Alif Alif Atoll
Overview
Alif Alif Atoll, also known as Northern Ari Atoll, is a significant administrative division of the Maldives established on March 1, 1984. The atoll was created by combining three distinct areas:
- The northern section of Ari Atoll
- The small Rasdhukuramathi Atoll (Ross Atoll)
- The isolated island of Thoddoo
Geography and Demographics
- Contains 32 islands in total
- 8 islands are inhabited
- Population: 13,638 (representing 2.4% of the Maldives' total population)
- Maalhos holds the distinction of being the westernmost island in the atoll and is the second most westerly inhabited island in the entire Maldives, after Maamakunudhoo
Inhabited Islands
Thoddoo
Rasdhoo
Mathiveri
Maalhos
Himendhoo
Feridhoo
Bodufolhudhoo
Key Islands
Rasdhoo
- Serves as the atoll capital
- Known as a thriving tourist destination
- Features numerous guesthouses
Thoddoo
- The largest and most populated island in the atoll
- Distinguished for its agricultural production, particularly:
- Watermelon
- Chili
- Papaya
Tourism and Infrastructure
- Houses 13 tourist resorts
- No airport within the atoll
- Regular speedboat services connect the atoll to Male City
- Developing tourism sector with a focus on guesthouse tourism in Rasdhoo, Ukulhas and Thodoo
Historical Significance
The atoll holds considerable historical and archaeological importance:
- Many islands show evidence of continuous habitation since ancient times
- Contains archaeological remains from the Maldivian Buddhist period
- Notably, Vajrayana Buddhist remains have been discovered on Maalhos island
Administrative Context
- Created as part of the most recent administrative reorganization of the Maldives
- Forms one half of the former Ari Atoll (Alifu Atoll), which was divided into:
- Alifu Alifu Atoll (Northern section)
- Alifu Dhaalu Atoll (Southern section)
