Atoll of an atoll is very small in comparison to the total area. Atoll islands are low lying, with their elevations less than 5 meters (9). Measured by total area, Lifou (1146 km²) is the largest raised coral atoll of the world, followed by Rennell Island (660 km²). More sources however list as the largest atoll in the world in terms of land area Kiritimati, which is also a raised coral atoll (321.37 km² land area; according to other sources even 575 km²), 160 km² main lagoon, 168 km² other lagoons (according to other sources 319 km² total lagoon size). The
Alif Dhaal Atoll found in Ariadhoo Island. Whale sharks are year-round residents of Alif Dhaal Atoll. The South Ari Atoll administrative division consists of the southern part of the geographic or natural Ari Atoll (described as Southern Ari Atoll in this context to differentiate from the official name of the administrative division). The atoll consists of Inhabited Islands and Uninhabited Island, a definition which includes resort islands, airport islands and industrial islands. Resort islands are classified as Uninhabited Islands which have been converted to become resorts. The following are the resort islands, with the official name of the resort. Alif Dhaal Atoll Alifu