Is Fuvahmulah Bigger Than Malé? Size, Population, and Geography Compared
When planning a trip to the Maldives, most travelers are surprised to find that the capital, Malé, isn't the largest island in terms of landmass. If you’ve ever wondered, "Is Fuvahmulah bigger than Malé?" the short answer is yes—significantly.
While Malé is the bustling, high-rise heart of the nation, Fuvahmulah is a unique geographical wonder that holds much more physical territory. Here is the breakdown of how these two iconic Maldivian islands compare.
The Size Comparison: Land Area
In the Maldives, "big" can be measured by land area or by the density of the "concrete jungle." When looking at the raw numbers, Fuvahmulah takes the lead.
| Feature | Fuvahmulah | Malé (City Island) |
| Land Area | Approx. 4.9 km² | Approx. 1.95 km² |
| Island Type | Single-island Atoll | Highly urbanized coral island |
| Geography | Freshwater lakes & wetlands | Reclaimed land & skyscrapers |
Fuvahmulah is more than twice the size of Malé island. While Malé has expanded through massive land reclamation projects (and the addition of nearby artificial islands like Hulhumalé), the natural landmass of Fuvahmulah remains one of the largest in the archipelago.
Why Fuvahmulah is Unique
Unlike most Maldivian islands, which are part of large rings of coral (atolls), Fuvahmulah is a submerged volcano crater that stands alone as its own atoll. This unique formation gives it several features you won't find in Malé:
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Freshwater Lakes: Fuvahmulah is home to "Bandaara Kilhi" and "Dhadimagi Kilhi," two large freshwater lakes.
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Diverse Ecosystem: Because of its size and soil quality, it features lush vegetation and tropical fruits (like mangoes and pineapples) that are harder to grow on smaller islands.
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The "Thoondu" Beach: It boasts a rare pebble beach at its northern tip, a stark contrast to the artificial beaches found in the capital.
Population Density: A Tale of Two Cities
While Fuvahmulah is bigger in size, Malé is much "bigger" in terms of population.
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Malé is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, housing over 200,000 people in less than 2 square kilometers. It is a vertical city defined by narrow streets and tall buildings.
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Fuvahmulah has a population of roughly 13,000. This means you have much more "breathing room," wide-open roads, and a more laid-back, traditional Maldivian pace of life.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Visit?
If you want the fast-paced energy, shopping, and historical sites of the Maldives, Malé is your destination. However, if you are looking for expansive nature, world-class tiger shark diving, and a sense of scale that most Maldivian islands lack, Fuvahmulah is the clear winner.
Key Takeaway: Fuvahmulah is physically much larger than Malé, but Malé is far more populated and urbanized.
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