The Maldives: An Overview of its Population



The Maldives is a small island nation located in the Indian Ocean, just south of India and Sri Lanka. It is comprised of 26 atolls, 1,192 coral islands, and is home to over 400,000 people. This small nation has a population density of 1,100 people per square kilometer, making it one of the most densely populated countries in the world.

The Maldivian population is composed of a majority of ethnic Maldivians, who make up 98.4% of the population. The remaining 1.6% is composed of other ethnicities, such as Sri Lankans, Indians, and Arabs. The majority of the population is Muslim, with Sunni Islam being the predominant religion.

The Maldives has a young population, with a median age of 30.6 years. The fertility rate is also high, at 2.3 children per woman. This is due to the country’s low use of modern contraceptives and the lack of family planning programs.

The Maldives is a developing country, with a GDP per capita of $8,819. The unemployment rate is also high, at 11.8%. Despite this, the country has made significant progress in reducing poverty, and the percentage of the population living in poverty has decreased from 25.8% in 2005 to 9.2% in 2016.

The Maldives is also an ethnically homogeneous nation, with the majority of the population being of the same ethnic group and religion. This has led to a strong sense of national identity and unity.

The Maldives is also a popular tourist destination, with over 1.3 million visitors in 2017. Tourism is a major contributor to the country’s economy, accounting for 28.3% of its GDP.

The Maldives is a unique nation, with a population that is both diverse and unified. Its strong sense of national identity, combined with its booming tourism industry, make it a fascinating place to visit and explore.