Together with Kaashidhoo Island and Gaafaru, Malé Atoll forms the administrative division known as Kaafu Atoll. Kaafu is the administrative name of the largest atoll of the Maldives, both economic and tourist population.
It is located in the center of the chain of the Maldives.
Of the 80 islands of the atoll, only 12 are inhabited.

Malé, capital of the Maldives, is located at the southern end of North Malé atoll. The only international airport of the Maldives is located at Hulhule.

Practically all uninhabited islands of this Atoll became tourist resorts during the two final decades of the 20th century.

The Kaafu Atoll is a paradise for divers and surfers. Many sites of surf E of N. Male Atoll
Thulusdhoo island in the atoll of Male N, is a major shopping center known for its plant bottling Coca-Cola. There is also the main storage of dried fish in the Maldives.

The depths within the lagoon are from 40 to 50m; the bottom is of coarse sand except over coral reefs. Shoals within the lagoon are easily discernible in favorable conditions of sun and sea.

Tides
During the Northeast Monsoon, a 2 to 3 knot western current sweeps through the channel between Male Atoll and Gaha Faro Reef, causing strong eddies and turbulence where it meets tidal currents from the lagoon. During this season, it is advisable to pass through the N reef at about slack water.