Gan

Gan is the southernmost island of Addu Atoll and the entire Maldives archipelago. The island measures 2.256 square kilometers (225.6 hectares) and is the second largest island in the atoll after Hithadhoo. Gan was historically the head island and a Buddhist place of learning in Addu during the pre-Islamic era, with ancient ruins including a vihara (temple) and stupa (havitta) that were unfortunately bulldozed when the airport was built. In 1941, during World War II, the Royal Navy established a secret base on Gan ('Port T'), which later became RAF Gan during the Cold War. The British built causeways connecting Gan to Feydhoo, Maradhoo, and Hithadhoo, as well as a light railway. When the British withdrew in 1976, the airstrip was neglected until it was developed into Gan International Airport, now the second international gateway to the Maldives with a 3,500m runway and seaplane facilities. Gan is also home to Equator Village resort (in the old RAF buildings) and Canareef Island Resort. The island is connected to the western Addu island chain by causeways. Gan has a population of approximately 1,100 residents and features tropical rainforest climate with heavy rainfall year-round.