Haa Alif Atoll

Haa Alif Atoll, officially known as Thiladhunmathi Uthuruburi (Northern Thiladhunmathi Atoll), is the northernmost administrative division of the Maldives. It consists of two parts: Ihavandhippolhu (the northernmost natural atoll of the Maldive archipelago) and a portion of the larger Thiladhunmathi or Tiladummati Atoll. The formation of Haa Alif Atoll occurred on May 21, 1958, when Thiladhunmathi was split into northern and southern divisions, with the northern division being combined with Ihavandhippolhu to create Haa Alif Atoll (Thiladhumathi North). The atoll contains 42 islands in total, with 14 being inhabited and three functioning as tourist resorts. It ranks as the third-largest atoll in the Maldives in terms of both population and land area. Due to its position at the northern tip of the Maldives, Haa Alif Atoll is the closest to Sri Lanka and India.

Distinctive characteristics

Location: It's the northernmost administrative division, making it the closest Maldivian atoll to India and Sri Lanka

Strategic Importance: Due to its location, it was historically significant for trade routes and navigation in the region

Administrative Structure: It's one of the larger administrative atolls, created when the natural Thiladhunmathi Atoll was divided into two districts (Haa Alif and Haa Dhaalu)

Cultural Heritage: The atoll is home to some of the oldest historical sites in the Maldives, including ancient Buddhist ruins

Climate: Being the northernmost atoll, it experiences slightly different monsoon patterns compared to southern atolls

Quick Facts

- Location: Northernmost atoll of Maldives

- Administrative Capital: Dhidhdhoo

- Number of Islands: 43 (14 inhabited)

- Population: Approximately 13,500

- Distance from Male: 290 km

- Primary Industries: Fishing, agriculture, tourism

Inhabited Islands

Baarah

Dhidhoo (Capital)

Filladhoo

Hoarafushi

Ihavandhoo

Kelaa

Maarandhoo

Mulhadhoo

Muraidhoo

Thakandhoo

Thuraakunu

Uligamu

Utheemu

Vashafaru

Updated on: 21 October 2024

Photo Credits

Cover Photo Credit: Arushad

Haa Alif atoll's beauty is captured through the creative lens of Arushad, a photographer from Haa Alif Uligan, whose work reflects the untouched charm of the Maldives' northernmost frontier.