Maldives Population

Population Distribution

As of 2023, the latest population of Maldives is 391,904, based on our calculation of the current data from UN (United Nations).

People in Maldives

Around 220 of the 1196 islands in the Maldives are inhabited by around 530,000 people. Almost one in three lives in the capital, Malé. Around 7000 people live on Hitadu Island and around 200 to 300 people live together in a village community on the rest. However, the residents of the Maldives themselves have no name for “village”, because that is synonymous with the word “island”.

The residents of the islands often have little contact with one another. 87 islands are pure hotel islands. For a long time the tourists lived here strictly separated from the locals who work as servants on the tourist islands. In the meantime, these regulations have been loosened somewhat, so that guest houses are offered to tourists on some inhabited islands.

Life as a fisherman

Fishing is crucial for the lives of many people. The men are mostly out in their boats all day long to catch fish. Incidentally, these are usually fished out of the water with a fishing rod. This is a very environmentally friendly way of fishing. This prevents dolphins from being accidentally caught.

The caught fish then ends up on the market and is sold there. This is how the island’s residents, who incidentally call themselves Dhivehi, earn a small income. Most of them remain poor, however.

Mixed roots

Since the Maldives are on the trade route of the Indian Ocean, there was always contact and exchange between the residents of the Maldivian islands with seafarers and visitors from the neighboring regions.

This mixed cultures and their manners and customs. The residents of the individual islands or villages often look very different, depending on which ancestors they look back on. These came from South and Southeast Asia, but also from the African and Arab regions.

Languages in Maldives

The national language is also called Dhivehi and has its own script called Thaana. This language is an Indo-European language related to Old Sinhala. You will also find loan words that come from the Arabic, Indian, Tamil or English-speaking areas. In addition, there are many dialects due to the island location, as each village community has developed a special form.

Many people speak English on islands with tourists. In the small villages, however, only the national language is usually spoken. The islands’ residents also include several thousand migrant workers, most of whom come from Sri Lanka, but also from India or Europe, and work in tourism or in education.

Religions in Maldives

It is not exactly known where the residents of the Maldives originally came from. Presumably seafarers from the African, Arab or Malaysian regions had lost their way to the islands. Maybe they liked it there so much that they just stayed.

The Islam is now the religion of the Maldives. 100 out of 100 people live their Muslim faith, with a Sunni orientation. Since 2008, only Muslims have been granted Maldivian citizenship. Islam came to the islands as early as the 12th century along with Arab trades. It is the state religion and the Shari’a is the basis of jurisdiction on the islands.

But despite the Islamic faith, old traditions have been preserved in the Maldives. So the belief of the residents is actually more of a mixture of different religions, including Hinduism and Buddhism. So Allah is considered the only god, but some spirits are also honored. The Maldivians like to pray to the responsible spirits, who are called Jinnis, when problems arise.

Maldives Overview

The Maldives, situated in the Indian Ocean southwest of Sri Lanka, is renowned for its breathtakingly beautiful coral reefs, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and luxurious overwater bungalows. Its capital city, Malé, is a bustling hub known for its colorful buildings, lively markets, and Islamic landmarks such as the Grand Friday Mosque. The Maldives is famous for its world-class diving and snorkeling opportunities, allowing visitors to explore vibrant coral gardens teeming with marine life, including tropical fish, manta rays, and whale sharks. With its picture-perfect beaches and romantic sunsets, the Maldives is a dream destination for honeymooners and luxury travelers seeking paradise.

• Capital City: Malé
• Population: Approximately 521,000
• Area: 298 square kilometers
• Full Country Name: Republic of Maldives
• Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)
• Language: Dhivehi
• ISO Country Codes: MV, MDV

Bordering Countries of Maldives

The Maldives is bordered by three countries: India, Sri Lanka, and the island nation of Diego Garcia. India lies to the northwest of the Maldives and is connected via a chain of atolls that stretch for about 500 miles. India is one of the most populous countries in the world with over 1.3 billion people and has one of the oldest civilizations in existence. It has a rich culture and history, as well as stunning natural beauty with its many rivers, mountains, national parks, and beaches.

Sri Lanka lies to the south of the Maldives and shares a maritime border with it that stretches for about 250 miles. It is an island country known for its diverse culture which includes four main ethnic groups: Sinhalese, Sri Lankan Tamils, Moors and Burghers. The country also holds a plethora of stunning natural scenery including lush rainforests, tea plantations, waterfalls and more.

Diego Garcia lies to the east of Maldives in the Indian Ocean and shares a maritime border with it that stretches for about 300 miles. Diego Garcia is an isolated British overseas territory located on an atoll in Chagos Archipelago which consists of 56 islands surrounded by coral reefs. The island is home to many species such as sea turtles, dolphins, sharks as well as many species of birds making it a great destination for wildlife enthusiasts looking to explore further than just traditional beach holidays.

Overall, The Maldives borders three countries that offer something unique for travelers who want to explore South Asia’s diversity further than just The Maldives itself. From India’s ancient culture to Sri Lanka’s lush rainforest or Diego Garcia’s beautiful wildlife – there are plenty opportunities for exploration in these bordering countries.