Mathiveri (Alif Alif Atoll)

04°11′25″N 72°44′50″E / 4.19028°N 72.74722°E / 4.19028; 72.74722CountryMaldivesDistance to Malé84.58 km (52.56 mi)Dimensions • Length0.775 km (0.482 mi) • Width0.475 km (0.295 mi)Population • Total1,054Time zoneUTC+05:00 (MST)

Mathiveri (Dhivehi: މަތިވެރި) is one of the eight inhabited islands of Alif Alif Atoll.

Island Code U-05 Postal Code 09040

Geography

The island is 84.58 km (53 mi; 46 nmi) west of the country's capital, Malé.^[2] Mathiveri is located at the central area of North ari atoll.

Demography

Historical population

Year	Pop.	±%
1960	60	—
1965	78	+30.0%
1970	114	+46.2%
1980	160	+40.4%
1985	223	+39.4%
1990	311	+39.5%
1995	413	+32.8%
2000	517	+25.2%
2005	612	+18.4%
2010	686	+12.1%
2015	781	+13.8%
2020	991	+26.9%
2021	1,013	+2.2%
1960-2021: Census populations Source: [3]

The population of Mathiveri as of September 2020 are 991 in total.

Governance

There is a police station on the island, and a magistrate court to provide law enforcement.

Island council

The current Island Council members are:- 1- Ahmed Aslam (MDP) President of the Council. 2- Ali Naafiz (MDP) Vice President of the Council. 3- Hussain Nihaan (PPM) member of the council. 4- Shifza Ibrahim (MDP) member of the council. 5- Mariyam Shaaniya (PPM) member of the council.

Economy

Main sources of economy of the island are Fishing and tourism. The island have Fishing Boats which mainly involving in the yellow fin tuna fishing industry. All the fishing boats are registered and licences under fish processing and exporting company. these companies export the raw fish products to European countries.

There are 10 guest houses in Mathiveri. Tourists across the world are used to visit the island and stay those guest houses. And many of the people are working nearby tourist island resorts.

Healthcare

Mathiveri Health Centre is the only health service provider in the island. The health centre has a medical officer and two registered nurses and nearly 15 staff members. The health centre is opened for 16 hours in a day.

Education

There is a school (up to grade 10) on the island to educate the children of the community. The principal of the school is Mr. Hassan Hameedh.

Sports

In Mathiveri, football and handball reign supreme as the island's primary sports. Nestled in the southern expanse lies a football ground, albeit not optimal due to its sandy soil. Despite this setback, the island hosts grand football competitions attracting teams from afar, which take place on an artificial grass pitch, offering a superior playing surface. Alongside football, handball has gained immense popularity, especially among the women of Mathiveri.

Furthermore, Mathiveri boasts a dedicated futsal ground with turf, providing enthusiasts with a top-notch playing experience. Adding to the island's sports infrastructure, there's also a vibrant volley court, contributing to the diverse athletic landscape of Mathiveri.

References