President says 2030 census will be hybrid, combining administrative registers with traditional enumeration

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said on Saturday that the 2030 census will be conducted using a hybrid model that incorporates administrative records alongside traditional enumeration.

In his message on the occasion of World Population Day, the President said accurate population statistics must be collected and development policies shaped according to societal needs. He noted that the Government is working to strengthen administrative registers, improve evidence-based decision-making, reduce operational costs, and increase state efficiency.

He said that, supported by legislative reforms to ensure no one is left uncounted and guided by an inclusive roadmap, the Administration intends to conduct the 2030 census using a hybrid approach that combines administrative registers with conventional census methods.

The President added that as Maldives moves towards a relatively large elderly population, it is essential to invest in youth health. He said the Government must be prepared to support the growing elderly population at a time when special attention is being given to youth development.

He said today’s youth must be protected from chronic diseases by instilling healthy habits. He also noted that delaying the onset of age-related illnesses will help build productive workers and caregivers.

The President highlighted the importance of strengthening care services and the broader care economy. He said such efforts would ensure quality healthcare for the elderly, provide social support, and ease the unpaid care burden on families, particularly women and girls who often shoulder caregiving responsibilities without income.

He said strengthening care services, upholding human dignity, and enabling elderly participation in the workforce can help build a more vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous Maldives.

The President said sustainable development does not depend solely on population size, but on the extent to which a country empowers its youth to realise their full potential.

He noted that Maldives is undergoing an important demographic transition. He said the Maldives 2.0 initiative aims to modernise public services, develop digital infrastructure, and build a strong digital economy.

He said the Government prioritises providing quality education and meaningful employment opportunities to youth, who make up about 39 percent of the population.

The last census was conducted in 2022, recording a population of around 500,000, including approximately 100,000 foreigners.

Maldives’ population growth has slowed, with fewer children and young people and a rising elderly population. According to the Bureau of Statistics, the average female fertility rate fell sharply to 1.7 in 2022 and is projected to decline further to 1.5 by 2026.

A shrinking youth population and an expanding elderly population are expected to reduce national productivity and adversely affect the economy.