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| Facts |
| Geography |
| History |
| Festivals |
| Language |
| People |
| Dhoni Fishing |
| Island Life |
| Handicrafts |
| National Symbols |
| Mali |
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| Island Life: Geographical isolation and early influences from travellers of different nationalities, the Maldives has developed an authentic culture of its own. Daily Routine People are woken up by the call for prayer, Fathis Namaad, before dawn between 4.30 and 5.00 am. After prayer the fishermen get ready for the day, collect baitfish from the nearby reef and start their trip before sunrise. Women prepare breakfast, sweep the yards and roads and get the children ready for school. Weavers, carpenters, toddy collectors (= juice from coconut saps) and staff at the island office commence their work. The majority of fishing boats, mas dhonis, will return before sunset and old people and children gather at the beach to see the day's catch. If a dhoni brings back more than 1000 fish, a flag is hoisted on the boat. The fish is then distributed with half to the owner of the boat and half for the crew. The fish is taken cut, cleaned and taken home for cooking. In the evening many fishermen gather at the captain's house resting in udholis (= a big wooden swing) and jolis (= traditional chairs made of rope) talking about the day. Women process the fish, prepare dinner and relax while smoking a gudugudaa (=a water pipe) Children play football or other games, swim in the sea and people gather in houses to watch satellite TV or videos or go for walks round the island.
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