Population of Addu is 18,026 – Planning Ministry

The results of national census 2006 shows population of Addu Atoll is 18,026 people revealed Ministry of Planning and National Development. Ministry indicates that the population comprises of 8,401 males and 9,625 females. Ministry further revealed that this was 6.03 percent of total population of Maldives.

The census 2006 indicated that most adduans take up jobs in police services or administrative jobs. Second choice of adduans as a means to earn their livelihoods is in the area of manufacturing or producing items. Favorite job area for Addu men are in the area of manufacture or producing items while the jobs in the educational sector is second choice.

72 percent of men and 50 percent of women are active economically in Addu Atoll. Highest number of women who are economically active in Addu is from Hulhdhoo and they form 59 percent of Hulhudhoo women. Highest number of men who are economically active in Addu is from Meedhoo and Hulhudhoo and they form 78 percent of men in those islands.

According to census 2006, 29percent of the people of Addu Atoll were unemployed. Unemployment according to census survey 2006 of the atoll is highest in Hulhudhoo. They are 16 percent men and 43 percent women.

Most people of Addu Atoll live in Hithadhoo of that atoll. 53 percent of Addu population lives Hithadhoo while 15 percent live in Feydhoo. The census indicates that women form the majority group of the population of Addu. For every 100 women there are just 87 men. In Meedhoo of that atoll for every 100 women there are only 78 men.

In contrast to other atolls, many adduans live in Male’. During the period of the census survey a total of 6,888 adduans were living in Male’. Out of the 6,888, highest number was from Hithadhoo and they were 2,500. Only 302 from Maradhoo Feydhoo were found to be living in Male’ during this period.

Looking at the literacy rates, 97 percent of adduans are literate, especially Meedhoo and Hulhudhoo where literacy rate is 98 percent. Educational standard of the population above 6 years age is grade 7. Census 2006 also indicated that number of women who achieved O level standard is higher than that of men.

In Addu Atoll according to the national census 2006, men get married at the age of 22 while women at 18. Couples normally have 2 children while most women give birth between 19 to 25 years of age.

Families usually drink rain water although well water is also used. The census indicates 88 percent use rain water for consumption. Cooking gas is becoming increasingly popular although kerosene and fire wood is still used.

Census also indicates 83 percent of adduans have septic tanks in their compound.