<b>Artificial worlds of the Maldives:</b> isolated past, dazzling present, uncertain future

Abstract This article analyses the transformative economic journey of the Maldives over the past fifty years, illustrating the shift from an isolated archipelago to a global tourism hotspot. The Maldives' development is characterized by a drastic diversification of social and economic spaces in response to rising global tourism demands. The historical literature reflects the limited attention the islands received until the late 20th century, when research began to focus on the impacts of tourism and ecological sustainability. Extensive fieldwork, conducted over two decades, complements this literature review, revealing both the innovative adaptations and significant environmental costs of tourism that have reshaped the islands. The article employs a SWOT analysis to evaluate the Maldives' current challenges, highlighting internal pressures such as resource depletion and social stratification, alongside external threats such as climate change. It concludes by proposing four potential future scenarios, emphasizing the delicate balance between sustainable