Located in the Indian Ocean, the Maldivian archipelago is influenced by the surrounding nations of Sri Lanka, India, Africa and Arabia. The people have managed to adopt unique traditions and trends that make the Maldives the culturally rich nation it is today. A 100% Islamic nation, the Maldives is fascinating to explore as this guide on how to explore the vibrant Maldivian culture explains.

The official language of the Maldives is Dhivehi. The dialect has its origins in Indo-Iranian Sanskrit and has close links to Sinhala, which is spoken in Sri Lanka, while some parts of the dialect spoken in India too are borrowed. Dhivehi has evolved to be independent though and is a language on its own that follows the Thaana script style of writing. This means that similar to Arabic writing, sentences are written from right to left. Although known as Maldivians to the outside world, internally, locals are called Dhivehin, which is believed to stem from the Indian word for island ‘deevi.’ You can learn more about the archipelago and its lures, by exploring The Maldives Travel, which is just one of the fascinating websites dedicated to learning more about what the coral islands offer. This is because despite being a tropical haven and escape for many, Maldives' history and culture are one of the nation’s biggest lures.

Islam is the only religion practiced in the Maldives and only Sunni Muslims are allowed to own land there. Taking any kind of religious propaganda into the Maldives is banned and a punishable offense. Conversely, the Maldives' history shows the islands were a Buddhist nation, especially since historical records point to the nation being established by an Indian prince. It was in the 12^th century that a merchant from Arabia, Abu Al Barakat arrived on the islands bringing with him the first Quran seen by the people. The rest as you know is history and the Maldives remains a strong Islamic nation.

There are many skilled artisans in the Maldives. Most of them are accomplished in woodcraft and you can find elegant and intricate wood and lacquer creations at the arts and crafts market in the capital Male Island. Pretty jewellery as well as colourful mats made from dry reeds are popular souvenirs to take back. You can visit the Old Friday Mosque, the oldest in the Maldives built in the 16^th century, for views of skilled craftsmanship as the mosque displays beautiful wood carvings on its door and window frames.

Maldives Cuisine | Image via Wikimedia Commons

As an island nation, the Maldives thrives on seafood. It is not only incorporated into all aspects of the nation’s culinary creations but is also one of the main economies there. Fish is a main ingredient in Maldivian cuisine together with coconut, yams, and vegetables. Not much can be grown on the coral islands, so, most other food products are imported. Noteworthy dishes to try when in the Maldives include:

Garudhiya - a clear fish broth often eaten for breakfast.

Fihuna mass - a type of barbequed fish that is well seasoned with spices.

Mas huni - a fresh salad made with shredded fish, often tuna, and grated coconut. Spices, onion and herbs are included to give the dish a delicious taste.

Other seafood varieties you can enjoy on the islands include fresh lobster cooked to perfection, prawns, crabs and many more.

Bodhu Beru drumming, meaning big drum, is a traditional and popular cultural trend in the Maldives. Bodhu Beru is often performed at weddings for both locals and foreigners who choose the Maldives as a venue for their ceremonies. Traditional dance routines in the Maldives are influenced by the Kathak dance style of North India.