Located on the crossways of the Indian Ocean shipping lanes on the main seaway around the Indian subcontinent the Maldives has long been a meeting point for African, Arab, Malay and Indonesian mariners. Through the centuries this has shaped the Maldivian way of life, art and craft and culture of the people and contributed to the rich mix of cultural diversity the people have acquired throughout the centuries.

Today this diverse culture can be seen in the different arts and crafts of the country, starting from the all important fishing dhoni, coral carvings, and ornamental pieces and other aspects of Maldivian life.

The traditional music of the country depicts influences from different parts of the world. Bodu Beru with strong African influences, Thaara with Arab influences and Bandiya with a strong South Asian flavor to mention a few.

Western pop and Indian music is quite popular today, however, forms of music and song that have been passed down to us by our ancestors survive. Raivaru, Farihi and Bandhi are unique styles of singing still practiced by people around the country.