Maldives Population Growth
Annual population growth rate SP.POP.GROW
Maldives's population growth was -0.68% in 2025, ranked 202nd globally. This represents a 298.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1961–2025.
Overview
Maldives's population growth stood at -0.68% in 2025, a decline of +1.02pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -0.68% by 2025. Maldives ranked 202nd globally.
Maldives’ population growth has slipped into negative territory, registering –0.68 % in 2025, the 202nd lowest rate among 202 countries. The island nation’s demographic trajectory spans 65 years, beginning with a 2.45 % increase in 1961 and reaching an all‑time peak of 4.14 % in 1966, a period coinciding with post‑independence optimism and high fertility. Since the early 2000s, growth has steadily decelerated, driven by declining birth rates, out‑migration for education and employment, and the looming threat of climate‑induced displacement that discourages long‑term settlement. Among peers, Tonga records a comparable –0.61 % decline, while St. Vincent and the Grenadines shows a slightly deeper –0.76 % contraction, underscoring a regional pattern of small island states confronting demographic stagnation. If the Maldives can improve health services, expand economic opportunities, and implement adaptive migration policies, the current downward trend may be moderated, allowing the population to stabilise rather than continue shrinking.
Data & projection
| Year | Population Growth | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | -2.18% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | -1.43% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | -0.68% | - | - |
| 2025 | -0.68% | −1.02pp | #202 |
| 2024 | 0.34% | −0.02pp | #63 |
| 2023 | 0.36% | −1.17pp | #64 |
| 2022 | 1.53% | −1.23pp | #143 |
| 2021 | 2.76% | −0.15pp | #204 |
| 2020 | 2.91% | −0.14pp | #200 |
| 2019 | 3.05% | −0.13pp | #204 |
| 2018 | 3.18% | −0.14pp | #203 |
| 2017 | 3.32% | −0.16pp | #204 |
| 2016 | 3.48% | +0.02pp | #202 |
| 2015 | 3.45% | +0.12pp | #203 |
| 2014 | 3.33% | −0.04pp | #195 |
| 2013 | 3.37% | −0.09pp | #194 |
| 2012 | 3.46% | −0.05pp | #198 |
| 2011 | 3.51% | −0.02pp | #200 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Maldives matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2011. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw population growth improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Maldives's population growth was -0.68% in 2025. Ranked 202nd globally. This represents a 298.2% decrease from the previous year.
Maldives's population growth peaked at 4.14% in 1966.
The lowest population growth in Maldives was -0.68% in 2025.
Maldives ranks 202nd globally in population growth as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.GROW. Data sourced from World Bank.
Maldives's population growth is projected to reach -0.68% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The population growth of Maldives in 2025 was -0.68%. This ranks 202nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_maldives_population-growth,
title = {Maldives Population Growth},
url = {https://historysaid.com/maldives/population-growth/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}