Malé is the capital and most populous city of the Maldives. Comprising four main islands—Malé, Hulhumalé, Vilimalé, and the developing Gulhifalhu—this urban zone is often referred to as Greater Malé. It serves as the political, economic, and healthcare hub of the country, housing key government offices, institutions, and services. Despite its small land area, Malé is densely populated and highly developed, with high-rise buildings, paved roads, and modern infrastructure.

For many Maldivians, Malé represents opportunity—but also a compromise. The centralization of services in the capital forces people from distant atolls to migrate for education, employment, and healthcare, often leaving behind their more peaceful island lifestyles. New land reclamation projects like Hulhumalé Phase III and Gulhifalhu aim to accommodate this growth but remain subjects of public debate. While the city may lack the natural serenity of outer atolls, it remains the country’s beating heart—busy, connected, and essential.