Male is the capital and most populous city in the Republic of Maldives. The city is geographically located at the southern edge of North Malé Atoll (Kaafu Atoll). Administratively, it is a city-class constituency and is governed by the Malé City Council. Traditionally it was the King's Island, from where the ancient Maldive Royal dynasties ruled and where the palace was located. The city was then called “Mahal”. Formerly it was a walled city surrounded by fortifications and gates (doroshi).

Honorable Mention: “The Storm”. During I was taking photo with my nephew, the storm came and I caught this beautiful moment. Photo location: Kocaeli, Turkey. (Photo and caption by Aytül Akbaş/National Geographic Photo Contest)

“Misty Morning”. Every morning, people expect sunny weather. Photo location: Bali, Indonesia. (Photo and caption by Henry Adam/National Geographic Photo Contest)

The first female attack helicopter pilot of Türkiye's Atak helicopter, Deputy Commissioner Özge Karabulut, undisclosed location, Türkiye, January 6, 2022. (Photo by Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Actress Jennifer Aniston is seen filming on location for “The Morning Show” in the Flatiron District on July 28, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by James Devaney/GC Images)

The Villarrica Volcano is seen at night from Pucon town, Chile, July 12, 2015. Villarrica, located near the popular tourist resort of Pucon, is among the most active volcanoes in South America. (Photo by Cristobal Saavedra/Reuters)

“A prototype lunar lander was destroyed on August 9, 2012, at Kennedy Space Center during its first free flight”. – James Dean via Florida Today

Photo: Morpheus Ground Level Hot Fire. Photo Date: April 2nd 2012. Location: VTB Flight Complex; Photographer: Joe Bibby

Bella Hadid is close to losing her top while on location for a photoshoot in Brooklyn, New York on December 11, 2017. (Photo by NPEx/Splash News and Pictures)