Click for a detailed map (PDF)
This map does not reflect a position by UNICEF on the legal status of any country or territory or the delimitation of any frontiers.
This chain of 1,190 islands lies in the Indian Ocean, about 1,000 km southwest of India. In December 2004, disaster struck in the form of a major tsunami that left a trail of devastation in its wake. While the loss of life was relatively low, all but nine of the country’s 1,190 low-lying islands were flooded by the tsunami waves and 13 have had to be totally abandoned. Many thousands of residents were displaced.
The islands’ once-thriving tourism and fishing sectors were especially hard-hit. It is estimated that a third of the population of 300,000 was directly affected, significantly worsening poverty levels. UNICEF is assisting in the recovery process, which will be all-consuming in the coming months.
Basic Indicators
Under-5 mortality rank | 128 |
Under-5 mortality rate, 1990 | 113 |
Under-5 mortality rate, 2009 | 13 |
Infant mortality rate (under 1), 1990 | 80 |
Infant mortality rate (under 1), 2009 | 11 |
Neonatal mortality rate, 2009 | 8 |
Total population (thousands), 2009 | 309 |
Annual no. of births (thousands), 2009 | 6 |
Annual no. of under-5 deaths (thousands), 2009 | 0 |
GNI per capita (US$), 2009 | 3870 |
Life expectancy at birth (years), 2009 | 72 |
Total adult literacy rate (%), 2005-2008* | 98 |
Primary school net enrolment/attendance (%), 2005-2009* | 96 |
% share of household income 2000-2009*, lowest 40% | 17 |
% share of household income 2000-2009*, highest 20% | 44 |
|
Definitions and data sources [popup] | |
