Male, often called Malé, is the bustling capital city of the Republic of Maldives. Located in the North Malé Atoll, it is an island city known for its colorful buildings, historic mosques, and the bustling Male' Fish Market. The city stands distinct from the rest of the Maldives, which is famous for its serene and luxurious resort islands. Despite its small size, Male is crammed with buildings and narrow streets, bustling with people and traffic. Among the points of interest is the 17th-century Hukuru Miskiy (also known as Friday Mosque), which is adorned with intricate carvings and is a fine example of Maldivian Islamic architecture. The Maldives National Museum, situated in Sultan Park, holds a collection of artifacts that traces the history of the country. Male's artificial beach and Rasfannu Beach are spots for locals and visitors to relax, although they can't compare with the expansive, natural beaches of the outer islands. Male provides a glimpse into the everyday Maldivian life amidst the country's tropical paradise allure.
