Hanimaadhoo

Population and General Information
The population of HDh. Hanimaadhoo is 2,451 people (1,222 females and 1,229 males).
Source: Hanimaadhoo Council Office records. Hanimaadhoo is one of the islands of the Maldives with the 5th largest land area. About 70% of the population lives on the island. In addition to more than 2,664 Maldivians, there are also over 1,300 expatriates living on the island.
Source: 2022 Census and Hanimaadhoo Council records. There are 945 plots allocated on the island, with people currently living in 513 plots. In 2023, an additional 200 plots of 3,000 square feet each were allocated. The population growth rate is about 2%, and by the end of 2026, the population is projected to reach around 3,700.
Economy and Livelihood
Most residents are engaged in government employment. Tourism, fishing, food production, carpentry, construction, and agriculture are also actively practiced on the island.
Transport and Tourism Development
An international airport has been established on the island, improving accessibility for travelers and tourists in the region. A major development project has been initiated to further expand the airport, and the first phase of Hanimaadhoo International Airport was officially opened on 9 November 2025. There is one city hotel and 11 guesthouses operating on the island. Activities such as snorkeling, diving, water sports, sport fishing, and photography services are available for tourists. The council has allocated land for further guesthouse development, and work is ongoing. A harbor measuring 1,200 feet in length and 300 feet in width, including a ferry terminal, has been developed. A two-story fish market with a restaurant has been established. A sunset restaurant has also been developed near Hondaiydoo area and leased to a party for operation. Plans are underway to develop a local market in the harbor area. Fuel services (diesel and petrol) are available at the harbor, and land has been allocated for commercial activities. Roads on the island have been modernized.
Public Services and Infrastructure
Police services are provided from a council building, and land has been allocated in 2025 for a dedicated police station. A customs office has also been established. Electricity is provided 24/7 by Fenaka Corporation. There is a health center with doctors providing 24-hour services. Although a hospital project was included in the state budget since 2022 and contractors were sought multiple times, construction had not begun by 2024. In 2025, the project was handed over to the Road Development Corporation. Hanimaadhoo School provides education from foundation stage up to Grade 12. A preschool is operated by the Hanimaadhoo Youth Association. A learning center run by the Islamic University was previously operated but has been temporarily halted after the building was repurposed. A large area of land (315,637 square feet) has been allocated to the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture for agricultural development and training. Farmland has also been allocated to local farmers.
Investment and Environment
The island has significant land available, making it attractive for investors. So far, 288,000 square feet of land has been allocated for investment purposes. A sewerage system has been established, and piped water is supplied to households. Waste management efforts have been initiated, with equipment and vehicles procured by the council. A modern waste management center has also been established.
Administrative Services and Facilities
Services such as issuing driving licenses and printing national ID cards are available through the council. Passport services were also officially launched in 2025. A modern skate park and a children’s park (developed in 2024) are available.
Sports and Culture
Football is the most popular sport among youth. Facilities such as outdoor and indoor futsal courts are available. Expatriates also engage in sports like cricket and badminton. Cultural activities include music and traditional bodu beru drumming. A local music band named “Ekuveri Band” is active.
Environmental Concerns
The island faces significant coastal erosion issues. The council and government are working together to address this. A climate observatory has been established in the northern part of the island to study environmental and weather changes.
Population Consolidation and Housing
Under government population consolidation policies, residents from HDh. Hondaiydoo (1999) and HA. Hathifushi (2007) were relocated to Hanimaadhoo. Housing units and land plots have been provided. In February 2025, it was announced that residents of HDh. Hirimaaradhoo would also be relocated, along with plans to construct 500 housing units in Hanimaadhoo.
Hanimaadhoo is a diverse and growing island where people from different islands live together in unity.