People

The Maldives, with a mysterious ancient history, is believed by scholars and historians to be an ancient nation that was populated over 2500 years ago. The Maldivian race, shaped by numerous waves of settlement by mostly seafarers, reflects thousands of years of interactions among people of various races and ethnicities crisscrossing the Indian Ocean.

The geographical location of the Maldives played a crucial role in its unique cultural amalgamation. The country, situated as a crossroads in the Indian Ocean, served as a melting pot for people and cultures. The rich culture and traditions of the Maldives, along with the diverse physical traits of its people, bear witness to this historical tapestry.

The Maldivian language, Dhivehi, is an Indo-Aryan language with roots in Sanskrit. As of the most recent census in 2022, the population of the Maldivians was recorded at 382,751 people. Approximately one-third of the population of Maldives (515 122 inhabitants) resides in the capital city, Male’, while the remaining two-thirds inhabit approximately 200 islands scattered across the length of the country.

Scroll to Top