It is believed that the first settlers of the Maldives immigrated from neighboring countries; these events date back to 5 th Century BC. Traders from Arabia , India , Sri Lanka etc…visited the Maldives to exchange goods during the early days. These visitors contributed much to the language and culture of the Maldives .
Maldivians practiced Hinduism & Buddhism during the early days; a Moroccan Scholar converted the country to Islam in 1153 AD. And since then Maldives has been a 100% Muslim Nation.
The abundance of cowry shells, coir rope and ambergris in Maldives attracted the Portuguese to Maldives . Consequently the Portuguese launched attacks against Maldives until they captured the country in 1558, In 1573 the Portuguese were chased away from Maldives with great bravery of few Maldivian Heroes.
British Influence in the Indian Ocean had effects on Maldives too. They recognized the strategic location of Maldives and offered Maldives a treaty which finally put Maldives under British Protectorate in 1887. Even today historians disagree the extent of freedom Maldives had under British Protectorate. Maldives finally got Independent from the British in 1965. This historic agreement was signed on 25 July 1965 in Sri Lanka . However they stayed in Addu Atoll until 1976. A written constitution did not exist in Maldives until 1932, customs and traditions along with Islamic Shariah formed the Law.
In 1953 the Maldives was converted to a Republic. However the republic was short-lived, after only 8 months the country was once again transformed to a sultanate and lasted a Sultanate until 1968. In 1968 once again Maldives was transformed to republic. On 11 November 1968, Mr Ibrahim Nasir was proclaimed the First President of the Second Republic . In 1978 Mr Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom was elected the President of the Maldives. And the current president Mr. Mohamed Nasheed was elected on 11 November 2008.
CLIMATE
The groups of atolls consists of about 1190 islands in Maldivian archipelago are divided into natural coral atolls.Although the Indian Ocean shares storms, waves and other phenomena related to large bodies of water, geographically these delicate natural coral islands have been formed with all its protective features to avoid from tremendous natural disasters.
An atoll can be visualized as series of concentric layers. The out most layer of the atoll is a protective strong reef. Composed of coral debris and living coral, this reef is barrier against rough seas and to smash waves. Whilst you access in to calm water within, must be the inner water of the atoll right. Some of the huge islands with massive barrier reefs have been formed to the outer ring of the atoll give protection to small islands. Islands formed individually within this barriers and sometimes occasional island comes up from in side the sea as silver sand bank, sea birds takes advantage of these island to lay their eggs.
Every island has its own binding reef, added to double protection; the crystal clear blue lagoon within this reef is often relatively shallow. Those aqua marine life and sea creatures around the island, which you can see throughout internet and pictures, are those.
Even though the Maldivian islands are well sheltered by oceanic waves, the islands depend on ocean and it plays key role in typical weather of country, as well as heat absorber.
CULTURE
Language
The national Language of Maldives is Dhivehi; Dhivehi has huge influences of Sanskrit and according to some researchers Elu, an ancient form of Sinhala, is strongly influenced by the main languages of the region. Given the wide dispersion of islands it is not surprising that the vocabulary and pronunciation vary from atoll to atoll, with the difference being more significant in the dialects spoken in the southernmost atolls. Our Language also has its own script called Thaana; Thaana is written from right to left and has 24 letters in its alphabet.
Family Life
The island communities practice mutual aid to survive difficult situations. A huge chain of families provide a network of protection for family members and help out each others any time they need. Along with the parents other members of the family also contribute in taking care of children.Traditionally men go out fishing during the day and women are in charge to look after the affairs of the family and frequently the community. Nowadays even smaller island communities practice the same.
Religion
Since its conversion to Islam in 1153, the major events and festivals of Maldivian life pursue the Muslim Calendar. From childhood religious education is provided both at home as well as schools. Islam is part of the school curriculum and is taught concurrently with additional subjects.
Arts & Craft
The beautifully carved tombstones in some of the old cemeteries and the fine stone carving of the Hukuru Miskiiy in Male' bear witness to the intricate skills of Maldivian stone carvers of the past.
Wooden Lacquer Ware
Perhaps the most distinctive of the Maldivian handicrafts, these are almost exlclusively produced in Thulhaadhoo in Baa Atoll. Liye Laajehun as it is called in Dhivehi involves the process of shaping and hollowing out pieces of wood to form beautifully crafted boxes, containers and ornamental objects. Made from the local funa,
Mats
Beautiful red mats are woven throughout the country, the most famous of which are those that are woven by the women of Gadhdhoo in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. Thundu Kunaa as they are known in Dhivehi ranges in size from that of a place mat to a full size single mattress.
Boat Building
Although the tools used in the building of dhonis have changed, little has changed of its basic design. As in the past, the boats are still being built without a documented plan.
Dhonis are mainly used for fishing and provide the livelihood for a large proportion of the population. Others are modified to be used for transportation of passengers. Even the luxury cruise vessels that are built in the country uses the same basic hull design and can be as long as 30 meters (100 feet) or more.
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