Dharavandhoo

Dharavandhoo (Dhivehi: ދަރަވަންދޫ) is one of the inhabited islands of Baa Atoll.

Dharavandhoo ދަރަވަންދޫ
Inhabited island
Dharavandhoo Aerial View (Recent)
Dharavandhoo Location in Maldives
Coordinates: 05°09′30″N 73°07′50″E
Country	Maldives
Administrative atoll	Baa Atoll (South Maalhos Madulu)
Distance to Malé	116.53 km (72.41 mi)
Area
• Total	0.4550 km2 (0.1757 sq mi)
Dimensions
• Length	1.330 km (0.826 mi)
• Width	0.480 km (0.298 mi)
Population  (2014)[1]
• Total	857 (including foreigners)
Time zone	UTC+05:00 (MST)

Geography

The island is 116.53 km (72 mi; 63 nmi) north of the country's capital, Malé.^[2]

Ecology

This island is surrounded by clear waters known as Dharavandhoo Thila and Hanifaru Bay; which are famous amongst divers around the world, for it is a sanctuary for a variety of marine life, including manta rays and whale sharks. This globally renowned eco-life zone is now strictly protected by law.

Demography

Historical population

Year	Pop.	±%
2006	740	—
2014	744	+0.5%
2006-2014: Census populations Source: [3]

Governance

The island is administered by an Island Council consisting of five councillors elected by the people of the island.

Transportation

Dharavandhoo Airport was opened on 17 October 2012. Inner harbour was first dredged by MTCC, in the last four months of 1997. There is also a breakwater jetty.

Gallery

• 
  Dharavandhoo Airport runway, nearing completion
• 
  The Dharavandhoo main road, pictured in the 1990s from near Baa Atoll school
• 
  President of Maldives Mohamed Nasheed visits Dharavandhoo in 2010.
• 
  Dharavandhoo Friday Mosque
• 
  The Dharavandhoo break-water harbour jetty in 2012, prior to renovation