World Bank Report: Maldives’ Poverty Rate at 1%

The South Asian Regional Development and Social Security Report indicates that less than 1% of Maldivians earn below USD 3.65 (MVR 56) per day, which is the World Bank's poverty threshold for developing countries.

The report highlights significant progress in South Asia, where the number of people living in poverty has halved over the past 20 years due to economic growth. Notably, 120 million people in India have seen improved living conditions, lifting them above the poverty line.

International poverty criteria set by the World Bank define poverty as a daily income below USD 3 in developing countries and below USD 2.15 in less developed countries.

Despite the low poverty rate in the Maldives, the cost of living remains high.