Introduction This publication contains the Analysis of Census 2006 covering demographic and socio-economic aspects of the population. The report comprises of the following 15 chapters. Census history and procedures used in Census 2006; Population growth, age and sex composition; Fertility; Mortality; Migration; Nuptiality, patterns, trends and differentials; Education characteristics; Youth; Labor force and employment; Housing conditions and household amenities; Family structure and households; Situation population displaced by the tsunami; Population projections; and Gender and development. It also compares 2006 data with the past censuses to explore the ways the population of Maldives has changed overtime. A chapter on the characteristics of establishments in the country and their economic activities is also included in this report. Although, a modern type of census was first conducted in the Maldives in 1977, the first census, a rudimentary process, was undertaken in the year 1911. The enormity of the costs involved and the experiences of prior censuses, together with rapid changes in the population characteristics, population censuses have been carried out every five years from 1985 to 2000. Census scheduled for 2005 was postponed to 2006 due to the Tsunami in December 2004. Census 2006 was carried out in all 194 administrative islands, 88 resort islands and 34 industrial and other islands of the country. Data relating to size, geographical distribution, and socio- economic characteristics of the population such as age, sex, educational attainments, marital status, and employment were collected in the census and are analysed in the chapters of this report. Four questionnaires were administered for census data collection, namely: Household listing form, Persons listing form, Household form (includes household and persons information) and Establishment Form. The countrywide exercise involved a total of 2,808 census staff. The enumeration of the people was carried out similar to previous censuses, on a de facto basis (i.e. counting the person where he/she was present at the time of enumeration). However, Maldivians who were temporarily out of the country were also included. Foreigners residing in the country for employment purposes were not included in the census. The Census 2006 also marks a change in census taking in the country, with engendering of the census and the use of Intelligent Character Recognition (ICR) for data scanning. Since the population census was carried out during 21-28 March 2006, many different publications have already been released with many tabulations at national, atoll and island level, graphs and summaries, census questionnaires, manuals and the complete data base. For easy access and reference, all these publications are also made available on the MPND website www.planning.gov. mv. V It is important for data users to keep in mind that census provides a snapshot of the country. Hence, at the time of the census, population of some of the islands were displaced due to the 2004 tsunami and were living in temporary shelters, many of whom have already moved back to their home islands or other islands. Similarly, the census enumerates the population in the island where they were living at the time of the census, and hence the registered population figures in the administrative records of the Ministry of Atolls Development and maintained by the island offices may differ from the census figures. Ministry of Planning and National Development Male’ Republic of Maldives September 2008 VI Foreword The Population and Housing Census is a unique source of information. It presents enormous amount of statistical data at the national, atoll and island level on demographic and basic socio- economic characteristics of the people and the country. Hence, it is extremely important to utilize this information as much as possible. This analytical report aims to provide an in-depth view of what is behind the census figures, to highlight the underlying population issues and will provide an enhanced knowledge of population and development issues in the country. Recognising the importance of acknowledging the role of women and their socioeconomics as different from that of men, extensive efforts were made to engender the Census 2006. The engendering process was undertaken at all stages of the operation from stakeholder awareness, modifications to questionnaires, training manuals, enumerator and supervisor training sessions, data collection till the census analysis. This engendering process is expected to have enabled a better coverage of women’s economic activities and provided a larger amount of gender disaggregated information and analysis. Analytical work involves drawing meaningful conclusions from a collection of data. This is by no means is this an easy task. I would like to take this opportunity to thank United Nations Population Fund for providing financial support through out the process and for facilitating the technical input of the consultants. I would also like to thank everyone involved in undertaking the detailed analysis and write-up of this report. I hope the findings of the census analysis will provide a basis for informed discussions among policymakers on population and development related issues, and provide government agencies, private sector, businesses, community organizations and civil society at large, useful and relevant input for the formulation of development programs, projects and strategies at island, atoll and national levels. At this juncture, when the country is undergoing a new phase in its political history, with a newly revised constitution and taking rapid strides towards a multiparty democracy, it is of utmost importance that statistics be used for promoting evidence based journalism, discussion and policy making, and to steer the country in the right direction in the future. Hamdun Hameed Minister of Planning and National Development I Acknowledgement Ministry of Planning and National Development (MPND) expresses sincere gratitude to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for their financial and technical support for the preparation and printing of this report. It also enabled MPND to get assistance of local consultants for this analysis. The ministry would, therefore, like to thank ‘Niyaaz and Afaal partnership’ for accepting the consultancy to do the analysis work. The involvement of many staff from MPND and those from other related areas of government led to capacity building and increased use of census data sets to enhance knowledge and awareness. We would like to acknowledge the valuable input provided by of Dr. Meena Achariya, the gender expert funded by UNFPA, in guiding the analyses to incorporate gender dimensions in the analysis. The support and cooperation extended by Dr.Bhanu Niraula, International Programme Specialist, UNFPA Maldives and Minister of Gender and Family Hon. Aishath Mohamed Didi in this process is also noteworthy. Perhaps, more than writing a draft, commenting meaningfully to a draft is more time consuming. However, Ms. Aishath Saadh, Ms. Aminath Umaima, Ms. Asfau Hassan and Ms. Loona Abdul Hakeem, has been exceptional in giving their time to such an arduous task. Their contribution in assisting the chapter authors is greatly acknowledged. Special thanks are due to the Social and Population Planning Section and Demographic and Social Statistics section for their untiring efforts and perseverance throughout the analysis, from providing assistance and logistical support to the authors, co-ordinating the process and consolidating the chapters. We also thank the Documentation and Publication Section, especially Ms. Aishath Yumna Rasheed and Ms. Aishath Nuha Rasheed for their hard work in the design and layout work of this document. We would also like to offer special thanks to Mr. Fuwad Thowfeek, Ms. Aishath Shahuda, Mr. Ibrahim Naseem, Ms. Fathimath Shafeega, Mr. Ahmed Nihad, Ms. Fazeela Yoosuf and Ms. Ikrisha Abdul Wahid for overseeing this exercise. We would also like to note with appreciation the guidance and support of the Permanent Secretary of MPND Ms. Rasheeda Ali and the Minister of Planning and National Development Hon. Hamdun Hameed in this whole exercise. Ministry of Planning and National Development (MPND) thanks the following persons for undertaking the analysis of 2006 census data. The report would not have been possible without the efforts of the following individuals Chapter 1: History of Census taking in Maldives Mr. Ahmed Nihad and Ms. Fathimath Shifaza Chapter 2: Population Growth Size and Structure Ms. Aminath Umaima Chapter 3: Lifetime Migration in Maldives Mr. Mohamed Faisal Chapter 4: Nuptiality Mr. Ibrahim Naseem III Chapter 5: Fertility levels, patterns and differentials Dr. Hussain Niyaaz Chapter 6: Mortality levels, patterns and differentials Ms. Mariyam Nazviya Chapter 7: Education Dr. Aishath Shehenaz and Ms Fathmath Shafeega Chapter 8: Labour force and Employment Ms. Aishath Shahuda and Ms. Mariyam Niyaf Chapter 9: Family structure and Households Ms. Aishath Azfa Chapter 10: Youth Population in the Maldives Ms. Mariyam Waheeda, Ikrisha Abdul Wahid, Ms. Aishath Leeza Chapter 11: Gender Analysis Ms. Fathmath Yumna and Ms. Aminath Shaeera Chapter 12: Situation of Population Displaced by the tsunami Ms. Aminath Haifa Naeem Chapter 13: Population Projections 2006 - 2050 Mr. Ibrahim Naseem and Mr. Ahmed Nihad Chapter 14: Housing Conditions and Household Amenities Ms. Shahma Haleem Chapter 15: Establishments and Economic activity Ms. Mariyam Niyaf and