A bodu beru means a big drum, and gives its name to the best known form of traditional music and dance. It's what tourist resorts put on for a local culture night, and it can be quite sophisticated and compelling. Dancers begin with a slow, nonchalant swaying and swinging of the arms, and become more animated as the tempo increases, finishing in a rhythmic frenzy. There are four to six drummers in an ensemble, and the sound has strong African influences. Contemporary local rock bands often perform at resorts where they do credible covers of the usual old favourites. Performing for a local audience they may incorporate elements of bodu beru in their music, with lots of percussion and extended drum solos. Cassettes from local bands are sold in Malé music shops.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Economy,Land, People and Government The Maldives
The Maldives stretch c.500 mi (800 km) from north to south in the N Indian Ocean, SW of Sri Lanka. They consist of about 25 atolls made up of over 1,000 coral islands that are the exposed tops of a submarine ridge. They have a tropical monsoon climate modified by their marine location. The islands are covered with tropical vegetation, particularly coconut palms. About 200 of the islands are inhabited, and some have freshwater lagoons. There are 19 administrative divisions and the capital area.
Maldivians are of mixed Sinhalese, Dravidian, Arab, and African stock and nearly all are Sunni Muslims. The predominant language is Divehi, a Sinhala dialect, and English is widely spoken. Tourism, fishing, and shipping are the chief sources of income. Coconuts and coconut products (especially copra) are also important. Tropical fruit is raised for local consumption, but most staple foods must be imported. Industry is limited, consisting primarily of fish and coconut processing, boat building, and garment and handicraft production. In recent years the government has encouraged more foreign investment.
The Maldives are governed under the constitution of 1998. The president, who is both the head of state and of government, is chosen by the legislature for a five-year term; the chosen candidate must be confirmed in a referendum. The Majlis, the legislative body, consists of 50 members, of whom 42 are popularly elected and 8 appointed by the president; all serve five-year terms.
Maldivians are of mixed Sinhalese, Dravidian, Arab, and African stock and nearly all are Sunni Muslims. The predominant language is Divehi, a Sinhala dialect, and English is widely spoken. Tourism, fishing, and shipping are the chief sources of income. Coconuts and coconut products (especially copra) are also important. Tropical fruit is raised for local consumption, but most staple foods must be imported. Industry is limited, consisting primarily of fish and coconut processing, boat building, and garment and handicraft production. In recent years the government has encouraged more foreign investment.
The Maldives are governed under the constitution of 1998. The president, who is both the head of state and of government, is chosen by the legislature for a five-year term; the chosen candidate must be confirmed in a referendum. The Majlis, the legislative body, consists of 50 members, of whom 42 are popularly elected and 8 appointed by the president; all serve five-year terms.
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