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Maldives resident population rises over half a million: NBS

Ahmed Aiham
14 October 2020, MVT 15:12
National Bureau of Statistics revealed that 40.8 percent of the population resides in capital city Male'. PHOTO: MIHAARU FILES
Ahmed Aiham
14 October 2020, MVT 15:12

National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed that the resident population of Maldives had reached over half a million, with the figure standing at 557,426 individuals.

Comparatively, the most recent census taken in 2014 found that Maldives had a resident population of 402,071 people.

The 2014 census also included 63,637 foreigners, the total of whom were seen to account for roughly 15 percent of the overall population.

Statistics also indicate that 40.8 percent of the population resides in capital city Male'. Earlier in 2018, The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) projected that the resident population of Male' would increase to 54 percent by 2054.

Currently, the largest populations outside the capital resides in Kaafu Atoll with 41,382 people, followed by Addu City with 26,635 individuals and Haa Dhaalu Atoll with 23,157.

Additionally, 2018 projections state that life expectancy will be higher by 2054, despite a lower birthrate. The population of children is estimated to increase initially until 2030, reaching 17 percent, before beginning to decline afterwards.

The population as a whole is expected to age due to longer life expectancy, and the report stated that there would be more retirees in the coming years. The report adds that there will be twice as more retirees as today, meaning that the working population would require more income options, quality health, education and relevant skills.

As per the Maldives' national Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) report, 28 percent of the country's general population is considered multidimensionally poor.

In additon to the aforementioned 28 percent, according to the Income Poverty Index, eight percent of Maldives' population falls below the poverty line.

Furthermore, the incidence of multidimensional poverty was observed to be greater in the atolls relative to the capital city of Male'.

While the resident population of Male' is projected to continue on its upward trajectory, the incumbent administration has made considerable commitments to decentralisation, aiming to improve the provision of key services other atolls in order to stem the flow of migration to the capital.

Meanwhile, the state continues to oversee various housing projects in the capital region in order to meet growing demand. At present Male' is considered one of the most densely populated cities in the world.

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