Maldives
Republic of the Maldives
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +0.88%
Situated in Southern Asia, Maldives has a population of approximately 515.1k—a modestly sized nation in population terms. Despite covering only 300 km², the territory records a density of 1,717 people per km². Its capital is Malé, and Maldivian is the official language, while the Maldivian rufiyaa serves as the national currency.
Population
515,132
Area
300 km²
Density
1717/km²
World Rank
#174
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. Births occur at 11 per thousand against deaths at 2.3 per thousand, yielding a moderate natural surplus. The age distribution is relatively balanced, with 19.6% of residents under 15 and 4.6% over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Malé
- Region
- Asia
- Subregion
- Southern Asia
- Continent
- Asia
- Languages
- Maldivian
- Currencies
- Maldivian rufiyaa (.ރ)
- Calling Code
- +960
- Top-Level Domain
- .mv
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+05:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 515,132
- Land Area
- 300 km²
- Population Density
- 1,717 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +0.88%
- Annual Growth
- +4,533 people
- Daily Growth
- +12 people
- World Population Share
- 0.01%
- Coordinates
- 3.25°, 73.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
GDP per capita stands at approximately $13.4k, placing the economy in the upper-middle-income category—roughly in line with the global average of $12.5k. Unemployment sits at 4.5%, below the global average of 5.8%. Income distribution is comparatively egalitarian, reflected in a Gini index of 29.3.
Life Expectancy
81.0 years
GDP per Capita
$13,379
Birth Rate
11.0 per 1,000
Death Rate
2.3 per 1,000
Urban Population
42.0%
Fertility Rate
1.58 births/woman
Infant Mortality
5.0 per 1,000
Unemployment
4.5%
Literacy Rate
98.2%
Internet Users
84.7%
Under 15
19.6%
Over 65
4.6%
Health Spending
9.3% GDP
Gini Index
29.3
Age Distribution
0-14 years
101K
15-64 years
390K
65+ years
24K
Urbanization
About 42% of the population is urban, indicating a society in the midst of a rural-to-urban transition. Malé serves as the administrative heart of the country and concentrates much of its commercial and civic life. Net emigration of 2283.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
216,355
42.0%
298,777
58.0%
Health & Education Indicators
Life expectancy reaches 81.0 years, ranking among the highest globally and reflecting robust healthcare systems and living standards. Infant mortality stands at 5.0 per thousand live births, significantly higher than the global average. The literacy rate of 98.2% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Maldives
Maldives has 1 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Maldives is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. Below-replacement fertility of 1.6 births per woman means natural growth alone cannot sustain the current population level indefinitely. As a United Nations member state, Maldives participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 515,132 |
| 2030 | 533,382 |
| 2035 | 556,845 |
| 2040 | 581,077 |
| 2045 | 606,127 |
| 2050 | 632,046 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Maldives.
Largest Cities in Maldives
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Maldives by population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Maldives?
The population of Maldives is approximately 515,132 as of 2026, making it #174 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Maldives?
The capital of Maldives is Malé.
What languages are spoken in Maldives?
The main languages spoken in Maldives are Maldivian.
How big is Maldives?
Maldives covers an area of 300 km² with a population density of 1717 people per km².
Is Maldives growing or shrinking?
Maldives is growing at a rate of 0.88% per year, adding approximately 4,533 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Maldives?
The average life expectancy in Maldives is 81.0 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Maldives?
The GDP per capita of Maldives is $13,379.