Gaafushi Island is an archipelago located in the Maldives. The island group is located in the Gaafushi Atoll and includes Gaafushi, North Malé Atoll, South Malé Atoll, Dhigaliyadda, Hulhumale, and Feydhoo. The atoll was declared a protected area in 1978 and was rediscovered by Captain James Cook on November 25, 1776, while he was mapping the east coast of India. The island group is a popular tourist destination due to its crystal clear waters and lush tropical vegetation.
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Gaafushi Island History
Gaafushi is a volcanic island situated in the north-western Indian Ocean. It measures about 12 km2 and its highest peak is Mount Kadam at 1,462 m above sea level. The island has a population of around 250 people who live in scattered villages. Many people on the island are subsistence farmers who grow coconuts, bananas, and other crops. The rest of the population engages in fishing, tourism, and subsistence hunting and gathering.
Geography
Gaafushi Island is located in the Maldives, about 200 kilometers northwest of Male. The island is about 5 kilometers long and 2.5 kilometers wide, with a population of around 1,000 people. The economy is largely based on tourism, with a number of resorts and guesthouses on the island.
Ecosystem
Gaafushi is a volcanic island with a hot, dry climate. The island is covered in tropical vegetation, with palms and coconut trees dominating the landscape. There are also a number of small brooks and streams on the island. The wildlife includes pigs, cats, dogs, goats, deer, hawksbill turtles, and kingfishers.
Population
There is no solid answer to this question as the population of Gaafushi Island is constantly changing. However, according to the latest census data, the population of Gaafushi Island currently stands at just over 2,000 people. This means that the island’s population is growing at a rate of around 4% each year.
Economy
The economy of Gaafushi Island is based largely on tourism. The main attractions on the island are the dramatic cliffs and the clear blue waters. The island is also known for its pine forests, which provide a valuable resource for wood products. Other economic activities include fishing, farming, and commerce. There is also a small industrial sector, principally involved in the production of food products and handicrafts.
Climate
Gaafushi Island has a hot, dry climate. The average temperature on the island ranges from 32°C in the summer to 24°C in the winter. The rainy season lasts from March to May, and the dry season extends from October to December.
Culture and Religion
The culture of Gaafushi Island is based largely on traditional values. The islanders are devout Muslims, and many of them also adhere to ancient Hindu beliefs. There is a small Christian population on the island, but it is not as significant as the Muslim community.
Languages
The main language spoken on Gaafushi Island is Malagasy. However, there are also a number of dialects of Malagasy, and participants in the local culture typically use both formal and informal forms of speech.
Education
Gaafushi Island is a small coral atoll located in the Maldives. It has a total land area of only 2.5 km² and a population of around 1,500 people. The majority of the population is engaged in subsistence agriculture, fishing, and tourism. There is no formal education on the island, although some children attend school in neighboring Atoll Gaafushi.
Politics
Gaafushi Island is a part of the Maldives Republic, which is an independent member state of the United Nations. The government is headed by a President, who is directly elected by registered voters. The current president is Mohamed Nasheed, who was first elected in 2008 and re-elected in 2013. Gaafushi Island does not have its own Parliament or voting system, and instead relies on the approval of presidential decrees to make decisions affecting the island.
Government Services
There is no formal government or police force on Gaafushi Island. Instead, islanders rely on the support of local fishing guilds and traditional social institutions to maintain order. There are also a number of volunteer organizations that provide services such as health care, education, and environmental conservation.
Tourism
Gaafushi is the second most popular island in the Maldives. The tourism industry in Gaafushi Island is growing rapidly and it has a lot to offer tourists. The main attractions of Gaafushi Island are its natural beauty, the clear water, white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and the variety of dive sites. There are also a number of luxury resorts on the island that offer a wide range of services such as water sports, golf, tennis, horseback riding, and more.
Hotels and Resorts List
Gaafushi Island is a small atoll in the Maldives, located about 350 kilometers from Male. It consists of a single island, Gaafushi (the atoll), and is uninhabited. The atoll was declared a World Heritage Site in 1978 for its natural and cultural values. The island is known for its coral reefs and seabirds, including the black-footed naval officer, the white-faced shrike, and the red-footed booby.
The following hotels and resorts are located on Gaafushi Island:
- Dhigali Maldives Resort – This resort is located on the northeast coast of Gaafushi Island, on a beach with crystal-clear water and stunning views of Gaafushi Atoll. The hotel has 120 rooms that are decorated with traditional Maldivian fabrics and seashells. There are also several restaurants and bars on site.
- Amana Retreat – Amana Retreat is a luxury resort that is situated on the northeast coast of Gaafushi Island. The resort has 168 guest rooms that feature private gardens and Jacuzzis. There are also several restaurants and bars on-site, as well as a spa and wellness center.
Attractions
Gaafushi Island is a beautiful place with a lot to offer visitors. The island is part of the Gaafushi Atoll and is situated in the center of the atoll. It has a total land area of only 0.8 square kilometers and is made up of coral islands and sand islands.
Some of the attractions of Gaafushi Island include its crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, lush palm trees, and stunning turquoise waters. The island also has a small airport that serves as a gateway to the Gaafushi Atoll.
Gaafushi Island is known for its secluded luxury villas, which offer panoramic views of the atoll and its surrounding reefs. The island also offers scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, and sailing opportunities.
Activities
Some of the activities that are available on Gaafushi Island include swimming, diving, snorkeling, sailing, fishing, hiking, and biking.
Transport
The transportation of Gaafushi Island is handled by the Gaafushi Airport. The airport is located on the south coast of the island, about 8 km from the town of Vavuniya. It has one paved runway 07/25 with an asphalt surface measuring 2,690 m × 50 m. It also has a helicopter landing area.
Cuisine
The cuisine of Gaafushi Island is similar to that of other parts of Sri Lanka. It is made up of a variety of dishes, including curries, soups, and rice dishes.
Conclusion
Gaafushi Island is a great place to visit if you’re looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The island is home to beautiful natural landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and friendly locals. If you’re looking for a place to relax and rejuvenate, Gaafushi Island is definitely the place for you!
FAQs
1.What Is The Population Of Gaafushi Island?
Ans: There is no definitive answer to this question. The population of Gaafushi Island could vary depending on the time of year.
2.What Is The Currency Of Gaafushi Island?
Ans: The currency of Gaafushi Island is the Sri Lankan Rupee.
3.Is Gaafushi Island Accessible By Public Transportation?
Ans: No, Gaafushi Island is not accessible by public transportation. You will need to book a flight in order to visit the island.
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