The Capital, Malé

Malé has a population of 70,000 and is the center for commerce and government in the Maldives. It has important historical and religious sites and buildings. The Islamic Center is in the Grand Friday Mosque which can accommodate over 5,000 worshippers. With its magnificent golden dome, the Grand Friday Mosque is a must for visitors.  It gives a glimpse into the past with its beautiful minaret and tombs of royalty and national heroes. There are also invaluable and unique art treasures to be viewed in the mosque and the royal blue grounds.

Other sights to see include the present and former Presidential Palaces - with the tombs of legendary saints in the former palace and the national museum. The markets for fish, firewood and vegetables offer the chance to sample local life and trading by outer atoll islanders. The Maldivian tradition of the early morning sweeping of the roads remains and is especially noticeable in the capital.

The mainly duty free shops have very competitive prices for a wide variety of local and imported souvenirs and handicrafts as well as electric and electronic goods, hi-fi and stereo equipment, photographic equipment, watches and consumable luxury goods like cosmetics.  This contrasts with the simple life and self-sufficiency of the islanders with their great satisfaction and contentment being admired by visitors from more urban and technologically focused environments.