Population:

It is believed that the first settlers of the Maldives immigrated from neighboring countries; these events date back to 5 th Century BC. Traders from Arabia , India , Sri Lanka etc…visited the Maldives to exchange goods during the early days. These visitors contributed much to the language and culture of the Maldives .
Maldivians practiced Hinduism & Buddhism during the early days; a Moroccan Scholar converted the country to Islam in 1153 AD. And since then Maldives has been a 100% Muslim Nation.
The abundance of cowry shells, coir rope and ambergris in Maldives attracted the Portuguese to Maldives . Consequently the Portuguese launched attacks against Maldives until they captured the country in 1558, In 1573 the Portuguese were chased away from Maldives with great bravery of few Maldivian Heroes.

British Influence in the Indian Ocean had effects on Maldives too. They recognized the strategic location of Maldives and offered Maldives a treaty which finally put Maldives under British Protectorate in 1887. Even today historians disagree the extent of freedom Maldives had under British Protectorate. Maldives finally got Independent from the British in 1965. This historic agreement was signed on 25 July 1965 in Sri Lanka . However they stayed in Addu Atoll until 1976. A written constitution did not exist in Maldives until 1932, customs and traditions along with Islamic Shariah formed the Law.
In 1953 the Maldives was converted to a Republic. However the republic was short-lived, after only 8 months the country was once again transformed to a sultanate and lasted a Sultanate until 1968. In 1968 once again Maldives was transformed to republic. On 11 November 1968, Mr Ibrahim Nasir was proclaimed the First President of the Second Republic . And In 1978 the current president Mr Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom was elected the President of the Maldives .

The groups of atolls consists of about 1190 islands in Maldivian archipelago are divided into natural coral atolls.
Although the Indian Ocean shares storms, waves and other phenomena related to large bodies of water, geographically these delicate natural coral islands have been formed with all its protective features to avoid from tremendous natural disasters.
An atoll can be visualized as series of concentric layers. The out most layer of the atoll is a protective strong reef. Composed of coral debris and living coral, this reef is barrier against rough seas and to smash waves. Whilst you access in to calm water within, must be the inner water of the atoll right. Some of the huge islands with massive barrier reefs have been formed to the outer ring of the atoll give protection to small islands. Islands formed individually within this barriers and sometimes occasional island comes up from in side the sea as silver sand bank, sea birds takes advantage of these island to lay their eggs.
Every island has its own binding reef, added to double protection; the crystal clear blue lagoon within this reef is often relatively shallow. Those aqua marine life and sea creatures around the island, which you can see throughout internet and pictures, are those.
Even though the Maldivian islands are well sheltered by oceanic waves, the islands depend on ocean and it plays key role in typical weather of country, as well as heat absorber.

Language
The national Language of Maldives is Dhivehi; Dhivehi has huge influences of Sanskrit and according to some researchers Elu, an ancient form of Sinhala, is strongly influenced by the main languages of the region. Given the wide dispersion of islands it is not surprising that the vocabulary and pronunciation vary from atoll to atoll, with the difference being more significant in the dialects spoken in the southernmost atolls. Our Language also has its own script called Thaana; Thaana is written from right to left and has 24 letters in its alphabet.
Family Life
The island communities practice mutual aid to survive difficult situations. A huge chain of families provide a network of protection for family members and help out each others any time they need. Along with the parents other members of the family also contribute in taking care of children.Traditionally men go out fishing during the day and women are in charge to look after the affairs of the family and frequently the community. Nowadays even smaller island communities practice the same.
Religion
Since its conversion to Islam in 1153, the major events and festivals of Maldivian life pursue the Muslim Calendar. From childhood religious education is provided both at home as well as schools. Islam is part of the school curriculum and is taught concurrently with additional subjects.
Arts & Craft
The beautifully carved tombstones in some of the old cemeteries and the fine stone carving of the Hukuru Miskiiy in Male' bear witness to the intricate skills of Maldivian stone carvers of the past.
Wooden Lacquer Ware
Perhaps the most distinctive of the Maldivian handicrafts, these are almost exlclusively produced in Thulhaadhoo in Baa Atoll. Liye Laajehun as it is called in Dhivehi involves the process of shaping and hollowing out pieces of wood to form beautifully crafted boxes, containers and ornamental objects. Made from the local funa,
Mats
Beautiful red mats are woven throughout the country, the most famous of which are those that are woven by the women of Gadhdhoo in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. Thundu Kunaa as they are known in Dhivehi ranges in size from that of a place mat to a full size single mattress.
Boat Building
Although the tools used in the building of dhonis have changed, little has changed of its basic design. As in the past, the boats are still being built without a documented plan.
Dhonis are mainly used for fishing and provide the livelihood for a large proportion of the population. Others are modified to be used for transportation of passengers. Even the luxury cruise vessels that are built in the country uses the same basic hull design and can be as long as 30 meters (100 feet) or more.

Geographically Maldives archipelago lies between 72° 32' 30” E 73° 45' 54” E and 7° 06' 30” N to 0° 41' 48” S, which puts her just north of the Equator and southwest of the Indian peninsular.
It is said that these coral islands were formed on top of submerged Volcanoes, which sank millions of years ago…

protective reefs safeguard these islands which are highly vulnerable to sealevel rise, most of these low-lying islands are less than 2 meters above sea level, erosion is a major problem facing most of the islands, some islands erode completely while new islands come to life in the form a sand bank. and hence Maldives is a true example of natures' picture perfect drawings.

The 1190 islands of the Maldives is divided into 26 Natural atolls, each atoll consists of several Islands . These islands have an outer reef which protects the islands from waves coming from the open ocean, between the island and this reef lies the crystal clear lagoons.
These massive protcetive reefs are very dangerous to vessels which travel between the islands, so mariners have to be very careful in travelling thorugh Maldives, Local seamen have mastered to navigate these reefs while travelling between the islands to fulfill their daily needs.
Although the vegetation on these islands is limited this is supplemented by the riches of the seas surrounding them, these multicolored coral gardens are home to thousands of species of fish.

Coconut palms grows in abundance on all the islands, however only few other types of trees grow on the islands. specially the salinity of the soil along the beach restricts the growth to few plants. Normally, shrubs and small hedges occupy this area.

Male’ is considered as one of the smallest capitals in the world, whilst it is also known as one the most densely populated areas in the world with over 75,000 people (almost one third of the population) living on two square kilometer of land.
Male' is different from all other islands in the country with high-rise multi story buildings, paved roads and latest luxury vehicles, the main government offices are located in one area while the main streets are lined with shops and private offices, In the old bazaar area which is still considered as the country’s hub of wholesale and retail trade, the lanes are so narrow that a single vehicle would find it difficult to navigate through, especially with its throngs of busy people.
There are no beaches on Male’; instead seawalls surround all its sides. However, a newly landscaped artificial beach area and adjoining breakwater stretching all the way round to the harbor in the southwest of the island provide a pleasant jogging route, especially popular in the evenings when it is cooler. Male’ is still relatively green and pleasant. The streets in the residential areas are shaded with trees, at places forming an arch overhead. A fair number of main streets are lined with huge trees providing shade on both sides. lthough Male’ is densely populated, it is one of the safer and secure city among the all neighboring capitals. Fortunately Male’ does not have activities such as robbing and pocket picking. People are friendly and helpful they greet with a friendly smiling face. It is not difficult to find your way around Male’ if you carry a map with you. Most souvenir shops lined the northern end of Chaandanee Magu, Guides and vendors are able to speak English, French, German, Italian, and other languages, also patiently they are waiting to serve the visitors in a hospitably manner. While shopping do keep in mind that export of products made of turtle shell, black coral, pearl oyster shell and red coral is prohibited.
Beside souvenir shops you may find latest electronics, jeweleries, dive gears and some fancy stuff such as sun glasses. The shops are stocked with an ample supply of gifts and souvenir items.

The Main Attractions of Male'
The Fish Market
Sultan Park and National Museum
The Islamic Center
Old Friday Mosque (Hukuru Miskiy) - A 17th Century mosque