Fuvahmulah
Inhabited
Code: Gn
About Fuvahmulah
Fuvahmulah is world-renowned for its unique shark diving experience, particularly year-round encounters with tiger sharks in the harbor area—an occurrence unmatched elsewhere in the Maldives. Located in the far south, Fuvahmulah is the only one-island atoll in the country, often referred to as the “one island, one atoll” due to its distinctive geographic and administrative status.
Spanning approximately 4.9 square kilometers (or 490 hectares), According to the 2023 registered population records, Fuvahmulah has 13,353 registered residents. However, the 2022 census showed only 7,907 people living on the island, meaning around 41% of registered residents currently live elsewhere, often due to migration for work, education, or healthcare.
Fuvahmulah’s geography sets it apart: it has no surrounding lagoon, deep ocean waters on all sides, and two freshwater lakes—Dhadimagi Kilhi and Bandaara Kilhi—that support rare wetland ecosystems. The island is divided into eight wards (magu), functioning as local administrative districts.
Historically, Fuvahmulah was famous for its high-quality areca nut and taro exports. It also has a deep cultural legacy, including a strong oral tradition. Among its notable historical figures is Chief Justice and renowned linguist Jamaaludheen Naib Thuththu, remembered for his contributions to Dhivehi language scholarship and legal thought. The island has long stood as both a geographic and cultural outlier in the Maldives.
Spanning approximately 4.9 square kilometers (or 490 hectares), According to the 2023 registered population records, Fuvahmulah has 13,353 registered residents. However, the 2022 census showed only 7,907 people living on the island, meaning around 41% of registered residents currently live elsewhere, often due to migration for work, education, or healthcare.
Fuvahmulah’s geography sets it apart: it has no surrounding lagoon, deep ocean waters on all sides, and two freshwater lakes—Dhadimagi Kilhi and Bandaara Kilhi—that support rare wetland ecosystems. The island is divided into eight wards (magu), functioning as local administrative districts.
Historically, Fuvahmulah was famous for its high-quality areca nut and taro exports. It also has a deep cultural legacy, including a strong oral tradition. Among its notable historical figures is Chief Justice and renowned linguist Jamaaludheen Naib Thuththu, remembered for his contributions to Dhivehi language scholarship and legal thought. The island has long stood as both a geographic and cultural outlier in the Maldives.
Island Information
- Island Name
- Fuvahmulah
- Island Code
- Gn
- Atoll
- Fuvahmulah
- Island Type
- Inhabited
- Area
- 495.05 hectares
- Regulating Authority
- Council
- Primary Agency
- Council
- Latitude
- 0.294287
- Longitude
- 73.425799
- Nearest Island
- Gadhdhoo (3.45 km)
- Other Information
- Fuvahmulah is easily accessible by air, with daily flights from Malé taking about 1 hour 30 minutes. The island has its own airport with regular domestic service.
By sea, regular high-speed RTL ferries connect Fuvahmulah to Addu City, taking 45–90 minutes.
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