Male

The archipelago of the Maldives is studded with 26 natural atolls and a total of 1,190 coral islands, of which only some 200-odd are inhabited (some of these only being 'inhabited' due to resorts being built on them).  Each island is surrounded by a shallow lagoon, enclosed by a coral reef, which safeguards the island from the hazards caused by the sea in rough weather.  Hundreds of these islands with other coral growth collectively form an atoll.  Almost all islands are flat with no hills or mountains and freshwater ponds are found only on the few larger islands. Male Small, quaint, and densely settled, Male (pronounced 'Mar-lay') is not spectacular, but quite unique as a capital city. It's clean and tidy, with mosques, markets, a maze of small streets and a certain charm all of its own. While it sometimes gives the impression of a sleepy country town, there is new building work everywhere, and the place feels like it will soon burst at the seams.

The island of Male is about 2km (1.2mi) long and 1km (0.62mi) wide, and packed to the edges with buildings, roads and a few well-used open spaces. Officially, the population is around 65,000, but with foreign workers and short-term visitors from other islands, there may be as many as 100,000 people in town - it certainly feels like it. The size of the island has more than doubled through land reclamation projects and nearby islands are used for the airport and other purposes. There are plans to develop other islands to reduce the pressure on Male.

Among Male's modest attractions are the following:

National Museum, which houses untidy exhibits of the sultans' belongings and a smattering of Thor Heyerdahl's archaeological discoveries.

Sultan Park  Located near the museum is the pleasant, and the imposing white Islamic Centre & Grand Friday Mosque which dominates the city's skyline. (There are over 20 other mosques scatttered around Male, some little more than a coral room with an iron roof.)

Medhu Ziyaaraiy - the shrine of Barbary: Here lies the tomb of the Moroccan traveler, Abdul Barakaath Yoosuf Al Barbary, who is credited with converting the country to Islam. This is regarded as a very sacred site among the historical areas of Male.

Hukuru Miskiiy is the oldest mosque and worth a visit. Famed for its intricate stone carvings, one a long panel, carved in the 13th century, commemorates the introduction of Islam to the Maldives, while outside a graveyard holds the tomb of Abu Al Barakat and the tombstones of former sultans.

Jumhooree Maidhan This public square situated on the northern waterfront leads to the official jetty. The square whose construction began in 1988 has now replaced all other places in Male as the most popular place for meeting and relaxing for locals as well as hundreds of foreigners visiting Male. Being a waterfront open space, the Jumhooree Maidhan has also become one of the most favourite afternoon spots for children. On the East End of this square stands the officials flag post on which a National Flag flies at all hours. The date of the first official hoisting of this flag on 25th March 1992 coincided with the day the traditional flag hoisting ceremony was held in earlier times. The flag, the largest in the country, symbolizing Maldives' independence and sovereignty is now hoisted by the NSS Flag Detail to mark certain national events.

Mulee-aage can be found right in front of the Hukuru Miskiiy is Mulee-aage, a palace built in 1906 by Sultan Mohamed Shamsuddeen III, replacing a house dating back to the mid-17th century. The palace with its wrought iron gates and fretwork friezes on its roof edges and well-kept garden was intended for his son, but the Sultan was deposed. During World War II vegetables were grown in its garden to help relieve food shortages. It became the President's Official Residence when Maldives became a republic in 1953 and remained so until 1994, when the new Presidential Palace was built. At present Mulee-aage houses the President's Office.

The Islamic Centre is the most vivid architectural landmark of Male. You would see the spectacular golden dome in all its majesty dominating the skyline, as you approach Male, from any direction. The building symbolises the importance of Islamic religion, which had ruled all aspects of life in the country for centuries. Completed in 1984, the Centre consists of a mosque big enough for 5000 people, an Islamic library, conference hall, classrooms and offices.

Singapore Bazaar, is a conglomeration of stores selling some quality local handicrafts and an assortment of Maldivian and imported tourist brick-brack. Also interesting are the shops selling home hardware, marine equipment, fishing gear and general merchandise for local villages. In the many small teahouses Maldivian's enjoy snack meals, and socialising.

Theemuge, the President's Palace: Male's most impressive building is Theemuge, which houses the President and his family. The previous President's Palace is now being converted into an office area.

Male Fish Market The main commercial area of Male is located on the northern waterfront of Male. This area is the main hub of trade and is a hive of activity through out the day. The waterfront and the by-lanes in the area are crowded with shops stocked with a variety of goods. Also in the area are the Male Fish Market and the Local Market selling a range of local produce. While some 'dhonis' from all corners of the country unload dried fish, fresh fruits and vegetables from the atolls others are seen loading everything from foodstuffs to construction materials. The pace increases in mid-afternoon as fishing 'dhonis' start returning with their day's catch. The catch, mainly tuna are carried across the road into the open-sided market and laid out on the tiled floors. As fast as the fish are brought in they are bought and taken away by men from all walks of life. The market is kept scrupulously clean, washed down each day and disinfected.