The Maldivian culture is rich and vibrant due to an infusion of Indian, Sri Lankan, Arabic, and North African influences. Even though Maldives was culturally influenced by different traditions, Maldivians developed and maintained their own cultural identity.

Maldivian People & Society

Maldives’ population of 375,867 is divided into three main ethnic groups, namely South Indians, Sinhalese, and Arabs. A third of the population lives in the centrally located capital city of Male, and almost a tenth lives in southern Addu City; the remainder of the populace is spread over the 200 populated islands of the archipelago. Almost all Maldivians are Sunni Muslims.

Dhiveni is Maldives’ official language, and English is spoken by most government officials.

Cuisine

Daily meals include rice and fish, with fish being the most important source of protein in the average Maldivian diet. Very few vegetables are eaten due to a lack of farming land in the country.

Music and Dance

The music of Maldives has a close resemblance to that of Northern India. Many of popular Maldivian songs are based on Hindi tunes due to a similar language, rhythms, and cadence.

Bulbul Tarang is a popular and one of the most favourite musical instruments. The instrument is also played to accompany devotional songs. The Bodu Beru drumming performances symbolise the country’s African roots.

Economy

Driven by the rapid growth of its tourism and fisheries sectors, Maldives became a middle-income country.

The World Factbook reports that diversifying the economy of Maldives beyond tourism and fishing, reforming public finance, increasing employment opportunities, and combating corruption, cronyism, and a growing drug problem are near-term plans for the government.

This article is part of a series highlighting the unique cultures featured in the recently concluded Limkokwing International Cultural Festival 2017.

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