Male, << MAH lay >> (pop. 153,379), is the capital and chief port of the Maldives. It lies on Male Island, in the Indian Ocean.
Housing in Male ranges from palm thatched structures with tin roofs to buildings made of crushed coral with tile roofs. Male has many mosques (Islamic houses of worship). Its landmarks include the Islamic Center, a gold-painted mosque and meeting place; and the national museum, which is on the grounds of the demolished sultan’s palace. The museum displays items from Arab, Dravidian, and Sri Lankan cultures. Male attracts many tourists. Tourist and government activities employ many of the city’s people.
The origin of Male is unknown. But it may have been founded as the capital when the first people reached the Maldives in the 300’s B.C.
