Maldivians

The Maldivians are the inhabitants of the Maldives, a tropical island nation in the Indian Ocean. The Maldives is an archipelago of 1,192 coral islands, and the population is roughly 430,000. The Maldivians are of South Asian and Arab descent, with a complex ancestry that has been influenced by various migrations and traders.

The Maldives was a thalassocracy, a system of monarchical power based on naval power, from the 12th to the 16th century. The sultanate of the Maldives was the dominant power in the region, and the sultans played a significant role in the history of the Indian Ocean. Islam was introduced to the Maldives in the 12th century, and the Suffi Islamic tradition holds a significant place in Maldivian culture.

The Maldivians have a unique cuisine influenced by the geographical position of the islands and the cultural exchange with Indians, Sri Lankans, and Arabs. Fish and other seafood play a major role in the Maldivian diet, as do coconuts and corn. The language of Maldives is Dhivehi (also known as Maldivian), which is a branch of the Indo-European language family.

Maldivian society has traditionally been organized around fishing and other sea-based activities, which have played a crucial role in the economic and social fabric of the community. In recent years, tourism and other industries have become increasingly important to the Maldivian economy. Despite facing challenges such as climate change and economic vulnerability, the Maldivians have maintained a unique cultural identity and a resilient society.