Maldives

POPULATION

The population of the Maldives is about 521,000 (estimated 2023).
The country consists of about 1,200 coral islands, of which about 200 are inhabited.
Most of the population is located in the capital, Malé, which is also the political, economic and cultural center of the Maldives.

CAPITAL

The capital of the Maldives is Malé.
It is located on the island of the same name and is the political, economic and cultural center of the country.
Malé is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, with much of the Maldives’ urban population concentrated there.

CLIMATE

The climate of the Maldives is humid tropical and influenced by monsoons, with warm and stable temperatures year-round.
Average temperatures generally range between 25°C and 31°C throughout the year.
The Maldives is characterized by two main seasons:

• Dry season, linked to the northeast monsoon(November to April) characterized by clear skies and low rainfall.
• Rainy season, linked to the southwest monsoon(May to October), with heavier rainfall and thunderstorms, although sunny days are still frequent.

Humidity is high, but sea breezes help make the weather more bearable.

RATING

The official currency of the Maldives is the Maldivian Rufiyaa, ISO code MVR.
Convert Maldivian Rufiyaa to Swiss franc..

SPOKEN LANGUAGES.

The official language of the Maldives is Dhivehi (or Maldivian), an Indo-Aryan language with Arabic, Persian, and English influences.
It is spoken by most of the population and used in official and everyday contexts.
English is widely understood and spoken, especially in tourist areas, government offices, and schools.
As the country is a popular tourist destination, many workers in the industry also speak other languages, such as Italian, French, German, and other European languages.

RELIGION

The official religion of the Maldives isSunni Islam, and the entire Maldivian population is constitutionally obligated to be Muslim.
Islam is deeply rooted in the country’s culture and daily life, and laws and regulations are based on sharia law.
Public practice of other religions is not permitted, and anyone wishing to obtain Maldivian citizenship must be a Muslim.
Islamic religious holidays, such as Ramadan and Eid, are celebrated nationwide.

ART

Art in the Maldives reflects the history and culture of the archipelago, influenced by different traditions and civilizations that have crossed the Indian Ocean, such as Indian, Arab, Persian, and African.
Traditional art forms include:

• Lacquer Work: one of the oldest arts in the Maldives, used to decorate boxes, vases and other wooden objects.
  Artisans apply several layers of colored lacquer and then carve them to create intricate designs.
• Thundu Kunaa (woven carpets): made from woven palm leaves, these carpets are handmade by Maldivian women.
  They are often decorated with geometric designs and are used for prayer or as decoration.
• Dhoni(boats): the construction of dhoni, traditional Maldivian boats, is an important art.
  The boats are made of wood and are used for both fishing and transportation.
• Traditional architecture: Maldivian mosques are examples of architectural mastery, often built with carved coral stones and decorated with inlays and geometric patterns.
  The Hukuru Miskiy (Friday Mosque) in Malé is one of the best examples of this tradition.
• Traditional music and dance: The Maldives boasts unique music and dance traditions, such as Bodu Beru, a type of drumming accompanied by singing and dancing, of African origin.

Maldivian contemporary art has seen growth in recent years, with artists exploring themes related to sustainability, the environment, and modernity.

CULTURE

Maldivian culture is deeply rooted in the archipelago’s history, religion and maritime environment.
Influenced by centuries of exchange with Arab, Indian, African, and Persian peoples, Maldivian culture is a unique blend of traditions and customs.
Here are some of the main cultural features:

• Family and Community Families are the core of Maldivian society and play a key role in social relations.
  Island communities are close-knit, and the sense of belonging and cooperation is strong, especially in the smaller islands.
• Traditional clothing Men often wear the sarong (a fabric wrapped around the waist) called “mundu” or “libaas,” accompanied by a shirt.
  Women wear “libaas,” a long dress often decorated with embroidery, especially during ceremonies and festivals.
• Tourism and Modernity The Maldives is one of the world’s top tourist destinations, with a significant impact on local culture.
  While traditionally conservative, many global influences have introduced elements of modernity, especially in the tourist areas and in the capital city of Malé, where globalization has led to an increasing mixing of cultures.

Maldivian culture maintains strong ties to the past while embracing modern elements, particularly in its interaction with international tourism.

FOOD

Maldivian cuisine is strongly influenced by the archipelago’s geographical location in the Indian Ocean, with fish, particularly tuna, and coconut as the main ingredients.
It is simple but rich in flavor.
Maldivian food reflects local traditions and influences from neighboring cultures such as Indian, Arab, and Southeast Asian.
Here are some typical dishes and key ingredients:

• Main DishesMasHuni: one of the most popular breakfast dishes, it is a mixture of shredded tuna, grated coconut, onions and chilies, served with roshi (flat bread similar to a chapati). Garudhiya: a clear soup made with boiled tuna, often served with rice, lime, chilies and onions. Fihunu Mas: fish (often tuna) marinated with spices and grilled or barbecued. Maldivian Curry (Mas Riha): curry is a central dish in Maldivian cuisine, and fish curry is the most common.
  It is prepared with fresh fish, local spices, coconut milk and accompanied by rice. Kulhimas: spicy tuna cooked with chili, curry and spices.
  It is very tasty and often served with roshi bread or rice.
• Snacks and tea dishes (Hedhikaa)Roshi: a flat bread similar to Indian chapati, which accompanies many main dishes, such as curry or mas huni. Rice: often served with curry or garudhiya. Coconut: used in various ways, both as an ingredient in main dishes and desserts.
  Coconut milk is a key component of many Maldivian curries.
• SweetFoniBoakiba: a traditional Maldivian dessert made from rice, coconut and sugar, often prepared during holidays. Huni Hakuru: a dessert made from coconut and palm sugar, similar to a soft cake.
• DrinksRaa: a traditional drink made from fermented, slightly alcoholic coconut palm sap. Fresh fruit juices: very popular and made from local tropical fruits, such as mango, papaya and coconut.