Hoarafushi (Haa Alif Atoll)
Hoarafushi (Dhivehi: ހޯރަފުށި) is an inhabited island of Haa Alif Atoll, Maldives and is geographically part of the northern-most atoll in the country, Ihavandhippolhu Atoll. It is an island-level administrative constituency governed by the Hoarafushi Island Council.
Hoarafushi ހޯރަފުށި | |
|---|---|
island | |
  Hoarafushi Location in Maldives | |
| Coordinates: 6°58′50″N 72°53′45″E | |
| Country | Maldives |
| Geographic atoll | Ihavandhippolhu Atoll |
| Administrative atoll | Haa Alif Atoll |
| Distance to Malé | 317.57 km (197.33 mi) |
| Government | |
| • Council | Secretariat of the Hoarafushi Council |
| Dimensions | |
| • Length | 1.75 km (1.09 mi) |
| • Width | 0.45 km (0.28 mi) |
| Population (2014)[1] | |
| • Total | 1,826 (including foreigners) |
| Time zone | UTC+05:00 (MST) |
| Area code(s) | 650, 20 |
History
The people who live in Hoarafushi claim to have originated from Gudhanfushi, a vanished island adjacent to Huvahandhoo. The population moved to Huvuhandhoo as Gudhanfushi eroded away before moving onto Hoarafushi. The new settlers also called the island 'Huvarafushi'.
Etymology
The island is named after the great frigatebird, known as the hoara in Dhivehi, which used to be seen there.
Demography
| Historical population | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Pop. | ±% |
| 2006 | 2,204 | — |
| 2014 | 1,728 | −21.6% |
| 2006-2014: Census populations Source: [3] | ||
Services
Healthcare
Currently the island has a government established Health Center from where the people of the island can get basic health facilities 24/7.
Education
The Hoarafushi island has 3 well known educational institutions.
- H.a Atoll School (ހ.އ އަތޮޅު މަދަރުސާ), a government manipulated educational institution. (LKG to Grade 12)
- Adam Saleem Hadhaanee Pre-school (އާދަމް ސަލީމް ހަދާނީ ޕްރީ ސްކޫލް), Private. (Kindergarten)
- Thauleemul Bayaah (ތައުލީމުލް ބަޔާން), a private educational institution mainly focused on Qur'an Studies.
Police and security
A police station was established by the government to ensure the safeguard of the people living in the island.
Notable people
- It is believed that Huyy Ali Didi, the first poet of the Maldives is buried at the Kuda mosque on this island.
References
- "Table PP5: Resident Population by sex, nationality and locality (administrative islands), 2014" (PDF). Population and Households Census 2014. National Bureau of Statistics. p. 33. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
- "Coordinate Distance Calculator". Boulter.com. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
- "Table 3.3: Total Maldivian Population by Islands" (PDF). National Bureau of Statistics. Retrieved 9 August 2018.