Located at the crossways of the Indian Ocean the Maldives served as a meeting point for African, Arab, Malay and Indonesian mariners. Through the centuries these influences have shaped the Maldivian way of life.
Dhivehi is the official language of the Maldives. English is widely spoken by the locals and at resorts. Music and Dance are a major facet of Maldivian culture. Resorts showcase this vibrant aspect of Maldivian culture at special events or at weekly cocktails. Maldivians feel a close affinity to North India and its languages. Maldivians keenly watch Bollywood films and avidly listen to Hindi music.