Dhidhdhoo (Haa Alif Atoll)

"For other islands see Dhiddhoo (disambiguation)"
Dhidhdhoo (Dhivehi: ދިއްދޫ) is the capital of Haa Alif Atoll in the Maldives. Ranked the 8th most populated island in the nation, this is also the 2nd most populated place in the north after Kulhudhuffushi City. Located in the center of the atoll, Dhidhdhoo is governed by Dhidhdhoo Island Council under the Local Government Authority. This island is famous for having the least crime rates amongst the 10 most populated islands in the nation consecutively for a number of years.
Education.
Ha.Atoll Education Centre ( HA.AEC) is located in Dhidhdhoo and is the biggest educational institution in the atoll. Currently 993 students are studying here. Primary, secondary and higher secondary classes are conducted in this educational facility. Due to the good quality of teachers and education, families from the surrounding islands migrate to Dhidhdhoo with their children. HA.AEC's results are one of the best in the country as their students are included in the Top 10 O'Level results every year. Some students have got prizes in the World top-10.
Apart from this, the island has a pre-school and the first Junior college in the nation will be located in Dhidhdhoo. The college will be open for public early next year with an accommodation block for temporary residents.
History.
Historically, the island was uninhabited and was under the administration of Utheemu Gadhuvaru, a royal house in Utheemu. The island was inhabited around 19th century when the people of Dhonakulhi left their island to escape from the invasion of pirates from Malabar.
During the administration of President Mohamed Amin Didi, Dhidhdhoo refused to take part in the 'Uthuru Gadubadu', an uprising of the people of the northern atolls against the Amin Didi regime.
Geography.
The island is north of the country's capital, Malé. The island lies on the north western tip of Thiladhunmathi Atoll and is separated from the Ihavandhippolhu Atoll by the deep Gallandhoo Kandu channel.
Land reclamation.
Originally, the island was in size. After a land reclamation project initiated in 2010, the total land area of the island is now approximately . The land was reclaimed to cater for the needs of the growing population and industries. Being the capital, Dhidhdhoo is home to the largest population and is the economic trade hub of Haa Alif Atoll. The islands land is to be reclaimed for a second time in 2022.
Governance.
Dhidhdhoo Council is the local government body responsible for the governance of the island Dhidhdhoo. The council was created in 2011, with the enactment of the Decentralization Bill, which saw the introduction of local governance to the country.
The majority of councilors, elected in the country's second local council elections in 2014, is from the PPM. The third local election was held in 2017, that elected 5 members due to an amendment to Local Councils Laws. All five members were from Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) 
Economy.
Dhidhdhoo continue to serve its people and to the islands surrounding Dhidhdhoo. It is the center of trade and other services in the North Thiladhunmathi. Everyday hundreds of people visit the island for shopping and medical care. This figure is set to double as a brand new Hospital is being built in tertiary level. On top of that, the increasing competition between the local businesses will see the economy thriving in the years ahead.
Culture.
People of Dhidhdhoo has strong family relation with Minicoy Island of India (Maliku). This is evident even today as there are several Maliku families in Dhidhdhoo who carry the name of Maliku as their family name.
Among the dishes, Hithi (Hichaa bai) is one of the most special dish in Dhidhdhoo and mostly served during the month of Ramazaan. Like Hithi, Bondu is also a very popular candy prepared by people of Dhidhdhoo.
Sport.
The people of Dhidhdhoo are very sport loving people. In 1990s there were two major leagues in which football was mainly played among the sounding islands:
These two leagues are now inactive and instead teams from Dhidhdhoo now play in the One Hundred Thousand Cup, held once every year by MP Abdul Latheef Mohamed