Population
521,457 inhabitants (2021).
Official Language
The official language of the Maldives is Dhivehi, which is an Indo-Iranian language closely related to Sinhalese.
Languages Spoken
The vast majority, around 98.6%, of Maldivians speak various dialects of Dhivehi. There are small linguistic minorities, including speakers of Sinhalese (0.6%), Gujarati (0.1%) and Malayalam (0.1%). English is commonly spoken, particularly in tourist areas.
People
The current population of the Maldives is descended from Indo-Aryan populations originating from western and north-western regions of India since the mid-third millennium BC. These inhabitants have historical ties with the Sinhalese population. The state religion is Sunni Islam, and foreigners are only permitted to practice their faith in private settings.
National Holiday
The Maldives observes its National Day on the 1st of Rabee ul Awwal, the third month, which celebrates the anniversary of its independence in 1965.
Holiday Schedule
The Maldives has several significant holidays throughout the year, including New Year's Day (January 1), Ramadan (dates vary), Labour Day (May 1), Eid al-Fitr (date varies), Hajj Day (date varies), Eid-ul Al'haa (date varies), Islamic New Year (date varies), Qaumee Dhuvas (date varies), Eid al Mawlid (date varies), Victory Day (November 3), Republic Day (November 11) and The Day Maldives Embraced Islam (November 15).
History
The history of the Maldives, a nation that spans across around 1,200 islands, is intertwined with various influences. Initially inhabited by Buddhists from India and Sri Lanka, the islands became a stopover for Arab traders and sailors who introduced Islam in 1153. The Portuguese briefly took control of Malé, the capital, in 1558. Later, the Dutch, who succeeded the Portuguese in ruling Ceylon, traded with and supported the Maldives in the 17th century. The British established a protectorate over the islands in 1887 when they took control of Ceylon. In 1965, the Maldives gained independence from Britain, eventually becoming a kingdom and republic by 1968. A coup attempt in 1988 failed, and the country has since focused on tourism and infrastructure development.
Political Structure
The Maldives is governed under the 2008 Constitution and has a two-tier administrative structure, comprising seven provinces and 20 atolls, with Malé serving as the capital and not falling into either category. The president, who holds both head of state and head of government roles, is elected for a five-year term through direct national voting. The unicameral legislature, known as the Majlis of the Maldives, consists of 87 members, most of whom are elected for five-year terms by the atolls, with eight members appointed by the president. The legal system is based on Islamic law, known as sharia.
Prominent Figures from the Maldives
Maumoon Abdul Gayoom (1937-Present): A distinguished scholar and statesman, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom held the office of the President of the Maldives for an extended period from 1978 to 2008, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in the nation's history.
Ibn Battuta (1304-1369): In the 14th century, the renowned Muslim traveller Ibn Battuta found fame in the Maldives. Seeking refuge on the islands, he assumed roles as a judge, husband and father before being compelled to leave once more, this time seeking sanctuary in Ceylon.
Serenity Dies (set up in 2005, since disbanded): A thrash metal band formed in 2005, Serenity Dies may not be what one expects from a tropical paradise. However, their dedication to their genre brought them widespread attention.
Al Ameer Mohamed Amin Dhoshimeynaa Kilegefaanu (1910-1954): Widely known as Mohamed Amin Didi, he assumed the presidency in 1953 as the inaugural President of the Republic of Maldives. His political endeavours centred on the advancement of women's rights and the modernization of the country.
Etiquette
Tipping is generally not customary in the Maldives, and the level of service you receive is unlikely to be affected by whether you leave a tip or not. Most all-inclusive resorts include a service charge in their bills, eliminating the need for additional tipping. However, if you encounter exceptional service from a dive instructor, waiter or other staff member, a small tip is greatly appreciated.
Islam is the state religion of the Maldives, and alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited outside of resort areas. When arriving at Malé airport, customs authorities will confiscate any alcoholic beverages you bring into the country. It's important to be mindful of your attire; dressing modestly with covered legs, shoulders and chests is advisable. Non-Muslims typically do not have access to mosques on the islands.
Shopping
If you wish to purchase locally made products during your stay, look for items labelled 'Made in the Maldives' to ensure their authenticity. Resorts and inhabited islands offer a variety of handicrafts, jewellery, fabrics, mats and clothing for sale.
Food
Maldivian cuisine is centred around ingredients such as fish, coconut, taro, potatoes, pineapples and breadfruit. The bountiful sea provides a rich source of food for the many hotels scattered across the islands, with tuna being a staple in Maldivian cuisine. The influence of India, Sri Lanka and Arabia has brought spices, wheat and rice into Maldivian dishes, resulting in specialties like spicy dried fish curry with rice.
Drink
Travellers are advised to drink only bottled water and avoid ice. Alcoholic beverages are only permitted in hotels, resorts and cruise ships, with Malé being an exception. Non-alcoholic beer is a popular choice on many islands, and soft drinks, tea and coffee are widely available.
