Welcome to Addu

Addu is not only the most Southern atoll of the Maldives, but it also marks the Southern most point of the whole of Southeast Asia. Addu city celebrates being virtually on the Equator - an indication of the great sunny weather and access to the open Indian Ocean. The marine habitat consists of rich coral reef structures and there are many pressure edges at the periphery of the atoll presenting access to high-energy waves. Addu enjoys an abundance of resident dolphin populations, and migratory turtles, schools of tuna and turtles throughout the year. Addu City has the second most number of protected areas in the whole of the Maldives, behind Baa Atoll. Eedhigali Kilhi, Feheli kilhi and Maa Kilhi area, Maafishi Kilhi area, Mathi Kilhi area, Kuda Kandu, Kandihera- Maakandu Channel (Manta Point) and British Loyalty Shipwreck are unique 7 sites that can very well be great attractions for tourists.

In comparison to most atolls in the Maldives, Addu city has a large total area of land amounting to as much as 1500 hectares. In addition, a large part of these land areas and the population are well-connected via a causeway enabling vast opportunities that may not be present anywhere else in the Southern region of the Maldives.

The city has a population of approximately 35,000, which is just under 10% of the population of the whole of Maldives. In tourism hosting capacity in terms of bed count, Addu houses approximately 3% of the total bed numbers in the Maldives with a total of 1506 beds. A large percentage of these beds are located in the enclave resorts. From the above number, 1086 beds or 70% of the total beds in Addu city are located in the resorts. Enclave resorts are renowned to limit direct participation of small entrepreneurs in their businesses. It is also popularly believed that very few local workers make it to the managerial level posts.