Rathafandhoo
| Rathafandhoo ރަތަފަންދޫ/ ރަތަފަންދުއާ | |
|---|---|
| Inhabited island | |
  Rathafandhoo Location in Maldives | |
| Coordinates: 00°15′13″N 73°06′18″E / 0.25361°N 73.10500°ECoordinates: 00°15′13″N 73°06′18″E / 0.25361°N 73.10500°E | |
| Country | Maldives |
| Administrative atoll | Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll |
| Distance to Malé | 431 km (268 mi) |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.3716 km2 (0.1435 sq mi) |
| Dimensions | |
| • Length | 1.275 km (0.792 mi) |
| • Width | 0.250 km (0.155 mi) |
| Population (Island Office Data 2010) | |
| • Total | 1,325 |
| • Density | 3,600/km2 (9,200/sq mi) |
| Time zone | MST (UTC+05:00) |
Rathafandhoo (Dhivehi: ރަތަފަންދޫ) is an inhabited island of the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives. The island is located at the South West of South Huvadhu Atoll.
History
According to the history of the Maldives, the islanders are famous for both their handicrafts and making nets[1] (kunaa), made from a local plant called Hau. Some islanders still do mat weaving work, which is famously a souvenir for the tourists who visit the Maldives.[1]
Education
The main facility which offers primary and secondary education on the island is the Rathafandhoo School, the Island Office having a total of 154 students and 21 teachers. There are also a number of pre-schools which provide pre-primary school education to the children of the island.
Health care
The Health Centre provides basic health needs to the islanders for minor injuries, cuts, common colds, and flus. If a serious health issue arises, islanders must go to the nearest regional hospital located in the atoll capital Thinadhoo. Travelling to the capital takes about 45 minutes via speed boat.
Economy
There are many sources of work in Rathafandhoo. The most common sources of paid work for residents include sea cucumber fishing, mat weaving, agriculture, reef fishing, and carpentry.
Police
In late 2008, the Maldives Police Service opened a police station on the island, meaning that residents are provided security service from three police personnel based at the station; These officers assist the residents for any drugs cases, gang fights, robbery and theft on the island.
NGOs
Several non-governmental organizations are registered on the island, including some inactive ones, such as RASFARI and READY (Rathafandhoo Eminent Association of Dynamic Youth).
Migration
Because of the poor quality and limitations of some of basic services and infrastructure, such as healthcare and education, and a lack of economic and job opportunities, more than half of the registered residents of the island currently live in the capital city, Malé.
Sea Cucumber Fisheries
One of the main economic activities on the island are the sea cucumber fisheries, as well as, more recently, mainstream tuna fisheries. The island is the collection center and major base for sea cucumber fisherman who carry their fishing operation in the southern part of the Maldives (Huvadhoo, Fuvahmulah and Addu city) and there are more than 10 registered companies who carry out collecting, cooking, and drying the sea cucumbers prior to being exported to Chinese cities such as Hong Kong.
Climate
The climate is warm and tropical weather all year round. Even during the wet season the temperature averages around 25°C to 32°C. This monsoon runs from May to November. The Islands, being closely situated to the Indian coast, are strongly affected by mainland Asian weather patterns, though do not experience serious monsoons.
External Links
References
- 1 2 "Rathafandhoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives". www.blue-fields.com. Retrieved 2016-04-05.
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