According to the Decentralization Act 2010, the administrative divisions of the Maldives would consist of atolls, islands, and cities; each administered by their own local council, under the basic terms of home rule.

Although the earlier provincial decentralization was rejected by Parliament, President Nasheed reinstated the concept through "National Administrations".

The National Administrations acted as an extension of the central government in Male’, for the convenience of dealing with regional affairs.

As the first Noonu Atoll Councilor Mr. Mohamed Mahid Moosa Fulhu was appointed at the date of 18 August 2009 and remained till 25 December 2010 until the Decentralization Bill was approved by the Parliament of Maldives.

13 of these island are inhabited: Fodhdhoo, Hebadhoo, Holhudhoo, Kedhikolhudhoo, Kudafari, Landhoo, Lhohi, Maafaru, Maalhendhoo, Magoodhoo, Miladhoo and Velidhoo.

[1] Noonu Atoll has the highest density of swarming fishes which can be found in the Maldives, especially Fusiliers and Snappers.

Noonu Atoll is home to six luxury resorts: NOKU Maldives (Kudafunafaru), Soneva Jani (Medhufaru), Cheval Blanc (Randheli), The Sun Siyam (Irufushi), Robinson Club Noonu (Orivaru), Siyam World (Dhigurah) and Velaa Private Island (Fushivelavaru),JOY Maldives (Joy Lagoon Resort, reclaimed lagoon project),