Male would certainly count as one of the smallest capitals in the world in terms of its physical size. Different from any other island in the country, Male is a city of high-rise buildings and paved roads. While the government offices are located in one area, the main streets are lined with shops and offices. There are no beaches on Male and seawalls surround all its sides. However, a newly landscaped artificial beach area and adjoining breakwater stretching all the way round to the harbour in the southwest of the island. The interesting sites; the fish market, the local market at the northern waterfront, the new harbour in the south-west corner and the 400-year old Friday Mosque, to name a few. A stroll around the residential and shopping areas would provide an insight into the life and livelihood of the residents of the capital.