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What Is Life Like in the Maldives?

The economy of Maldives relies greatly on tourism. It is the largest industry and accounts for approx. 28% of the GDP. The next largest is the fishing industry, which accounts for approx.10% of the GDP. Agricultural outputs are coconut, banana, breadfruit, papayas, mangoes, taro, betel, sweet potatoes, and onions

The Maldives are between the trading routes of the Indian Ocean. Visitors from neighbouring areas all round the world have had contact with the Maldives, for as long as the islands have been there. This has had a significant effect on the people and their cultures, which can be noticed in the way they talk, their opinions, the arts, crafts, and their outlook on life.

The inhabitants of the Maldives look contrast from one atoll to the next, this is due to the genes passed down from the various visitors and traders over the years. As diverse as South and Southeast Asians, Africans, and Arabians. The Maldivians speak Dhivehi and the dialect is different in some areas of the Maldives. Maldivian beliefs have been centred on religion and superstition. Islam is the main faith in the Maldives but the impact of the supernatural, still to this day, plays a key part in many Maldives island communities.

To gain an understanding of Maldives Island Life when on holiday, you need to travel to an inhabited Island. This is the way to learn and gain experience about the life of an ordinary Maldivian. Some Maldives islands are more modern than others, with the walls of the houses painted in bright colours, some Maldives islands have harbour areas where you can sit and watch the boats come in and out. Some of the islanders build boats. Some islands are purely agricultural.

There are many fishing villages with trees giving the shade for the day, along with the traditional wooden holhuashi (which is like a gazebo). You can walk along the beaches and mix with the locals, listening to their tales after a hard day’s work. Don’t forget to shop at the local markets where you can pick up local handicrafts. Once everyone has finished their work for the day, they take their daily showers or bath, dress in fresh clothes and walk around the island, visiting family and friends, taking home made curry dishes, or else take some time out to relax and watch the evening sunset and talk amongst themselves about the affairs of their island or the country.

Susan B Fleming

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