Male’(pronounced: "Maa-lay") population 104,403
(in 2006), is the capital of the Republic of Maldives. The city is located on
Malé Island in the Kaafu  Atoll. Although Malé is geographically located in
Kaafu Atoll, administratively it is not considered part of it. A commercial
harbor is located in the Island. It is the heart of all commercial activities
in the country. Many government buildings and agencies are located on the
waterfront. Malé International Airport is on adjacent Hulhule Island which
includes a seaplane base for internal transportation. Several land reclamation
projects have expanded the harbour. Malé
is located at 4°10' North, 73°30' East (4.1667, 73.5).
The island is heavily urbanized, the city taking up
essentially its entire landmass. It is the world's most densely populated city.
Slightly less than one third of the nation's population lives in the capital
city. Many, if not most, Maldivians and foreign workers in Maldives find
themselves in occasional short term residence on the island due to it being the
only entry point to the nation and the center of all administration and
bureaucracy.
Lately the city Male’ was extended basically to provide
housing for the people living in Male’, hence Male’ is now a combination of
three islands. The additional two islands making the combination city of Male’ are
the Villingili Island and Hulhumale’ (artificial island joining the Male’
international airport).
Male’ is divided into Six divisions now; Henveiru, Galolhu,
Maafannu and Machangolhi, Vili Male' and Hulhumale’ as considered by the
government.
Malé was struck by the tsunami that swept across the western
coast of Sumatra on December 26, 2004. It was affected by the Indian Ocean
earthquake which followed with the waves flooding two-thirds of the city.
Visiting Male’
As
you approach Male’ from north, note the number of cargo vessels anchored in the
outer harbor. The Maldives imports just about all its basic life requirements.
The inner harbor is chock full of speedboats and traditional dhoni (motor
boat). There is much to see on Male’. If you are interested in buildings, ask
your guide for Presidential Palace, the Islamic Center and the old Friday
mosque. If you want shopping, the Local Market, the Fish Market and Souvenir
shops can help you find interesting products and amenities as you go along your
trip in Maldives. If you would like to
taste some Maldivian traditional meal, we suggest you to have a traditional
Maldivian meal consisting of Garudhiya(Fish soup), varieties of starchy foods,
rice, coconut, rihaakuru(concentrated fish soup), etc. It’s available in some
restaurants and you can get assistance from your tour guide.
|
