The Maldives Bureau of Statistics (MBS) is conducting the Household Income and Expenditure Survey across the Maldives, collecting information from over 4,000 households.
The survey is conducted every five to six years, with the last one carried out in 2019. This year’s surveying commenced in February, and will be conducted nationwide.
The first round of the survey kicked off in Male’ City, with data collection in Male’ set to conclude next month. A total of 2,085 households will be covered in Male’ and other cities. Households are randomly selected.
The atolls phase will commence in June, covering 2010 households, bringing the total households surveyed to 4,095.
The survey’s purpose is to measure average household income and expenditure and analyse spending patterns. It will help set the national poverty line, update the Consumer Price Index (CPI) weights, and also assess income and expenditure inequality.
Data collected will include:
Household Expenses:
- Rent and housing
- Utilities (electricity, water, phone)
- Food and groceries
- Transport expenditure
- Education expenditure
- Health expenditure
- Clothing
- Furniture
- Loans and credit
- General household goods
Individual Information:
- Education
- Employment/work
- Income
- Migration
Data is collected by trained, authorised officers, and MBS said confidentiality is guaranteed. Findings will be analysed and published by the bureau.