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Fua Mulaku -Gem of an island

Extracted from : www.visitfuvahmulah.net

Situated between 0degree 17' and 0degree 20' south, equator and on the longitude 73degree 22 1/2 and 73degree 25', Fua Mulaku is politically an atoll, but geographically it is an island by itself. Completely isolated and seemingly in a world of its own, only the blue sea removes a great part of its loneliness. But from within, there is no emptiness and the kind of life, which goes on the island gives an instant feeling of welcome to the visitor. By all accounts, it is one of the most agriculturally successful island. Thick vegetation and and evenly distributed rainfall, has made the island's soil fertile rich in humus. A variety of fruits like bananas, mangoes, lime, orange, pineapple are grown. Sweat potatoes, watermelon and maize are grown seasonally. Of these, lime, bananas and oranges are grown on a commercial basis and are marketed to the island - capital Male'.

With about four miles in length and 1 1/2 miles in width, Fuvahmulah has enough land that still could be turned into arable farmlands. About half of the cultivable land is used for growing Yam, a kind of tuber, which is the staple crop. Nearly each household will have about 2 to 3 plots of yam farms. Fua Mulaku's population of over six thousand (pop. in 1921 was 2185), may have to cope with a shortage of arable land unless more land is groomed for cultivation.

A deep reef about two miles long extends from the southern tip of the island, an area that is well known to the islanders for its dangerous waves. Fishing boats have capsized while trying to cross this reef as the waves there from menacingly and unexpectedly. As there are no barrier reefs surrounding the island, it is prone to undulating swells, which can eventually turn into ferocious waves, the power of which is ideal for windsurfers. The waves however keep guard on the island coast and never discriminate the islander or intruder. To reach the shore of Fua Mulaku is a risky task.

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