In 1998 there were about 270,000 inhabitants with a population density of about 850 inhabitants per sq.km. The average annual increase in population is about 3 % (1980 to 1998).

The official language is Dhivehi, a special form of the Singhalese language with elements of Urudu, Latin and Arabic. The commercial language is English.
The Thaana script is used, which is similar to the Arabic script.

The inhabitants are Sunni Muslims. The state religion is 100% Islam.

Male, the "capital island", is only 1.7 x 1.0 km in size.
In 1999 there were approx. 70,000 persons living in Male.

Male, the capital of the Maldives is not "only" one island of a large number of islands in the North Male Atoll. It is also the political, economical and cultural turning point in the of the whole Maldives.

Male has a population of approximately 70.000 inhabitants; this is about one fourth of the Maldivian population.

Even though Male is not a big island and all the places can be reached comfortably by walking, even in this part of the world like everywhere, nobody wants to miss status symbols. Motorized vehicles have more and more replaced the bicycles, which were once the most common mode of transportation. The number of motorbikes, cars and even lorries registered is rapidly increasing. Public transportation like busses does not exist. However there are air-conditioned taxis available, which can be hired for US$ 2.00. Yes, there are now traffic lights in Male. Many roads have been paved. But this makes it easy for cars and motorbikes to drive faster - pedestrians beware!

In recent years Male has changed very fast, but still retains its cozy atmosphere.

In 1982 the first four-story building was erected and others followed (record holder building is a eleven-story building), event though the soft coral ground does not provide a solid base for such buildings. Nevertheless, multiple story buildings dominate today's skyline. Male is experiencing a boom in building and everywhere buildings are beeing restored and modernized. Air-conditioned office buildings have replaced tiny storage buildings and small shops. The small businesses in the narrow busy roads have been replaced by shopping malls and supermarkets. However tradition and modern time combine in harmony.

It takes about 45 minuted to walk around Male. Here you can see several places of interest such as:

For example the Hukuru Miskiiy, the Friday Mosque, which is one of the most important ones of the 25 mosques in Male. Enjoy the visit of the graveyard of the national hero, the park of the Sultan and the Muleeage, the resident of the President. The National Museum has historical exhibits and bequests of the Sultans; for example the throne chair, sedan chair and many archeological discoveries.
The most popular places are the 31 m high gold dome and the 41 m high thin Minarett of the Islamic Centre, which also has the Islamic Library. There is space of over 5000 people in this big mosque.

Do not miss a visit at the harbour and the market.
It is very nice to walk along the embankment to watch the coming and going of the boats and the loading and unloading off of their goods. In the late afternoon the fishing boats arrive in the Dhoni Harbour and bring their catch to the fish market.
Behind the fish market you can reach the wood market and the vegetable and fruit market.

Because of the heat in the city during the daytime, it is advisable to make shopping tours in the evening, when Male is bustling.

Male also has several hotels, pensions and so called guest houses. There are also many restaurants of different categories, teahouses and snackbars.

Visitors staying in the North-Male-Atoll or in the north of the South-Male-Atoll should take the opportunity to visit Male.
Almost every resort offers half- or full-day excursions (so called Male shopping tours) to Male for shopping or dinner.

The young Maldivians are wearing modern clothings. However, should you visit Male, please respect the Moslem religion and dress appropriately (T-Shirt and Shorts is o.k.).