It corresponds to the northern section of the natural Miladhunmadulu Atoll,[2] located in the north of the Maldives.

On 26 October 2009, the government decided to move the capital of Shaviyani Atoll from Funadhoo to Milandhoo, citing more ease for the people.

However, this decision was overruled by parliament in June 2010, and Funadhoo was reinstated as the capital of the atoll, much to the dismay of both the government and the people of Milandhoo.

[4] In the first atoll council meeting, it was decided to move the secretariat from Milandhoo to Funadhoo, as per the law states.

It is notable that as of 2013, the official website of the President's Office does not display an address for the Shaviyani Atoll Council.

Basic medical care was introduced in the atoll with the establishment of a health centre on 25 December 1970 in the island of Lhaimagu.

This health centre is now developed to Atoll Hospital which has a well equipped laboratory and operation theater facilities and are manned by a gynecologist, anesthetist and a general practitioner.

Most schools have computer labs funded jointly by parents, government and the Shaviyani Atoll Development Project.