Dharavandhoo ( Dhivehi: ދަރަވަންދޫ) is one of the inhabited islands of Baa Atoll.

Geography

The island is north of the country's capital,

Malé Malé (, ; dv, މާލެ) is the capital and most populous city of the Maldives. With a population of 252,768 and an area of , it is also one of the most densely populated cities in the world. The city is geographically located at the southern ...

Ecology

This island is surrounded by clear waters known as Dharavandhoo Thila and Hanifaru Bay; which are famous amongst divers around the world, for it is a sanctuary for a variety of marine life, including manta rays and

whale shark The whale shark (''Rhincodon typus'') is a slow-moving, filter-feeding carpet shark and the largest known extant fish species. The largest confirmed individual had a length of .McClain CR, Balk MA, Benfield MC, Branch TA, Chen C, Cosgrove J, ...

s. This globally renowned eco-life zone is now strictly protected by law.

Demography

Governance

The island is administered by an Island Council consisting of five councillors elected by the people of the island.

Economy

The economy is mainly based on tourism related activities, fishery and agriculture, though most of the educated run their own businesses or are employed with work in Male (the capital city of Maldives). The island has a powerhouse, run by a utility company.

Education

Dharavandhoo has a Children's Nursery School. The education system is only available up to secondary school; further education is sought from Male' or elsewhere.

Healthcare

The island has its own health centre.

Transportation

Dharavandhoo Airport Dharavandhoo Airport is a domestic airport located on the island of Dharavandhoo, part of the Baa Atoll in Maldives. It was opened on 17 October 2012 by President Mohamed Waheed Hassan. Flight operations began to the airport on 15th of that mon ...

was opened on 17 October 2012. Inner harbour was first dredged by MTCC, in the last four months of 1997. There is also a breakwater jetty.

Sport

Dharavandhoo has two football grounds.

Religion

The island has two mosques.

Culture

The citizens of the island are all Dhivehi speaking.

Poetry and literature

Dharavandhoo is a significant island in poetry and Dhivehi literature. Most popular poets and linguists were found in Dharavandhoo's Hussain Edhurukaleyfaanu family. The most famous Maldivean scholar is Shaikh Hussain Salahudhdheen (father of Hon. Ibrahim Shihab, Hon.Adnan Hussain, First lady Her Excellency Fathimath Saeed (Wife of Amimn Didi), First lady Her Excellency Mariyam Saeed (Wife of President Ibrahim Nasir)and His Brother Abdullah Kamaludhdheen (father of Chief Justice Shaikh Mohamed Jameel Didi and Moosa Jameel)'s mother Thuththu Manike is a grand daughter of Dharavandhoo Edhuru kaleyfaanu. Famous poets Mr.Yoosuf Alifulhu and Mr.Saeed Alifulhu are also from EdhuruKaleyfaanu family. Mr.Ahmed Nashid and Mr.Abdullah Muaz are also well known poets in Maldives.

Gallery

File:Dharavandhoo Airport Runway near Completion.jpg,

Runway near Completion File:Dharavandhoo Main Road in 90s.jpg, Dharavandhoo Main Road in 90s (from near Baa Atoll School) File:President in Dharavandhoo.jpg, The first Democratic President Mohamed Nasheed in Dharavandhoo (2010) File:Dhara Friday Mosque.jpg, Dharavandhoo Friday Mosque File:Dharavandhoo Old Harbour.jpg, Dharavandhoo break-water Harbour Jetty before the renovation in 2012 File:Dharavandhoo Thila - Puffer Fish.JPG, Dharavandhoo Thila: Puffer Fish File:Dharavandhoo Thila - Whale Shark.jpg, Dharavandhoo Thila: Whale Shark

References

External links

* https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=5.168566,73.144484&spn=0.062573,0.090895&t=h&z=14&lci=com.panoramio.all *https://web.archive.org/web/20081121040725/http://www.baa.gov.mv/contents/islands/dharavandhoo.html *https://www.facebook.com/groups/231176730273332/ Islands of the Maldives {{Maldives-geo-stub