Hithadhoo (Addu)
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- Hithadhoo should not be confused with Hithaadhoo
- For other islands, see Hithadhoo
Hithaadhoo (Dhivehi: ހިތަދޫ) the capital of Seenu Atoll, the most southerly atoll of the Maldives, as well of Dhekunu (South) Province. The town is situated on the island of the same name, the westernmost of Seenu (Addu). In terms of population count it comes second only to Malé, the Maldives' national capital.
Geography
The part of the island south of the town is lushly vegetated with palms and shrubs, whilst the northern end of the island consists of a partially stony, unreal scrubland, which can be explored only on narrow trails. Hithadhoo Town is marked by dusty roads, narrow lanes, leaning houses and dense vegetation. Island traffic is generally quite colourful, particularly when hundreds of island school children dressed in a multitude of differently coloured school uniforms are queueing up for the bus.
Population
Hithadhoo has a population of some 18,000 residents. The local dialect of Dhivehi, Addu Bas, is spoken by most of the people who live here. Addu Bas is closely related to dialects spoken on nearby atolls.It is also the second most spoken dialect in the whole Maldives.
Services
Education
Hithaadhoo has a number of educational institutions; two kindergartens (nursery schools), three primary and two secondary schools as well as a college. Most Hithadhoo residents complete their education up to Ordinary Level on the island itself, whilst a few opt to continue their studies in Malé or abroad. A certain number of yougsters from neighbouring islands, mainly from Maradhoo, Maradhoo-Feydhoo, and Feydhoo attend Muhibbuddin School,a secondary school on Hithaadhoo, to complete their O-level studies. Several students from other atolls like Fuvahmulah and Huvadhu Atoll also attend secondary schools on Hithadhoo in order to have a better education than can be had on their home islands.
Healthcare
The government has provided the residents with a hospital. This hospital has a regional function and provides around-the-clock care. Most residents of neighbouring islands visit Hithadhoo Regional Hospital to receive treatment for their ailments. People from atolls and islands further afield, such as Fuvammulah and Huvadhu Atoll also occasionally visit to receive medical treatment, although most opt for hospitals in the Southern Indian state of Kerala which is relatively close by.
