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Maldives

Photos

13 Photos

13 Photos

Mulee-Aage Palace in Male was built in 1906 by Sultan Shamsuddeen III as a home for his son. In 1936, the sultan was banished and the building became the new government's property. In 1986, the building was named the president's official residence. Today there is a new official residence and Mulee-Aage serves as the president's office. It is noted for its exquisite white carvings.

The Royal Graveyard in Male is near the Grand Friday Mosque and contains the tombs of the country's heroes and members of royalty.

Jumhoorie Maidan (Republic Square) was set up in 1989 on the waterfront of Male, the capital and largest city in the Maldives. Male, sometimes known as King's Island, was the royal seat for the former rulers of the Maldives. The Maldives consist of 1,190 coral islands averaging only 1.5 m above sea level. Once Buddhist, the Maldives are now predominately Muslim.

A view of the Male waterfront. The capital city's harbor is enclosed by an artificial coral stone breakwater.

Grand Friday Mosque in Male was built in 1656 by Sultan Ibrahim Iskandhar. It is the largest mosque in the Maldives and includes an Islamic Center.

A mosque with its minaret in Male.

Male bike park with minaret in the background.

Looking out onto lagoon waters from a palm-shaded beach.

An inviting beach at a resort near Male.

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Factbook images and photos — obtained from a variety of sources — are in the public domain and are copyright free.

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