suffer from moderate to [Page 672]severe wasting. Immunization rates are high on the island, remaining stable in the 90 percent range.

Before the tsunami of 2004, the Maldives enjoyed a strong tourist trade, such as with the resort above. Poverty has since increased.

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