Malé, the bustling capital of the Maldives, has experienced a dramatic transformation over the past several decades. In the 1960s and 1970s, Malé was a quiet, low-rise island town with a population that barely exceeded a few thousand. Life moved slowly, and the city’s infrastructure was minimal—narrow sandy streets, modest homes, and a handful of government and religious buildings. Fishing and small-scale trade were the main economic activities, and transportation around the island often involved bicycles or walking.Back then, the skyline of Malé was defined by coconut palms, minarets, and simple structures with tin roofs. Electricity and piped water were luxuries for many, and international tourism was only just beginning to stir interest in the archipelago’s stunning natural beauty.Fast forward to today, and Malé presents a completely different picture. It is now a densely populated urban hub, home to over 250,000 people in an area less than 9 square kilometers—making it one of the most densely populated cities in the world. The traditional island town has evolved into a thriving metropolis with high-rise buildings, paved roads, busy markets, modern hospitals, international banks, luxury hotels, and shopping malls.The transformation of Malé reflects the broader changes seen across the Maldives due to the rise of tourism, modernization, and global connectivity. The city now serves as the administrative, commercial, and financial heart of the nation. Its harbor buzzes with ferries, speedboats, and cargo vessels, while its streets are alive with the movement of cars, motorcycles, and people from all walks of life.Despite its rapid development, Malé still retains elements of its cultural heritage. Historical sites like the 17th-century Hukuru Miskiy (Friday Mosque), built from coral stone, stand as a reminder of the island’s rich past amid the modern skyline.This remarkable evolution of Malé from a quiet island village into a modern capital city is a testament to the resilience and ambition of the Maldivian people.Credits to Curiosities of the World and the original author of the photos for capturing the journey of this fascinating city through time. 🤓
