Maldives

The population of Maldives is approximately 531.4K (2024).

The capital of Maldives is Malé.

Maldives's GDP per capita is $14.3K (2024).

Life expectancy in Maldives is 81.29 years (2024).

Maldives covers 300 km² (116 sq mi).

Maldives is very densely populated, with 1,771 people per km², far exceeding the global average of 60.

Maldives's population is growing slowly at 0.3% per year, below the global average.

Yes — based on GDP per capita, Maldives falls in the high GDP-per-person tier at $14.3K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.

Maldives reports a very low intentional homicide rate of 0.6 per 100,000 people — among the safest in the world by this measure.

The official language of Maldives is Maldivian.

Maldives uses the Maldivian rufiyaa (.ރ) as its sole official currency.

Maldives is an island nation and shares no land borders.

The best months to visit Maldives are January, February, based on climate data for the capital.

The latest estimates show that the population of Maldives is approximately 531,000 people. This ranks the nation 170th globally and 9th out of 9 countries in Southern Asia. The population continues to grow at an annual rate of 0.3%, with a high density of approximately 1,783 people per km² (4,618 per sq mi).

Maldives has a current GDP per capita of 14,331 USD, ranking 90th globally out of 212 countries. Within its own region, it ranks 16 of 48 in Asia and holds the top position in Southern Asia, ranking 1 of 9. This economic standing is largely supported by its thriving high-end tourism industry.

The adult literacy rate in Maldives is 98.2%, which is among the highest in the region. This score ranks the country 41st globally out of 170 nations. The government has historically prioritized education, ensuring high levels of primary and secondary school enrollment across the dispersed island atolls.

Life expectancy at birth in Maldives is currently 81.3 years, reflecting strong public health outcomes. This figure ranks the nation 44th globally. Improvements in healthcare infrastructure and access to medical services across the archipelago have contributed to these longevity gains, which are the highest in the Southern Asia subregion.

Approximately 85.2% of the population in Maldives are internet users, ranking the country 86th globally for digital penetration. This high rate of connectivity is essential for the nation's dispersed population, facilitating communication, education, and commerce across the 644 km (400 mi) of coastline and multiple inhabited islands.

The unemployment rate in Maldives is currently 4.5%. This ranks the country 113th globally when measuring from the lowest unemployment levels. While the tourism sector provides significant employment opportunities, the government remains focused on expanding the local workforce in sectors such as sustainable fishing and digital services.

Maldives is ranked 170th in the world by population out of 215 countries and territories. In its regional context, it ranks 48th out of 49 countries in Asia and 9th out of 9 countries in the Southern Asia subregion, making it the smallest nation in its immediate area.

The estimated 2026 population density of Maldives is 1,783.3 people per km² (4,618.7 sq mi). This high density ranks the country 7th globally and 5th in Asia. Much of this density is concentrated in the capital, while many of the country's nearly 1,200 islands remain uninhabited.

The population of Maldives is currently growing at an annual rate of 0.34%. This results in an estimated net increase of 5 people per day. While the population is still increasing, the growth rate has slowed significantly over the last several decades as fertility rates have dropped.

The fertility rate in Maldives is 1.56 births per woman, which is below the global replacement level of 2.1. This fertility rank is 139th out of 215 countries. The decline in fertility reflects the nation's rapid development and improved access to education and family planning services.

Approximately 42.0% of the population in Maldives lives in urban areas, according to recent data. This urbanization is extremely concentrated, with the vast majority of urban residents living in Malé. The government is actively developing new urban islands to help distribute this high population concentration more safely.