Maldives Culture

The Maldivian ethnic identity is a blend that reflects the peoples who settled on the islands, reinforced by religion and language. Maldivian culture is derived from a number of sources, but most specifically from Sri Lanka and southern India. The Maldives are now a mostly Muslim nation and because of that, it is very conservative.

The official language of the Maldives is Dhivehi but English is used widely in commerce and increasingly taught in government schools.

The islands have a class system but they are not as rigid as neighboring countries India and Sri Lanka. Rank is based on many factors such occupation, wealth, Islamic virtue, and family ties. Most members of the social elite are located in Male with the lower class in the outlying islands or working on the resorts. Outside of the resorts, Male is the only location where foreign and domestic populations are likely to interact as casual contact between locals and foreigners is frowned upon. The Maldives tries very hard to protect its unique and strong Muslim culture.

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