Himandhoo (Dhivehi: ހިމެންދޫ) is one of the inhabited islands of the Alif Alif Atoll in the Maldives.
Himandhoo | |
---|---|
Coordinates: 03°55′15″N 72°44′35″E / 3.92083°N 72.74306°E | |
Country | Maldives |
Administrative atoll | Alif Alif Atoll |
Distance to Malé | 89.57 km (55.66 mi) |
Dimensions | |
• Length | 0.750 km (0.466 mi) |
• Width | 0.425 km (0.264 mi) |
Population (2014)[1] | |
• Total | 724 (including foreigners) |
Time zone | UTC+05:00 (MST) |
Geography
editThe island is 89.57 km (56 mi; 48 nmi) west of the country's capital, Malé.[2] A short seaplane journey from Velana International Airport would take approximately 25–45 minutes to reach this pristine piece of land in the Northern Alif Atoll. Speedboat transfer options are also available to reach the island.
Demography
editYear | Pop. | ±% |
---|---|---|
2006 | 515 | — |
2014 | 667 | +29.5% |
2020 | 824 | +23.5% |
2006-2014: Census populations Source: [3] |
Economy
editTourism
editThe island has long attracted international travellers to its dive spots and white sand beaches. The island is popular with visitors for its reef for snorkelers, beaches, and a lagoon for kite and wind surfers.
History
editIn 2007 a standoff occurred when Maldivan authorities investigating the 2007 Malé bombing attempted to enter the Dar-al-Khuir mosque on the island. A 40-hour standoff ensued between authorities and male congregants, ending in the arrest of 60 men and boys, and injuries to 30 police officers.[4]
References
edit- ^ "Table PP5: Resident Population by sex, nationality and locality (administrative islands), 2014" (PDF). Population and Households Census 2014. National Bureau of Statistics. p. 35. Retrieved 12 August 2018.
- ^ "Coordinate Distance Calculator". Boulter.com. Retrieved 12 August 2018.
- ^ "Table 3.3: Total Maldivian Population by Islands" (PDF). National Bureau of Statistics. Retrieved 12 August 2018.
- ^ Chan Tau Chou. Maldives faces social divide. Al Jazeera English. 6 November 2007.