Fonadhoo (Laamu Atoll) Explained

Fonadhoo
Native Name Lang:dv
Settlement Type:capital island
Pushpin Map:Maldives
Pushpin Relief:y
Pushpin Mapsize:250
Pushpin Label Position:left
Pushpin Map Caption:Location in Maldives
Coordinates:1.8333°N 73.5°W
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name:Maldives
Subdivision Type1:Geographic atoll
Subdivision Type2:Administrative atoll
Subdivision Name2:Laamu Atoll
Subdivision Type3:Distance to Malé
Subdivision Name3:258.97km (160.92miles)
Seat Type:Capital
Parts Type:Geographic atolls
Parts Style:list
Leader Title:Council
Leader Name:Ahmed Riyaz
Leader Title3:Mayor
Leader Title4:Island Chief
Unit Pref:Metric
Area Total Km2:1.68
Length Km:4.000
Width Km:0.480
Population Footnotes:[1]
Population Total:2266 (including foreigners)
Population As Of:2014
Population Density Km2:auto
Utc Offset:+05:00
Postal Code Type:Assigned Letter
Postal2 Code Type:Assigned Letter
Area Code Type:Area code(s)
Blank Name Sec2:Number of Islands
Blank1 Name Sec2:Inhabited
Blank2 Name Sec2:Uninhabited
Blank3 Name Sec2:Total

Fonadhoo (Dhivehi: ފޮނަދޫ) is the capital island in Laamu atoll of the Maldives.

The island has three villages: Barasil (northernmost), Medhuavah (in the middle) and Kurigam (southernmost). However, after the relocation of people from the neighbouring Gaadhoo, two new communities have emerged, one to the north of Baraasil and the other, south of Kurigam. The population of the island exceeded 3,000 in 2023.

History

Most of the history (geological and behavioural) of Fonadhoo and its people has not been recorded. The island is considered a Gaamathee Rah - an island formed on a coral mountain, facing one side to the bay (Etherevari) and the other side to the open sea (Fuhtaru-Huvadhoo Kandu). It is believed that the island has a rich culture and is very much related to the history of the Maldives. Important historical places in the island include the Old Friday Mosque, a few sheltered tombs (Magbarah) and old mosques and cemeteries in many parts of the island.

Geography

The island is 258.970NaN0 south of the country's capital, Malé.[2] Being the administrative capital of Laamu Atoll, the atmosphere is vibrant with a lot of vegetation.

Economy

Most of the people are civil servants or work in Kadhdhoo Domestic Airport or in Maandhoo Fisheries Complex. Some are small scale farmers and others self-employed. At present and since the last decade there are no open sea fishing boats. A few boat owners exist with small reef fishing boats and two boats that cargo goods to and from Male'. The island has a low per capita income but has a regular flow of income which contributes to its slow progress.

Education

Starting from the days of Bodu Madharusa, the island has had a government school which includes grades 1 to 12. There are two other preschools (arafa Preschool in Medhuavah and Barru Preschool in Barasil). The island has an average level of education with very few degree and masters holders and no PhD holders to date.

Transport

The island is connected by causeway to Gan island and Kadhdhoo.[3]

Notable people

One of the important personalities of Fonadhoo is Abdul Kareem Kaleyfaanu of Finivaage. He was among the first batch of Dhaarul Igama (دارالأقامۃ) students. He served the government for 48 years. Within this period he sincerely served as the Bodu Katheebu (Island Chief) for 37 years. When he died on 31 July 2004, he was a state pensioner holding the post of Raajjethereyge Khaassa Eheetheriyaa (Special Envoy of the islanders) at the Ministry of Atolls Administration (now Ministry of Home Affairs). He contributed to the literature of Maldives by writing articles of different genres for the Faithoora magazine and several poems. Much of his work is not published. He was married to Aminath Ahmed (Aimina Manike) with 7 children and 13 grandchildren.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Table PP5: Resident Population by sex, nationality and locality (administrative islands), 2014. 35. Population and Households Census 2014. National Bureau of Statistics. 8 August 2018.
  2. Web site: Coordinate Distance Calculator. Boulter.com. 8 August 2018.
  3. Book: Maldives Post-Tsunami Environmental Assessment. 69. UNEP. 2005. 9789280725797. 968476613.