Dharavandhoo
Dharavandhoo
Inhabited island in Maldives
Dharavandhoo (Dhivehi: ދަރަވަންދޫ) is one of the inhabited islands of Baa Atoll.
Dharavandhoo
ދަރަވަންދޫ | |
|---|---|
Dharavandhoo Aerial View (Recent) | |
| Coordinates: 05°09′30″N 73°07′50″E | |
| Country | Maldives |
| Administrative atoll | Baa Atoll (South Maalhos Madulu) |
| Distance to Malé | 116.53 km (72.41 mi) |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.4550 km2 (0.1757 sq mi) |
| Dimensions | |
| • Length | 1.330 km (0.826 mi) |
| • Width | 0.480 km (0.298 mi) |
| Population (2014)[1] | |
| • Total | 857 (including foreigners) |
| Time zone | UTC+05:00 (MST) |
The island is 116.53 km (72 mi; 63 nmi) north of the country's capital, Malé.[2]
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 sharks. This globally renowned eco-life zone is now strictly protected by law.
| Year | Pop. | ±% |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 740 | — |
| 2014 | 744 | +0.5% |
| 2006-2014: Census populations Source: [3] | ||
The island is administered by an Island Council consisting of five councillors elected by the people of the island.
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.
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.
The island has its own health centre.
Dharavandhoo Airport 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.
Dharavandhoo has two football grounds.
The island has two mosques.
The citizens of the island are all Dhivehi speaking.
Poetry and literature
Poets from Dharavandhoo poets play a significant role in Maldives poetry and Dhivehi literature.
Well known Maldivian poets include Shaikh Hussain Salahudhdheen, Yoosuf Alifulhu, Saeed Alifulhu, Ahmed Nashid and Abdullah Muaz.
- Dharavandhoo Airport runway, nearing completion
- The Dharavandhoo main road, pictured in the 1990s from near Baa Atoll school
- President of Maldives Mohamed Nasheed visits Dharavandhoo in 2010.
- Dharavandhoo Friday Mosque
- The Dharavandhoo break-water harbour jetty in 2012, prior to renovation
- "Table PP5: Resident Population by sex, nationality and locality (administrative islands), 2014" (PDF). Population and Households Census 2014. National Bureau of Statistics. p. 34. Retrieved 12 August 2018.
- "Coordinate Distance Calculator". Boulter.com. Retrieved 12 August 2018.
- "Table 3.3: Total Maldivian Population by Islands" (PDF). National Bureau of Statistics. Retrieved 12 August 2018.
