Male, Maldives

　　Male, Maldives

　Male, Maldives

Male is the capital of Maldives. The city occupies the entire islet of Male and is located at the southern rim of North Male Atoll. The island is 1.87 km long and 1.5 km wide, but with over 200,000 people crammed onto it, Male is by some measures the world's densest city. The new island of Hulhumale, in the Hulhule (Airport island) lagoon has been reclaimed from the sea to provide some much-needed extra space.

Male has a distinctive character of its own, with narrow streets, colorful houses, and a strong communal feel. The neighboring islands Hulhumale (artificial) and Vilimale are served by frequent and very cheap public ferries.

Male City Council’s main service includes decentralization and tourism.