The traditional subsistence economy that prevailed in the country was based mainly on fisheries, agriculture and the export of other marine products.

Maldives invites, welcomes and encourages foreign investment. The law on foreign investments (Law 25/79) guarantees the security of investments, and accord fair and equitable treatment under law, for the investors.

Cowry shells (cypraea moneta), or boli, were the first known medium of exchange used in the Maldives.

The Maldivian economy was for many centuries, entirely dependant on fishing and other marine products; therefore fishing has been and still remains the main occupation of the people.

Since time immemorial, the method of fishing employed in the Archipelago has been the pole and line method.

Before the 1980s, Maldives received limited assistance from UN specialized agencies.