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MilitaryMilitary branches
Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF): Marine Corps, Security Protection Group, Coast Guard (2010) Military service age and obligation
18-28 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription; 10th grade or equivalent education required; must not be a member of a political party (2012) Manpower available for military service
Males age 16-49 156,319
Females age 16-49 98,815 (2010 est.) Manpower fit for military service
Males age 16-49 135,374
Females age 16-49 85,181 (2010 est.) Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually
Male 4,167
Female 3,595 (2010 est.) Military expenditures World Ranking: 13
5.5% of GDP (2005 est.)
Military - note
The Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF), with its small size and with little serviceable equipment, is inadequate to prevent external aggression and is primarily tasked to reinforce the Maldives Police Service (MPS) and ensure security in the exclusive economic zone (2008)
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Maldives (Male):
 
GPS points from Maldives (Male)
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A sultanate since the 12th century, the Maldives became a British protectorate in 1887. It became a republic in 1968, three years after independence. President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM dominated the islands' political scene for 30 years, elected to six successive terms by single-party referendums. Following riots in the capital Male in August 2003, the president and his government pledged to embark upon democratic reforms including a more representative political system and expanded political freedoms. Progress was sluggish, however, and many promised reforms were slow to be realized. Nonetheless, political parties were legalized in 2005. In June 2008, a constituent assembly - termed the "Special Majlis" - finalized a new constitution, which was ratified by the president in August. The first-ever presidential elections under a multi-candidate, multi-party system were held in October 2008. GAYOOM was defeated in a runoff poll by Mohamed NASHEED, a political activist who had been jailed several years earlier by the former regime. President NASHEED faced a number of challenges including strengthening democracy and combating poverty and drug abuse. In early February 2012, after several weeks of street protests following his sacking of a top judge, NASHEED resigned the presidency and handed over power to Vice President Mohammed WAHEED Hassan Maniku. Maldives officials have played a prominent role in international climate change discussions (due to the islands' low elevation and the threat from sea-level rise) on the United Nations Human Rights Council, and in encouraging regional cooperation, especially between India and Pakistan.