Maldives capital renamed to Male - a shortened version of Malé

On August 27, 2021, the president of the Maldives, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, announced that the capital city of Maldives would be renamed from Malé to Male. The change was made in order to simplify the city's name and make it easier for foreigners to pronounce and remember. The decision was met with mixed reactions from the public. Some believe that the change is unnecessary and a waste of government resources, while others see it as a positive step forward for the country.

The name Malé has a long history and holds great significance to the Maldivian people. It is believed to have originated from the Sanskrit word "mahal" which means palace or big house. Over the centuries the city has been ruled by various dynasties, including the Portuguese, Dutch and British. In 1968, the Maldives gained independence from British rule and the city was officially named Malé.

The decision to change the name of the Maldives capital to Male has been in the works for some time. The government, along with various stakeholders, have been debating the idea for several years. The president's announcement is the culmination of these discussions.

One of the main arguments in favor of the name change is that the current name of the city is difficult for foreigners to pronounce and remember. The Maldives is a popular tourist destination, and many visitors have trouble with the unfamiliar pronunciation of Malé. By shortening the name to Male, it is hoped that it will be easier for tourists to navigate the city and for the Maldives to attract even more visitors.

However, there are others who believe that the change is unnecessary and that the government should focus on more pressing issues, such as climate change and poverty. The Maldives is a small island nation that is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels and increased frequency of natural disasters.

The cost of changing the name of the Maldives capital to Male has been estimated at over $500,000. This includes the cost of updating official documents, signage, and other materials. There are also concerns about the practicality of the change. For example, the Maldives has a few other islands that are also called Male, which could cause confusion.

In conclusion, the decision to change the name of the Maldives capital to Male has been met with mixed reactions from the public. While some believe that the change will make the city more accessible to foreigners and improve tourism, others argue that the government should focus on more pressing issues. It remains to be seen whether the new name will have a positive impact on the Maldives in the long term.