Historical Hazards Maldives is one of the lowest countries in the world, and hence, is greatly threatened by sea level rise, coastal storm surges, and associated flooding.

The Maldives is widely considered the most vulnerable country in the world to climate change because it is the lowest-lying nation on Earth. With 1,192 coral islands averaging just 1.5 meters (5 feet) above sea level, even a modest rise in global sea levels poses an existential threat. In 2026, the danger is no longer a distant projection; rising waters are already causing increased coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion into limited freshwater aquifers, and more frequent "king tide" flooding. Furthermore, the warming of the oceans is causing widespread coral bleaching; since the islands themselves are built on living coral reefs, the death of the reef means the natural "breakwaters" that protect the islands from storm surges are disappearing. Some scientific models suggest that up to 80% of the Maldives could be uninhabitable by 2050 if current warming trends continue. To combat this, the Maldivian government is investing in massive "land reclamation" projects, such as the artificial island of Hulhumalé, which is built higher than the natural islands, and is exploring innovative "floating city" concepts to ensure the survival of its culture and population.