The history of the Maldives combines tales which showcase the influence of numerous cultures over the years. It also shows significant impacts of sitting at the crossroads of major trade and maritime routes in the Indian Ocean. The earliest settlers of these lands were here even during 1500 BCE.

The period between the 3rd century BCE and 12th century BCE saw an imposing growth of Buddhism on these islands. However, the archipelago's moving over to Islamic ways is attributed to the famous North African Muslim explorer Ibn Battuta who came here during the 12th century BCE.

The Dutch and Portuguese tried to colonise these lands but it eventually became a British protectorate. It eventually became a republic during the year 1968 shortly after its independence from the British.

Since the Islamic way of life is widespread in the area, festivals like Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha are celebrated in a grand way. The month of Ramadan is also observed with a lot of passion in these lands.

Being a group of islands in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives has a rich fishing culture. These skills are passed down from generation to generation. The unique method of Maldivian fishing sports a mix of the pole and line fishing techniques. Seafood is the main part of many local delicacies here.

The BoduBeru is a traditional Maldivian song and dance which plays a pivotal role in local culture. Tourists can get a glimpse of this unique art form at traditional festivals. It involves rhythmic percussion, synchronised dancing and lively costumes.

Dhivehi is the official language of these islands and is spoken by an astounding majority (98.6%) of the natives here. It is a language that features a mix of various Indian and Iranian languages. Dhivehi is the language used for governmental information, education and media.

Other languages like Sinhalese, Malayalam, Gujarati and Arabic are spoken by minorities in small pockets. To be precise only 0.6% of the population speak Sinhalese, while Gujarati and Malayalam just have 0.1%.

However, tourists need not worry as English is spoken by almost everyone related to tourism. Since this is a global tourist hotspot, the need to be able to converse in English is very important. The government realised this pretty early and started offering English language teaching in schools as well.

Shopping in this archipelago can be a delightful and unique experience for tourists. You will be spoilt for choice regardless of what you are looking for. You can find quaint local items which reflect the rich cultural history and also get upscale items from major cities.

Malè is a treasure chest of local handicrafts, fresh produce and local seafood. Handicrafts like wooden items with intricate carvings, woven mats and lacquerware are much sought after here. If you are in the market for high-end stuff, you must wander the resort markets located on various islands. These boutiques offer top-of-the-line clothes, jewellery, and accessories. The Velana International Airport in Malè also has a duty-free section which allows foreign travellers to shop from a selection of goods that have been exempted from tax.