Manadhoo is the capital of Noonu Atoll in the Maldives. Manadhoo is the third most populous island and the largest natural island in Noonu Atoll.
History
So far, the history of Manadhoo has not been studied by any authority despite having a historic place known as "Maamiskithu Vevu" a bathing tank with ancient Arabic calligraphy and well-bricked walls. Vevu or bathing tanks, were used as public baths and later for ablution. The actual period of this Vevu is unknown, however sandstone used in construction is evidence pointing to the pre-Islamic period.These types of baths are found in other parts of Maldives. Coral stone is also seen in some of the baths and mosques. This supports the theory that the Vevu was built earlier than most coral stone mosques. Little information is available on the ancient people and their way of life. Evidence suggests that Manadhoo has been populated and thriving as early as the 4th-century BC. It is argued that the earliest settlers migrated from Arabia, eastern Africa and the Indian subcontinent among other places.
Geography
The island is north of the country's capital, Malé. Geographically, Manadhoo is situated in the very centre of the atoll equally reachable for rest of other inhabited island to the north and south-west of the atoll. The island of Manadhoo measures approximately, and has a natural harbour surrounded by natural seawalls. The island is at the south-east of the atoll, according to the formation of the atoll. The major available land is uninhabited.
Governance
The island is the capital of South Miladhunmadulu, and most of the government offices have been established.
The Secretariat of the South Miladhummadulu Atoll Council
The President of Manadhoo council is Mohamed Umar Adam Moosa.
Demography
Manaduans are a mixed race, as in any part of the Maldives.
Economy
The main livelihood of the population depends on construction carpentry work civil service, tourism, fishing and private business. The island has become a hub for the atoll ferry service, and wholesale business. Hence, respective citizens from other islands travel for medical and banking service, while retailers acquire their day-to-day supplies at the same rates as in the capital city. Most of the basic infrastructure was built through aid granted from overseas organizations, such as the recent upgrade to the harbour which was funded by French aid. The sewerage and sanitation systems were built through aid granted from the UN. Manadhoo has the atoll school, which was built with grant aid from Japanese government during the 1980s. Manadhoo is in close proximity to luxury hotels, which have been built recently, such as Soneva Jani and Cheval Blanc Randheli, now owned by Sheik Mansour from Abu Dhabi. The economy of Manadhoo is unhealthy like other islands of Maldives, hence no large-scale economic activities take place. Most of the citizens were engaged in public sector employment, with the rest employed in the tourism sector. There has been a plan to develop tourist guest houses on the island, knowing that Maafaru Airport would begin operation in 2018. This could be a vital turning point for Manadhoo, hence the island is capable of leasing large amount of land to the beach front facing towards sunset.
Other services
Atoll Development Council Guest House, Bank of Maldives Manadhoo Branch, Noonu Atoll Family and Children Service Center and Noonu Manadhoo Post contributes to the infrastructure of the island.
Education
Noonu Atoll School is located on the island. Traditionally, education in the Manadhoo was limited to the basic literacy skills; namely the recital of the Quran, reading and writing the Dhivehi language. The modern system of English medium education was introduced in 1997.
Health
Noonu Atoll Hospital, the STO Pharmacy and Maldivian Redcrescent Noonu Branch Office. The island has severely poor achievements in human population.
Culture
Language
Dhivehi is the language spoken in Manadhoo. Spoken only in Maldives, Dhivehi belongs to the Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European family of languages. It has numerous loanwords from Tamil, Malayalam, Sinhalese, Arabic, Urdu, Hindi, Portuguese and English.
