Rank #117 by World Population
🇲🇻Maldives
Maldives has a population of 525,994, ranking #117 in the world. The capital is Male. Located in South Asia.
World Bank: Upper middle income
525,994
Population
#117
World Rank
81.0
Life Expectancy
$12,588
GDP Per Capita
Maldives, #117 by world population
Maldives Population History (1960-2024)
The country of Maldives had a population of 91,189 in 1960 and 527,799 in 2024, a 5.8× growth over 64 years. The peak was 527,799 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 2.78%.
527,799
Population (2024)
91,189
Population (1960)
527,799
Peak (2024)
2.78%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1960 | 91,189 |
| 1961 | 93,450 |
| 1962 | 95,802 |
| 1963 | 98,222 |
| 1964 | 100,662 |
| 1965 | 104,102 |
| 1966 | 108,507 |
| 1967 | 112,528 |
| 1968 | 116,075 |
| 1969 | 119,564 |
| 1970 | 123,219 |
| 1971 | 127,035 |
| 1972 | 130,968 |
| 1973 | 134,952 |
| 1974 | 138,978 |
| 1975 | 143,158 |
| 1976 | 147,525 |
| 1977 | 151,930 |
| 1978 | 156,159 |
| 1979 | 160,360 |
| 1980 | 164,835 |
| 1981 | 169,532 |
| 1982 | 174,333 |
| 1983 | 179,128 |
| 1984 | 184,198 |
| 1985 | 190,169 |
| 1986 | 196,935 |
| 1987 | 203,944 |
| 1988 | 210,885 |
| 1989 | 217,738 |
| 1990 | 224,762 |
| 1991 | 231,802 |
| 1992 | 238,543 |
| 1993 | 244,884 |
| 1994 | 250,822 |
| 1995 | 256,649 |
| 1996 | 262,347 |
| 1997 | 267,707 |
| 1998 | 272,723 |
| 1999 | 277,412 |
| 2000 | 282,019 |
| 2001 | 286,767 |
| 2002 | 291,616 |
| 2003 | 296,491 |
| 2004 | 301,413 |
| 2005 | 306,429 |
| 2006 | 313,851 |
| 2007 | 324,479 |
| 2008 | 336,170 |
| 2009 | 348,275 |
| 2010 | 360,792 |
| 2011 | 373,674 |
| 2012 | 386,818 |
| 2013 | 400,070 |
| 2014 | 413,617 |
| 2015 | 428,154 |
| 2016 | 443,308 |
| 2017 | 458,287 |
| 2018 | 473,099 |
| 2019 | 487,731 |
| 2020 | 502,118 |
| 2021 | 516,154 |
| 2022 | 524,106 |
| 2023 | 525,994 |
| 2024 | 527,799 |
Demographics
| Population | 525,994 |
| Population Growth Rate | 0.36% |
| Urban Population | 41.5% |
| Fertility Rate | 1.57 births/woman |
| Life Expectancy | 81.0 years |
| Infant Mortality Rate | 5.0 per 1,000 |
| Literacy Rate | - |
Economy & Trade
$12,588
GDP Per Capita
4.0%
Unemployment Rate
Upper middle income
Income Level
29.3
Gini Index (inequality)
149.3%
Trade (% of GDP)
555,000
Tourism Arrivals
Health & Education
9.2%
Health Expenditure (% GDP)
5.2%
Education Expenditure (% GDP)
5.0
Infant Mortality (per 1,000)
Development & Connectivity
100.0%
Electricity Access
83.9%
Internet Users
137
Mobile Subs per 100
1765.1
People per km2
-2,877
Net Migration
Environment
2.8%
Forest Area
Maldives Climate
Maldives has an average annual temperature of 28.7°C (84°F) and receives about 1945 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is April and the coldest is October. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
28.7°C
Avg Temp
1945
Precip (mm/yr)
Apr
Hottest Month
Oct
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 28° / 83° | 92 mm |
| February | 29° / 83° | 45 mm |
| March | 29° / 85° | 64 mm |
| April | 30° / 85° | 130 mm |
| May | 29° / 85° | 228 mm |
| June | 29° / 84° | 168 mm |
| July | 29° / 84° | 165 mm |
| August | 28° / 83° | 178 mm |
| September | 28° / 83° | 228 mm |
| October | 28° / 83° | 221 mm |
| November | 28° / 83° | 205 mm |
| December | 28° / 83° | 221 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Maldives
The most comfortable months to visit Maldives are typically February, March and January, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is April (around 32°C high). The coldest is October (near 26°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Male
Planning a trip to Male? Compare hotels and short-term rentals — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Male
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a trip to Male?
Get climate tips and the best lodging deals for Male by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Other Countries in South Asia
Compare Maldives
Maldives in global context
Maldives is one of 212 countries tracked. See how it ranks globally, regional shares of world population, and projections to 2050 / 2100.
World Population 2026: Top 10 Countries, Regions & Trends →Other related entities
Country rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Maldives has a population of 525,994, ranking #117 in the world. The annual population growth rate is 0.36%.
Life expectancy in Maldives is 81.0 years. The infant mortality rate is 5.0 per 1,000 live births.
Maldives's GDP per capita is $12,588. It is classified as a upper middle income country by the World Bank.
41.5% of Maldives's population lives in urban areas. The overall population density is 1765.1 people per square kilometer.
Literacy data for Maldives is available from the World Bank.
The most comfortable months to visit Maldives are typically February, March and January, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low, based on 1970–2000 climate normals.
Maldives has an average annual temperature of 28.7°C and about 1945 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is typically April and the coldest is October.
International data from the World Bank Open Data API. Population figures are latest available estimates. GDP per capita in current US dollars.
Maldives is a country in South Asia with a population of 525,994. The population is growing slowly, about 0.4% annually.
Maldives is a Upper middle income economy, with GDP per capita near $12,588. Life expectancy is high at 81.0 years, with a fertility rate of 1.6 births per woman, and 41.5% of the population lives in urban areas.
Source: World Bank Open Data, 2026.