The Diver's Handbook People Giraavaru people, believed to be the first settlers.
Little information is available on the ancient people and their way of life.
Today, the Maldivians are a mixed race. It is expected that the figure would rise to 288,800 by the year 2000. The people of the Maldives are its own unique character. They are a small, kindred society unified by common history, the Dhivehi language, and the Islamic faith. Islam has given strength to the society and the faith is taken very seriously.