The economy is based on three principal activities: fishing, tourism and shipping. Poor soil and lack of cultivable land limit agriculture. Traditional industries consist of local boat or dhoni building, handicrafts such as mat-weaving, jewelry-making and lacquer work. Export-oriented industries include tuna fish canning and manufacture of garments. However, a severe shortage of labor in the tourism sector has resulted in the decline of most of these industries. Tourism remains the major source of foreign currency and the dominant support for the economy.
Arts, Culture and Music of Maldives
The term bodu beru means a big drum, and lends its name to the famous music and dance form of Maldives. Tourist resorts organize performances of this dance for a local culture night, and it can be quite sophisticated and gripping. There are four to six drummers in a group, and the hum has distinct African influences. Contemporary local rock bands often perform at resorts where they do credible covers of the usual old favorites. Performing for a local audience, they may incorporate elements of bodu beru in their music, with lots of percussion and extended drum solos.
Though performances of traditional music and dance are not daily events, the Dhivehi culture is strong and adaptive despite various foreign influences, ranging from Hindi movies and Oriental martial arts, to Michael Jackson and Muslim fundamentalism. Western fashions, pop music and videos are visible in the capital, but on public occasions, the celebrations always have a distinctly Maldivian touch.
