Capital of Maldives: Malé
The capital of Maldives is Malé. Maldives sits in Asia, has a population of 523,787, and uses the MVR. Official languages include Dhivehi.
Quick facts
- Capital: Malé
- Continent: Asia
- Population: ~523,787
- Area: 298 km²
- Population density: 1,758 people per km²
- Official language: Dhivehi
- Currency: MVR
- ISO code: MV
How big is Maldives?
By population, Maldives ranks 170th in the world, holding roughly well under a hundredth of a percent of all people on Earth. By land area it ranks 189th.
Those two numbers rarely match, and the gap between them is the interesting part. Maldives has 1,758 people per square kilometre, which is about 30 times the world average of 59.4. It is more crowded than its size alone would suggest.
Within Asia, Maldives is the 47th most populous country of 48.
Countries of a similar size
The two countries closest to Maldives in population are Malta (533,286) and Cabo Verde (593,149).
By land area, its closest counterparts are Malta (316 km²) and Saint Kitts and Nevis (261 km²).
Comparisons like these are worth more than raw figures when you are trying to remember them. A number on its own is hard to hold; a number next to a country you already have a feel for is much easier.
Language and currency
Dhivehi is listed as an official language of Maldives alone, which is unusual — most official languages are shared across borders.
Maldives uses the MVR, and it is the only country that does, which makes the currency name a reliable one-to-one clue.
Maldives in Asia
The largest countries by population sharing this continent are China, India, Indonesia and Pakistan.
If you are learning capitals region by region — far more effective than working alphabetically — Asia is the block Maldives belongs to, and its neighbours are the ones worth learning alongside it.
Try the Country to Capital Quiz, or the harder reverse direction. There is also a full country profile for Maldives and a page on the flag of Maldives.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Maldives?
The capital of Maldives is Malé.
What is the population of Maldives?
About 523,787, making it the 170th most populous country in the world.
How big is Maldives?
298 square kilometres, ranking 189th by land area, at a density of 1,758 people per square kilometre.
What currency does Maldives use?
The MVR, which no other country uses.