Male'
Inhabited
Code: MLE
About Male'
Malé, the capital of the Maldives, is the country’s political, economic, and cultural center. Spanning just 209 hectares, it ranks among the most densely populated cities in the world, with over 200,000 residents. Situated centrally in the island chain, Malé is home to key government offices, financial institutions, schools, hospitals, and businesses.
Despite its small footprint, the city has a tightly packed urban environment of paved roads and high-rise buildings. A seawall surrounds the island to protect it from ocean swells. It is connected by bridge to Hulhulé, the airport island, and to Hulhumalé, a major reclaimed island and satellite city.
Malé’s waterfront—especially the fish market and harbor—highlights its history of trade and fishing. While many Maldivians leave their home islands for services and opportunities found here, Malé remains a complex mix of tradition, pressure from urban growth, and its central role in shaping the nation.
Despite its small footprint, the city has a tightly packed urban environment of paved roads and high-rise buildings. A seawall surrounds the island to protect it from ocean swells. It is connected by bridge to Hulhulé, the airport island, and to Hulhumalé, a major reclaimed island and satellite city.
Malé’s waterfront—especially the fish market and harbor—highlights its history of trade and fishing. While many Maldivians leave their home islands for services and opportunities found here, Malé remains a complex mix of tradition, pressure from urban growth, and its central role in shaping the nation.
Island Information
- Island Name
- Male'
- Island Code
- MLE
- Atoll
- Male' City
- Island Type
- Inhabited
- Area
- 208 hectares
- Regulating Authority
- Council
- Primary Agency
- Council
- Latitude
- 4.175278
- Longitude
- 73.508889
- Nearest Island
- Lagoon, Emboodhoo (5.02 km)
Stay in Male'
Quick Stats
- Sites
- 2
- Zones
- 1
- Plots
- 1
