Scattered across the equator in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the gem like islands of the Maldives depict the rare vision of a tropical paradise. Palm fringed islands with sparkling white beaches turquoise lagoons, clear warm waters and coral reefs teeming with abundant varieties of marine flora and fauna, continue to fascinate visitors, as it has fascinated others in the past, for thousands of years. Marco Polo referred to the Maldives as the ".....flower of the Indies ", and Ibn Batuta called her in his chronicles "One of the wonders of the world". History
The origins of the Maldivians are lost in history. Archaeological finds indicate that the islands were inhabited as early as 1500 BC, and there are tales of a legendary people called the Redin who may have been among the earliest of explorers. Attempts to investigate the origins of human settlement have been difficult, as little or no data exists and there is a lack of facilities or personnel to carry out research among a group of widely distributed islands.It is believed that permanent settlements were established around 500 BC by Aryan immigrants from the Indian subcontinent.
The Maldives has been a melting pot of different cultures as people from different parts of the world came here and settled down. Origin of the Maldivians is lost in antiquity, but history reveals that the islands have been populated for over 3,000 years ago. Early settlers were travelers on the Silk Route and from the Indus Valley Civilization. Inherently warm, friendly and hospitable by nature, it is easy to feel comfortable and relaxed with a Maldivian. 
