Thinadhoo (Huvadhu Atoll)
Thinadhoo City is the capital of Gaafu Dhaalu region in the atoll of Huvadhu and the proposed capital for the Upper South Province of the Maldives. It has its own dialect of Dhivehi which is considerably different from northern speech. It is pronounced as Thenadu in the Southern Maldives dialect. The name Thinadhoo is derived from Euphorbia hirta, locally known as Thina Vina (Thina Weed) a pantropical weed used for herbal medicines which grew in the island. The island was formerly known as Havaru Thinadhoo and it was the traditional seat of the Atoll Chief. The island has a vibrant history of unrest and revolution. Thinadhoo was the wealthiest island in the country before it was forcefully depopulated and demolished entirely in 1962. The rich merchants of the island was known to have assisted even the capital when in need. City Status On August 30, 2023, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih formally announced Thinadhoo Island in Gaafu Dhaal Atoll as a city, utilizing the authority granted to him by Section 51 (a) of the Maldives' Decentralisation Act (Law number 7/2010). The decision was made because of the island's significant population and its crucial role in delivering a diverse range of services