Baa Atoll (includes Southern Maalhosmadulu Atoll or Maalhosmadulu Dhekunuburi, Fasdhūtherē Atoll, and Goifulhafehendhu Atoll) is an administrative division of the Maldives. It consists of three separate natural atolls, namely southern Maalhosmadulu Atoll (which is 42 km long and 32 km wide and consists of 9 inhabited islands), the Fasdūtherē Atoll (wedged in between the two Maalhosmadulu Atolls and separated from north Maalhosmasdulu Atoll by Hani Kandu or Moresby Channel) and the smaller natural atoll known as Goifulhafehendhu Atoll (Horsburgh Atoll in the Admiralty charts).

Situated on the west of the Maldives atoll chain, it consists of 75 islands of which 13 are inhabited with a population of over 11,000 people. The remaining 57 islands are uninhabited, in addition to eight islands being developed as resorts.

Thulhaadhoo Island is traditionally well known for lacquerwork handicrafts.

Geography

thumb|left|The Maalhosmadulu Atolls seen from space. The Southern Maalhosmadulu Atoll and Fasdūtherē Atoll (centre) make up Baa Atoll

Baa Atoll consists in two roughly circular sub-atolls, separated by the narrow Kudarikilu Kandu channel. The total measures approximately 38&nbsp;km wide (east-west) for 46&nbsp;km long (north-south), covering a surface of 1 127&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> surface.

The atoll is formed by 105 coral reefs, representing a reef surface of 263&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>. This reef surface is 61 islands provided with vegetation, and a variable number of sandy bays (between 4 and 14). Half (38) of these islands are less than 10 hectares, constituting less than 20% of the atoll lands. The atoll hosts several internationally recognised resort islands that attract visitors seeking both luxury and ecological experiences.

Tourism in Baa Atoll continues to balance luxury development with environmental stewardship, reinforcing the region’s reputation as both a biosphere conservation area and a hub for premium Maldivian resort experiences.

Voavah

Voavah (also known as Hafnas) is the first island designated by UNESCO as an exclusive use island. Voavah is owned by the Four seasons company and is available for hire.

See also

  • Reethi Beach
  • Landaa Giraavaru

References

  • Divehi Tārīkhah Au Alikameh. Divehi Bahāi Tārikhah Khidmaiykurā Qaumī Markazu. Reprint 1958 edn. Malé 1990.
  • Divehiraajjege Jōgrafīge Vanavaru. Muhammadu Ibrahim Lutfee. G.Sōsanī.
  • Xavier Romero-Frias, The Maldive Islanders, A Study of the Popular Culture of an Ancient Ocean Kingdom. Barcelona 1999.
  • http://www.baa.gov.mv
  • News report on banning the capturing of turtles
  • Facts and figures about Baa Atoll (archived 11 March 2007)