Mahibadhoo is an island town in central Maldives, and is the capital of South Ari Atoll. Geography The island is southwest of the country's capital, Malé. The island measures in length and in width. Demography Governance Mahibadhoo island is governed by the Secretariat of Mahibadhoo Council. The island council is administered by the local government authority. Councilors President Rashad Ali. Vice President Ibrahim Shathir. Councilor Shaufa Adam. Councilor Mohamed Maumoon. Councilor Muneefa Adam. Executives Secretary General Gasim Sihan. Council Executive Mohamed Faiz. A.Council Executive Mohamed Naushad. The Mahibadhoo Constituency, which includes neighboring Kun'burudhoo and Hangnaameedhoo, is represented in the parliament by Ahmed Thoriq, a parliamentary member of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM). In April 2019, Ahmed Thoriq was elected for a second term, and will represent the constituency at least until 2024. Economy With a population of around 2500 people, the livelihood of most families depend on fishing and tourism. Yellowfin Tuna fishing is the primary source of income for most. A number of smaller fishing boats live on the sale of reef fish to nearby tourist resorts. A significant portion of the Millennial and Gen Z population of Mahibadhoo are employed at tourist resorts. As of 2022, nine locally owned guesthouses operate from the island. As the atoll's governing island, divisions and branches of several public offices are based in Mahibadhoo. Such institutions are a primary source of income for many. Mahibadhoo has also seen a surge in small businesses in early 21st century, ranging from coffee shops and grocery stores, to guesthouses and speedboat ferry services. On January 12, 2020, a state-sponsored grouper farming project was launched in Mahibadhoo, led by the Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture. The pilot project is part of the sustainable fisheries resource development project of the ministry, and is being funded by the World Bank. Infrastructure and Services Notable public buildings in the island include the atoll council, atoll hospital, the island council, police station, atoll education center, a branch of BML, a magistrate court, a division of STELCO and of FENAKA corporation, an ice plant, and four mosques (one of them no longer being used for worship). The streets of Mahibadhoo, with the exception of some roads, are paved with stone. Other public places include a FIFA-approved turf football ground, south harbor and its adjoining park, the north harbor, a netball ground and a mat-floored futsal pitch. On the