The whole is approximately 38 km by 46 km, covering a surface of 1,127 km2.[2] However, the atoll shelters only 5.5 km2 of emerged land, consisting of sandy islands not higher than 3.19 m, and of which half do not exceed an area of 10 hectares. The administrative subdivision of Baa, shelters 11,910 inhabitants, distributed on 13 of the 75 islands, 8 other islands beingisland resorts; the capital isEydhafushi.
Thearchipelago has been located inside theUNESCO Biosphere reserve since 2011.[1] Its shallow waters, particularly rich in coral and fish as well as turtles and dolphins, make a favored place for seaside and underwater tourism.[1]
The ecosystem is characterized by a very high rate of coral cover, highly diverse and dominated by table, digitate and branched corals of the genusAcropora. The shallow waters of this atoll and its particular richness in corals and fish have made it a destination for underwater tourism.[1] The presence of huge animals such asmanta rays andwhale sharks add spectacular encounters to the beauty of the place.[3] Scientific studies suggest that the faunistic composition can vary greatly between neighbor atolls, especially in terms of benthic fauna.[4]
The Maalhosmadulu Atolls seen from space. The Southern Maalhosmadulu Atoll and Fasdūtherē Atoll (centre) make upBaa Atoll.A view of the island ofLandaa Giraavaru, including theFour Seasons resort.
