People

In Progress

The people of the Maldives are its own unique character. They are a small, kindred society unified by common history, the Dhivehi language, and the Islamic faith. Islam has given strength to the society and the faith is taken very seriously. The ties and obligations felt by individuals to their community, to their President, to a whole nation reflects the tradition of strong family ties. Intelligent, as well as devout, the people of The Maldives are tolerant and respectful of each other and of visitors to the country.

Maldivians have been able to blend tradition and modernity. Hardworking, but unhurried, playful and respectful, Maldivians have been able to blend tradition and modernity. All Maldivians have open access to education. All have the opportunity to play significant roles in the economic life of the nation.

Great respect is felt for the head of the national 'family' as well as for the head of each household. The family unit is strong.

Maldives peopleA population of little over 200,000 people is spread over the islands with over a quarter of them living in Male’, the capital. To foreigners the village people on some islands may seem shy. Curious of outsiders, they prefer to observe newcomers from a distance at first. One soon learns of their hospitality when the island chief provides a cold coconut drink and a healthy snack, usually made of seafood.

Athletic, the Maldivians are either soccer players or soccer fans, natural swimmers and divers, aggressive players in tennis, cricket, or badminton, the young people are encouraged to develop physically as well as intellectually and morally. Friendliness and honesty are taken for granted in The Maldives where old customs and Muslim traditions are respected.

The government is dedicated to improving the life of the people on the islands. Young people are encouraged to strive for higher education. Under government sponsorship young students are given grants to study abroad and they return to The Maldives to give service to the country.

Brilliant young women hold key positions in the government, working tirelessly to serve their country and people. Fishermen unload their silvery haul. Women attired in traditional dress sweep the grounds of a school readying it for a special Independence Day celebration. Five times a day finds a nation expressing religious devotion in prayer at one of the many mosques. Festivals give way to fun-loving, talented men and women singing and dancing.

As per historical records, the first inhabitants of the country were the Naga and the Yakka people who migrated from Sri Lanka and came over here. History also says that the Dravidians from South India also came and settled over here, thereby becoming the early inhabitants of the country.

In fact, the history of the country has a rich history of immigration. People from India, South East Asia and Sri Lanka migrated from their country and settled in this island country. Traits and customs prevalent over here also points out to the fact that the Gujratis sailed from India during the Indus Valley period and settled in Maldives.

Because of the country' s location on the main sea route on the Indian Ocean, it has been the meeting place for African, Arab, Malay and Indonesian mariners for a long period of time. All this and more shows that the people of Maldives are a mixed race with diverse cultural and historical background. In Male, one can find the Giraavaru People. They are considered as the descendents of the Tamils of South India. These people have their own customs and traditions, which is different from the rest of the Maldivian people.

The women tie their hair into a neat bun on the right side unlike the rest of the country, who tie it on the left side.

The people of the country are dark skinned and have an athletic built. Most of them are either football players or excellent divers. Young citizens of Maldives are encouraged to take part in sports and other games. Education is given a lot of importance in the country and everybody is encouraged to go for higher education.

The people of Maldives are simple people and are extremely family oriented. They give a lot of respect to one another, especially to the visitors. The majority of the people in this country are Muslims. They give a lot of importance to their families. The people of the country are extremely shy, but friendly. The people are extremely spiritual and religious minded. People of this country are however extremely superstitious.

The Maldives society has strong social divisions, Women are expected to stay at home and take cares of the household, while the men takes all the major decisions and is the bread earner of the family.

The Maldives people are known for their simplicity and friendly nature. One would surely like to mix with them and know more about them.

Population

The population of Maldives has increased rapidly during the last few decades. However with a population of nearly 270,000 the country still remains one of the smallest indepent nations in Asia.

About a quarter of the population is resident in Male’ the capital. Outside Male’ the largest population are in Hithadhoo in Addu Atoll, Fuamulah and Kulhudhufushi in Haa Dhaalu Atoll with 9,640, 7243 and 6,354 respectively. The rest is dispersed sparsely in the rest of the 200 inhabited islands.

Women

Women have always had an important role in the family and community. In the early history of Maldives, it was not uncommon to have a woman as a Sultana or ruler and it has been suggested that the society was once a matriarchy.

In today’s society women hold strong positions in government and business. A large percentage of government employees are women. The male female ratio of enrolment and completion of education to secondary school standards remains equivalent. Women serve in the cabinet and the Parliament.