This fascinating city is Malé, the capital and the most populous city in the Republic of Maldives.
Here are some facts:
- The central part of the city is formed by the island of Malé. Three more islands form part of the city. A commercial harbour is located on Malé Island and serves as the heart of all commercial activities in the country.
- The central island is heavily urbanized, with the built-up area taking up essentially its entire landmass.
- Slightly less than one third of the nation’s population lives in the capital city.
- The population of Malé has increased from 20,000 people in 1987 to 100,000 people in 2006.
- The whole island group, the Maldives, is named after its capital. The word “Maldives” means “The islands (dives) of Malé”.
- The Island of Malé is the firth most densely populated island in the world. Since there is no surrounding countryside, all infrastructure has to be located in the city itself.
- Water is provided from desalinated ground water; the water works pumps brackish water from 50-60 m deep wells in the city and desalinates that using reverse osmosis.
- Electric power is generated in the city using diesel generators.
- Sewage is pumped unprocessed into the sea. Solid waste is transported to nearby islands, where it is used to fill in lagoons. The airport was built in this way, and currently the Thilafushi lagoon is being filled in.
- Many government buildings and agencies are located on the waterfront. Malé International Airport is on adjacent Hulhule Island which includes a seaplane base for internal transportation. Several land reclamation projects have expanded the harbour.
- Source: Wikipedia- Malé
- Map: Malé Map