Maldives Population 2026: 521K People, Vast Empty Land
Maldives is one of the most sparsely populated countries on the planet: 521K people across 298 km², giving a density of 1,749/km².
GDP per capita stands at $12,668: a figure above the global median. The capital, Malé, is the political, economic and cultural centre of the country.
📊 Population at a Glance
About Maldives's Population
With a population of 521K, Maldives is home to a significant number of people within its 298 km² of territory. The population density of 1,749/km² reflects how people are distributed across the country: one of the lowest densities in the world, with vast open and largely uninhabited spaces.
The capital city, Malé, serves as the administrative, cultural and economic heart of Maldives. Maldives has a coastline of 644 km, which has historically attracted settlement and shaped where the majority of the population lives and works.
In economic terms, Maldives has a total GDP of $6.6B, translating to $12,668 per person. This figure gives a broad indication of average living standards, though income distribution varies considerably across different regions and communities within the country. The official currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR).
Maldives gained independence in 1965 and has since developed a distinct national identity shaped by its geography, history and culture. The official language is Dhivehi, which is spoken by the vast majority of the population in daily life, education and government.
Within the South Asia region, Maldives sits alongside Afghanistan (40.1M), India (1.43B), Pakistan (231M). This regional context helps illustrate how Maldives's population size compares to its neighbours.
Frequently Asked Questions about Maldives's Population
What is the population of Maldives in 2026?
The population of Maldives is approximately 521K people as of 2026.
What is the capital city of Maldives?
The capital city of Maldives is Malé, which serves as the country's main administrative and cultural hub.
How densely populated is Maldives?
Maldives has a population density of 1,749/km². This is very low density, with large amounts of open, sparsely settled land.
What is the GDP per capita of Maldives?
Maldives has a GDP per capita of $12,668, with a total GDP of $6.6B. This gives an indication of average economic output per person.
What language do people speak in Maldives?
The official language of Maldives is Dhivehi.
How big is Maldives?
Maldives covers a total area of 298 km². With a population of 521K, that gives a density of 1,749/km².
When did Maldives gain independence?
Maldives gained independence in 1965.
What currency is used in Maldives?
The official currency of Maldives is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR).
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