The background:
Republic of Maldives
Capital City: Malé
Area: 298 sq km
Population: 301,475
Official Language: Maldivian Divehi
Religion: Sunni Muslim
Currency: Rufiyaa(RF)
The Maldives
Resorts in the Maldives woo tourists with promises of “the last paradise on earth”, and if your idea of paradise is a pristine tropical island with swaying palm trees, pure white beaches an
d brilliant turquoise lagoons, then the Maldives will not disappoint.
It’s also a major destination for scuba divers, who come for the fabulous coral reefs and the wealth of marine life. It’s also great for surfing and fishing, but it’s not a place for low budget backpackers or amateur anthropologists who want to travel independently and live as the locals do. Visas are required for most nationalities, but are free and can be obtained on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days.
While it’s always hot and humid, the southwest monsoon period from May to November see the most rain and storms. Daytime temperatures hit about 30℃ all year round and lows average around 24℃. Daytime sea breezes also help take the edge off but nights can be quite muggy.
CULTURE
Though performances of traditional music and dance are not everyday events, there is a strong contemporary Divehi culture, despite foreign influences. Western fashions, pop musi
c and videos are visible in the capital, but on public occasions, like the beginning and ed of Ramadan, the celebrations always have a distinctly Maldivian touch.
A bodu beru means a big drum, and gives its name to the best known form of traditional music and dance, It’s what tourist resorts put on for a local culture night, and can be quite compelling. Dancers begin with a slow swaying and become more animated as the tempo increases, finishing in a rhythmic frenzy. There are four to six drummers in an ensemble. The sound has strong African influences.
Islam is the national religion and all Maldivians are Sunni Muslims. No other  religions are permitted, though ancient beliefs survive: for example, islanders fear jinnis-evil spirits which come from the sea, land and sky.
Fish and rice are the staple foods of Maldivians with meat eaten only on special occasions. National dishes include fried fish, fish curry and fish soup. Alcohol is only available in tourist resorts.
ATTRACTIONS
The Lslamic Center:
The Lslamic Cente is the most vivid architectural landmark of Malé, the spectacular golden dome dominating the skyline. The building symbolizes the importance of Lslamic religion, which had ruled all aspects of life in the country for centuries.
Hukuru Miskiiy:
Hukuru Miskiiy is the oldest mosque in Malé famed for its intricate stone carvings.
Seenu:
Seenu is the “second city” of the Maldives, and the best base from which to visit traditional Maldivian island communities. The Addu people are fiercely independent and speak differently from people in the capital.
The National Museum
The National Museum houses exhibits of the sultan’s belongings and some of Thor Heyerd
ahl’s archaeological discoveries.
HISTORY:
Pre 20th Century History
The first inhabitants probably arrived in the archipelago from Sri Lanka and southern India before 500 BC. Maldivians believe an ancient race of sun-worshipping people called the Redin were the first settlers; their heritage involving evil spirits, or jinnis, is still evident today.
The Redin left around 500 BC. Because building materials were limited, each group built its important structures on top of those left by previous inhabitants. This is why many Maldivian mosques are oriented towards the sun and not Mecca.
The conversion to Lslam, in 1153 AD, is a watershed in Maldivian history. According to legend, a sea jinni called Rannamaari demanded regular sacrifices of young girls in Male. Abu Al Barakat, a visiting North African Arab, took the place of a sacrificial victim, and drove
the demon away by reading from the Koran. The Maldivian king at the time was sold on Lslam, and Barakat later became the first sultan. A series of six dynasties followed.
In 1558,Captain Andreas Andre led a Portuguese invasion which killed Sultan Ali VI. Andre ruled Malé much of the country for the next 15 years. Portuguese occupation came to a sticky end in 1573 when an island chief led an attack on the main Portuguese garrison and slew worshippingthe lot.
In the 17th century, the Maldivies came under the protection of the Dutch and later the British, but neither established a colonial administration.