The Maldives is neither simply rich nor poor — it is best described as a middle-income country with high national income but uneven wealth distribution.

On paper, the Maldives appears wealthy. It has one of the highest GDP per capita figures in South Asia, mainly driven by its luxury tourism industry, which attracts millions of visitors every year. High-end resorts, private islands, and premium travel experiences generate billions in revenue, pushing national income figures upward.

However, this wealth does not evenly reach all citizens.

Why the Maldives looks rich

• Tourism contributes the largest share of the country’s economy

• Luxury resorts create strong foreign currency inflows

• GDP per capita is higher than many neighboring countries

• Infrastructure and services in Malé and major cities are relatively modern

Why many Maldivians feel it is poor

• Cost of living is very high, especially for food and housing

• Income inequality between resort workers, business owners, and ordinary citizens

• Heavy dependence on tourism makes the economy vulnerable

• Limited local industries outside tourism and fishing

• Many outer islands have fewer job opportunities and lower incomes

The reality: rich country, struggling people

At a national level, the Maldives earns a lot of money. But at a household level, many people struggle with daily expenses, debt, and limited earning opportunities. This creates a strong contrast between luxury resorts and local island life.

Is the Maldives developing or developed?

The Maldives is officially classified as a developing middle-income country. It has made progress in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, but still faces challenges such as:

• Economic diversification

• Youth employment

• Rising prices

• Climate and environmental risks

Final answer

The Maldives is economically rich in numbers but socially mixed in reality. While tourism makes the country appear wealthy, everyday life for many citizens can feel financially tight.

So, the most accurate answer is:
The Maldives is a middle-income country with high national income, but many citizens still face economic challenges.