[2] According to the latest Census conducted in 2022, the total population of Maafushi is at 4,471 out of which 3,195 are Maldivians, and 1,276 foreigners.

[1] In accordance with the recently passed Decentralization Act of Maldives, Maafushi is governed by an elected Island Council composed of five Councillors.

As democracy and decentralization is at the infant stage in Maldives, the councillors, and the government find it difficult to deal with important issues like land, and resource utilization.

There are still many legal issues that need to be settled, before the island council can confidently perform its duties independently.

Most councillors are without basic education, and find it difficult to manage the day-to-day affairs of the island.