Male, Maldives

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Male, Maldives

Region: Maldives


Geographic Coordinates: 4.175300, 73.508900
Temperature Range: 25.0°C to 27.0°C (77°F to 81°F)
Climate: Tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity year-round, and monsoon seasons from May to October (southwest) and November to April (northeast).
Population: 133019
Language: Dhivehi

Male is the capital and largest city of the Maldives, A tropical island nation located in the Indian Ocean. It is situated on Male Atoll, Which is one of the 26 atolls that make up the Maldives archipelago. The city covers an area of just 5.8 square kilometers and has a population of around 150, 000 people. The city’s natural beauty is one of its main attractions with stunningly beautiful beaches, Crystal clear waters, And vibrant marine life surrounding it.

Coral reefs are home to a diverse range of marine species including colorful fish, Sea turtles, Rays, And sharks making it an ideal destination for snorkeling or diving enthusiasts. Apart from its natural beauty, Male also boasts several historical landmarks that showcase its rich cultural heritage such as Hukuru Miskiy mosque which dates back to the 17th century featuring intricate carvings made from coral stone. Sultan Park was once part of the palace grounds but has now been transformed into a public park with lush greenery and fountains adding to its charm.

Male offers visitors plenty of opportunities for shopping and dining out with Majeedhee Magu featuring numerous shops selling everything from traditional handicrafts to modern electronics while Chaandhanee Magu offers an array of restaurants serving delicious local cuisine as well as international dishes. Despite being small in size compared to other major cities around the world, Male has an impressive infrastructure with modern amenities such as hospitals, Schools, Banks hotels and resorts making it an ideal destination for tourists looking for both relaxation and adventure.

Overall Male provides visitors with a unique experience where they can enjoy breathtaking natural scenery along with rich culture while also indulging in shopping or dining out options available within this bustling metropolis making it one-of-a-kind vacation destination that should be on everyone’s bucket list!



Important Landmarks

  1. The Islamic Centre and Grand Friday Mosque
  2. Hukuru Miskiy (Old Friday Mosque)
  3. Sultan Park and National Museum
  4. Male Fish Market
  5. Tsunami Monument
  6. Maldives Victory Monument
  7. Republic Square
  8. Artificial Beach
  9. Male Local Market
  10. Jumhooree Maidhaan (Independence Square)

Primary Industries

  1. The major industries and businesses in Male, Maldives include:
    • Tourism
    • Fishing
    • Shipping
    • Retail and wholesale trade
    • Construction
    • Government services
  2. The tourism industry is the most significant contributor to the economy of Male as it attracts a large number of tourists every year. The city is home to several resorts, hotels, restaurants and other tourist attractions.
  3. Fishing is also an important industry in Male as it provides employment for many locals and contributes significantly to the country’s economy.
  4. Shipping plays a vital role in transporting goods to and from the island nation.
  5. Retail and wholesale trade are also important sectors in Male’s economy as they provide essential products for locals and tourists alike.
  6. Construction activities are on the rise due to increasing demand for infrastructure development projects such as housing units, roads & bridges etc.
  7. Government services include administrative offices that cater to various public needs like healthcare facilities or education institutions among others.

Noteable History

  1. The first recorded settlement in Male dates back to the 12th century.
  2. In the 16th century, the Portuguese invaded and occupied Male for a brief period of time.
  3. In the 17th century, Male became an important center of Islamic learning and culture under the rule of the Hilaalee dynasty.
  4. In 1887, Male became a British protectorate.
  5. In 1965, Maldives gained independence from Britain and Male became its capital city.
  6. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom served as president of Maldives for over three decades from 1978 to 2008, during which time he oversaw significant economic development in Male and throughout the country.
  7. In December 2004, a massive tsunami devastated many parts of Maldives including parts of Male.
  8. Mohamed Nasheed was elected as president in November 2008, becoming Maldives’ first democratically elected leader after decades of authoritarian rule under Gayoom’s regime.
  9. The Islamic Centre in Male is one of its most iconic landmarks – it is a beautiful mosque that dominates the skyline with its golden dome and minaret towers standing tall at around six stories high.
  10. Male is known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters that attract tourists from all over the world every year.

Museums and Things To See

  1. The National Museum of Maldives
  2. Hukuru Miskiy Mosque
  3. Maldives Islamic Centre
  4. Sultan Park and National Art Gallery
  5. Tsunami Monument
  6. Mulee-aage Palace
  7. Male Fish Market
  8. Villingili Island Beaches
  9. Male Friday Mosque (Masjid-al-Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam)


Sports Teams

  1. Football is the most popular sport in the Maldives, with several football clubs based in Male.
  2. The most successful of these is New Radiant Sports Club, which has won 20 Dhivehi League titles and 5 Maldives FA Cups since its formation in 1979.
  3. Other notable football clubs based in Male include Victory Sports Club, Maziya Sports & Recreation Club, and TC Sports Club.
  4. These clubs have also enjoyed success domestically and have represented the Maldives in various regional competitions.
  5. In addition to football, other sports such as volleyball and basketball are also played competitively in Male.
  6. The Maldives Volleyball Association organizes national tournaments for both men’s and women’s teams from across the country.
  7. Meanwhile, basketball is played at a more recreational level with teams from schools and local communities participating in friendly matches.
  8. Overall, sports remain an important part of life for many people living on this island nation despite not being as prominent or well-funded as they are elsewhere around the world.


Cultural Events

  1. Maldives Independence Day: July 26th
  2. National Day of the Maldives: November 11th
  3. Eid al-Fitr
  4. Eid al-Adha
  5. Ramadan
  6. Kuda Eid
  7. Victory Day: November 3rd
  8. Republic Day: November 11th
  9. Islamic New Year

Cuisine

  • Hulhumeedhoo Biryani: This is a spicy biryani dish made with chicken or beef and is a must-try when in Male.
  • Seagull Cafe House: This cafe serves traditional Maldivian breakfast dishes like mas huni (shredded tuna mixed with coconut, onion, and chili) and roshi (flatbread).
  • Symphony Restaurant: This restaurant offers a variety of local seafood dishes like grilled fish, lobster curry, and prawn masala.
  • The Sea House Maldives: Located on the waterfront, this restaurant serves fresh seafood dishes such as grilled fish platters, prawn curry, and lobster thermidor.
  • Shell Beans Cafe & Restaurant: A cozy cafe that serves traditional Maldivian snacks like bondibai (coconut sweet) and kulhi boakiba (fish cakes).
  • Royal Garden Cafe & Restaurant: A popular spot for locals to enjoy authentic Maldivian cuisine such as chicken curry with rice or fish soup.
  • Sala Thai Restaurant: For those looking for something different than local cuisine can try this Thai restaurant serving delicious curries and noodle dishes.
  • The Olive Garden Café & Bistro: Offers international cuisine including burgers, sandwiches along with some local specialties like fried rice or noodle soup.
  • Lemon Leaf Café & Restaurant: Serves Mediterranean-inspired food along with some Asian fusion options including sushi rolls made using locally caught fish.
  • Symphony Lagoon Café – Ideal place to enjoy sunset views while sipping coffee or having dinner by the sea offering variety of western cuisines along with some local specialties such as kottu roshi (chopped flatbread stir-fried with vegetables).

  • Parks and Recreation

    1. Sultan Park is a beautiful park located in the heart of Male, featuring lush greenery, a small lake, and walking paths.
    2. Artificial Beach is a man-made beach that’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
    3. Tsunami Monument is a memorial park that honors the victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and provides visitors with a peaceful place for reflection.
    4. Villingili Island is just a short boat ride away from Male and offers hiking trails, beaches, and stunning views of the surrounding ocean.
    5. Hulhumale Central Park can be found on Hulhumale island just north of Male and features playgrounds, picnic areas, as well as sports facilities including basketball courts and soccer fields.
    6. Scuba Diving/Snorkeling are popular activities in Maldives due to its abundance of marine life including colorful fish and coral reefs making it an ideal destination for these activities.
    7. Fishing Trips are also available where visitors can catch local fish such as tuna or barracuda with experienced guides who provide all necessary equipment.
    8. Jet Skiing/Parasailing/Wakeboarding/Banana Boat Rides are some popular water activities that visitors can enjoy in Male’s surrounding waters with trained professionals ensuring safety during these activities.

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