Security Overview for Maldives

The Maldives is a generally safe destination compared to other South Asian countries, although low-level street crime and infrequent civil unrest may negatively affect security conditions on certain atolls. Crime rates are low, but outsiders may be targeted for theft and other petty crimes on beaches, in shopping areas, and at transport centers and other crowded locations, particularly in Male. Despite harsh penalties, drug abuse is a growing problem, especially in the capital. The Maldives is a staunchly Muslim state; dressing modestly is advisable in public areas. Proselytizing, publicly observing other religions, or engaging in permissive behavior defined as illegal under the Maldivian constitution may result in arrest and/or deportation. Alcohol consumption is restricted to resort islands.

Civil unrest was once rare in the Maldives, but these circumstances have changed. Strikes and protests now occur more regularly, but they generally do not threaten the safety of expatriates or foreign visitors. Some transport disruptions and other inconveniences are possible, however, during outbreaks of unrest. The threat of politically motivated violence remains high. Though the government introduced reforms that paved the way for Democratic elections and a peaceful transfer of power to the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) in 2008, the sudden overthrow of the president in what he claimed was a coup in 2012 led to a new wave of political violence and demonstrated the ongoing politic instability.

Terrorism has not been a serious problem, but Muslim extremists were responsible for a September 2007 bombing targeting tourists in Male's Sultan Park. The incident raised concerns about the rise of Muslim fundamentalism in the country, whose population has historically adhered to moderate Islam, but no further attacks have occurred since that time. The Sri Lanka-based Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) had a nominal presence in the Maldives, but gun-running and other criminal activity by the group presumably ceased in the country after its military defeat in 2008.

Kidnapping has not been an historical threat to foreign visitors, but Somali pirates have been attacking vessels near Maldivian territorial waters in the eastern Arabian Sea since 2010. Various governments have expressed concern that the country could become a target or operational area for these pirates, which would pose a hazard to sailors or people using yachts or ferries to transit between islands.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.