Male'

Male’ City is considered one of the smallest capitals in the world in terms of size. A third of the country’s population, about 75,000 live in Male’ so this certainly makes it very crowded. It is very different from any other island in the Maldives and one of the first things you will notice is its modern high-rise buildings housing the government offices, businesses and banks. Male’ is the hub of trade and the central seat of the government. The roads are paved and a seawall surrounds this small island.

There is no natural beach, but instead a landscaped artificial beach area has been created, which is very popular with local families who can be seen taking the children to learn to swim.

The main street Majeedhee Magu (road) runs right through the island from east to west. Chaandhanee Magu on the other hand runs across from north to south. The main streets are lined with shops selling clothes and jewelry to the latest technological items. During the rush hour a lot of motorized vehicles can be seen. However, traffic lights and one-way roads keep the traffic at a smooth flow but be careful when crossing the road.

Male’ offer visitors a variety of leisure activities, be it sight-seeing – visiting the local fish market, Sultans Park, Museum and Friday Mosque. Relaxing and taking it easy over home made ice cream and a cool refreshing drink or as hopping spree. The water-front souvenir shops offer a wide variety of art and craft items as well as swimming gear and beach wear. Most souvenir shops line the northern end of Chaandanee Magu.

Look out for the following products "made in the Maldives":

There are some fine local handicrafts, in particular the traditional lacquered wooden boxes, bowls and vases, strikingly designed in brightly colored patterns. Attractive and uniquely Maldivian mats, made from either reeds or coconut leaves and coir (the fibrous material from the outside of coconut shells), are hand-woven by craftsmen and women out on the islands. Maldivian jewellery-necklaces, rings and bracelets-are fashioned from local materials such as mother-of-pearl. When shopping for souvenirs all visitors to Maldives should keep in mind that export of products made of turtle shell, black coral, pearl oyster shell and red coral is prohibited.