Malé

Malé is the capital and most populous city of the Maldives. With a population of 252,768 including other districts and an area of 8.30 square kilometres, it is also one of the most densely populated cities in the world. The city is geographically located in the southern edge of North Malé Atoll.Administratively, the city consists of a central island, an airport island, and four other islands presided over by the Malé City Council.

Traditionally it was the King's Island, from where the ancient royal dynasties ruled and where the palace was located. The city was then called Mahal. Formerly it was a walled city surrounded by fortifications and gates.