Maradhu is located at the heart of the largest landmass in the Maldives. It is in the middle of the island chain in western side of Addu Atoll. To the north are Hankede followed by Hithadhu's Gaukendi, Rujjehera, Abuhera, RAF, Maamendhu and Mainland Hithadhu. To the South are Maradhu-Feydhu, Feydhu and Gan island. Maradhu is about 539 kilometers from the capital island of Maldives. It has a population of 3205 and is ranked 17th in terms of population in Maldives as at Dec 03.

Mardhu's location make it strategically important for the atoll as the main bridging point between the main industrial island Gan and the atolls administrative capital Hithadhu. Maradhu is a larger island in Maldivian terms. The southern part, towards Feydhu has a separate administrative division and is regarded as separate island named Maradhu-Feydhu, even though naturally it is a part of Maradhu island itself.