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 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.
Maldivians have been able to blend tradition
and modernity.
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.
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.
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