We all know that the Maldives is one of the best tourist destinations in the world but how many of us know that it is a country that boasts a rich and vibrant culture and a nation that is bound by norms and traditions that has been followed for centuries.
Cultural History
The earliest settlers of the Maldives were believed to be seafarers from India of Aryan origin and it is also believed that later, settlers from Africa and Sri Lanka too arrived and began to inhabit the pristine islands.
Social Norms and Religion
The Maldives is a strictly Muslim nation and the sharia law and other restrictions are strictly imposed on the people of Maldives. Failing to follow these laws may result in high penalties and severe punishments. But tourists don’t have to worry much as they mostly spend their vacation at hotels or Maldives luxury resorts and wear anything they like. But remember when visiting the populated areas of the Maldives you should wear clothing that will cover shoulders and legs.
Language
The national language of the Maldives is Divehi. This is a distinctive language that is only spoken by Maldivians. The language, however, has many similarities to Sinhala which is a language spoken in Sri Lanka.
Cuisine
Maldives food is primarily based on seafood which is the ocean surrounding the Maldives is very much abundant in. Tuna is a staple in Maldivian cuisine and it is very much influenced by Indian and Sri Lankan food preparation methods. You can savour traditional Maldivian food in almost all the resorts located in the archipelago and Naladhu Private Island Maldives is one of them.
Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+
