Maldives Set To Become Super-Aged Population By 2052

By 2052, the Maldives is set to become a super-aged population, joining a global shift towards older societies, according to a joint population study by the Maldives Bureau of Statistics and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

The study shows that in 2022, only five per cent of resident Maldivians were aged 65 and above. However, between 2026 and 2044, the country is projected to transition into an ageing society, with the proportion of elderly people doubling to more than 10 per cent.

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In 2022, foreign men outnumbered Maldivian men by 17,000 in the 25–29 age group. By 2062, this gap is projected to widen, reaching 40,000 in each of the key working-age groups.

Read more on Population Projections Summary https://t.co/qf7WaX89Hd@UNFPAMaldives… pic.twitter.com/HaupCnVDwm— Statistics Maldives (@statsmaldives) December 25, 2025

Between 2045 and 2051, the Maldives is expected to move into the category of an aged population. By 2052, the country will officially enter the ranks of super-aged societies, with one in every four Maldivians aged 65 or older. The study notes that around half of all countries worldwide are projected to reach this milestone by that time.

Elderly Population Expected To Grow Sixfold By 2062

The elderly population is also expected to age further within itself. In 2022, the Maldives had around 20,000 elderly residents. By 2062, this figure is projected to increase sixfold to about 120,000. Within this group, the fastest growth will occur among those aged 80 and above, particularly after 2040, signalling a rise in the oldest-old population.

Despite ageing trends, the overall population is projected to continue growing. By 2062, the resident population of the Maldives is expected to reach 678,024, comprising 414,679 Maldivians and 263,345 foreigners.

Authorities Highlight The Need For Long-Term Preparations for a Super-Aged Future

The study highlights the need for long-term planning to prepare for a super-aged future. It stresses the importance of ensuring sustainable healthcare systems, pension schemes, and eldercare services, while also investing in youth and women to offset the impact of a shrinking domestic workforce.

Urban concentration is expected to intensify, with continued migration to Malé placing pressure on housing, infrastructure, and public services. At the same time, the study underscores the need for balanced development in the atolls to reduce regional disparities.

The report also points to uncertainty around future labour force size, noting that it will depend heavily on foreign worker inflows. It calls for policies that prioritise the development of the local workforce as the population continues to age.