MALDIVES: Life In The Islands

The Maldives archipelago comprises of 1190 islands. Only 187 of the islands are populated by the locals. Maldivians are the only ethnicity inhabiting the islands scattered across the central Indian Ocean. The people of the Maldives are renowned for their friendly nature and helpfulness.

According to the “Population and Housing Census 2014”, the current population of the Maldives is 341,256. Close to half of the population reside in the Capital Male’ City. Remaining population inhabits islands which are divided into 20 administrative atolls.

Male’ is a bustling city where time flies by. In contrast, life in the islands is slow. All the inhabited islands are connected to the capital city through various transportation modes. Commonly boats are used to travel to and from Male’ to bring goods to the islands. Since all the governmental and financial institutions are based in Male’, islanders have to frequently travel to obtain their services.

Traditionally islanders were mainly engaged in fisheries. Other occupations include carpentry and toddy tapping. The rapid modernisation process in the Maldives, following the advent of tourism in the country, has introduced new occupations. Currently most of the population is engaged in the tourism industry. Every inhabited island has their own schools and most islands have health posts or health centres or hospitals.

Previously the affairs of the island community were overseen by the Island Chief, who is locally known as the Katheeb. Today, islanders elect councillors to manage their affairs. Maldivians are strict adherents of Sunni Islam. Accordingly, the religion plays a central role in the island communities. Every inhabited island has a local mosque, where the locals observe prayers regularly.

Festivals are celebrated colourfully and energetically in the islands. Traditional dance and music items are displayed during the festivals.

The recent start of guest house businesses in the inhabited islands, paves the way for visitors to interact with the locals. Island hopping is also a great way to observe the lives of islanders.