The Maldivian economy expanded by 2.4 per cent in August 2026 compared with the same month a year earlier, according to the Monthly Indicators of Economic Growth report released by the Maldives Bureau of Statistics on 15 October.
Economic output was estimated at MVR 9.64 billion, up from MVR 9.41 billion in August 2025 and 5.4 per cent higher than in July 2026. Financial services made the largest contribution to the annual growth, rising 21.9 per cent to MVR 748 million on stronger activity in financial intermediation and insurance.
Wholesale and retail trade increased 8.1 per cent to MVR 864 million, while construction rose 10.4 per cent to MVR 487 million. Real estate activities also added to growth.
Accommodation and food services remained the largest sector, accounting for 23.1 per cent of total output and generating MVR 2.23 billion. The sector grew 0.7 per cent year-on-year and 10.6 per cent from July, driven mainly by higher tourist bed-nights.
Transport and communication services accounted for 11.7 per cent of output. Fisheries recorded a sharp decline of 65.6 per cent to MVR 104 million, the largest negative contribution to annual growth.
August output was the highest since January, when it stood at MVR 10.06 billion, and about 11.4 per cent above the level recorded in August 2024. The bureau noted that the estimates, based on constant 2019 prices, are subject to revision as further data become available.