Chief atoll (pop., 2000: 74,069) and capital of the Maldives .
Located in the centre of the Maldives, it comprises two groups of islets: North Male, which is 32 mi (51 km) by 23 mi (37 km); and South Male, which is 20 mi (32 km) by 12 mi (19 km). It has central courts, a government hospital, an international airport, and public and private schools. It is a trade and tourist centre.