Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll – Southern Huvadhu and its proud atoll tradition
Gaafu Dhaalu is the south-western part of Huvadhu, one of the largest natural atolls in the world. Historically the chief of Huvadhu enjoyed a special degree of self-government, including a privilege granted to no other atoll chief in the Maldives: to fly his own flag on his vessels and at his residence. Life here has long been shaped by the sea, fishing and inter-island trade.
The district was created on 8 February 1962, when Huvadhu was divided in two. Its capital is Thinadhoo, and it includes 153 islands, 10 of them inhabited. Since 1993 Kaadedhdhoo Airport has connected the atoll. Do you have stories or photos from Gaafu Dhaalu? Share them with our community!