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The Maldives' two international airports, critical to the tourism industry (which the Maldives are reliant on for economic growth) are located within 165 ft of the coastline. In addition, many buildings are heavily populated and building expansion harms the health of coastlines as beach space is limited due to coastal erosion.

The lack of topography in the Maldives makes it extremely susceptible to sea-level flooding which poses impending threats to houses and industries near the coast. Property destruction due to erosion and tsunamis forcibly cause human displacements. Sea level rise can also increase the concentration of waterborne diseases, contaminating freshwater sources. In addition, it can impact fish migratory paths.

Many islands in the Maldives reside just 3.5 feet above sea level and climate scientists forewarn that the islands will be submerged by the end of the century.

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"Maldives," 2018.
World Bank, 2022.
Union of Concerned Scientists, 2011.
Mahmood, 2019.
Voiland, 2021.
"Maldives - Sea Level Rise | Climate Change Knowledge Portal," 2021.

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The country has already started thinking about purchasing higher lands in other countries.
They have also built an artificial island that is now the 4th largest island in the Maldives. The island, Hulhumalé, is 2 meters above sea level which is twice that of most islands - the hope is it serves as a refuge in storm surges as well as long term. More expansions of islands is planned as well.
Most of the islands are atolls (formed on coral) which are natural barriers to large waves and can help the islands be more resistant to sea level rise - however with coral dying this will be less effective over time.

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Sea level rise has an average of 3-4 mm worldwide pear year, however the Maldives have been experiencing upwards of 70 mm in some areas in a year. It is expected that much, if not all, of the Maldives will be uninhabitable by 2050 on the current trajectory. (Preparing for Rising Seas in the Maldives)

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The Maldives is made up of 1,191 low-lying islands in the Indian Ocean, 200 of which are inhabited. 80% of the land in the Maldives is 1 meter or less above sea level.

The Maldives' economy relies on tourism, making up about 28% of their GDP. Many people practice subsistence farming, but poor soil limits production. 3.8% of the 393,000-person population lives below the poverty line. 90% of the poor live do not live on Malé, the capital island, leaving them especially vulnerable to rising sea levels. ("Maldives", World Bank)