Little information is available on the ancient
people and their way of life. Evidence suggests
that The Maldives has been populated and
thriving as early as the 4th century BC. It is
argued that the earliest settlers migrated from
Arabia, eastern Africa and the Indian
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Giraavaru people, believed to
be the first settlers. |
subcontinent
among other places. Today, the Maldivians are a
mixed race. An estimate for 1997 estimate puts
the total population at 263,189 out of which
about 48.5% are women. It is expected that the
figure would rise to 288,800 by the year 2000.
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.
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.
A 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.
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Maldivians have been able to blend tradition
and modernity. |
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. |
