Republic Square — Jumhooree Maidan — is the main civic open space of Malé, a rectangle of paving and grass between the President's Office, the Islamic Centre and the northern waterfront. The giant Maldivian flag in the centre is the city's most photographed object, and the square fills up for national-day celebrations and the occasional political rally.
On a normal day it is a place to sit on a bench in the shade, watch the comings and goings of officialdom and ferry passengers, and orient yourself before walking into the old town. The shade is welcome — Malé is on the equator and walking in the middle of the day is unforgiving.