Language in Maldives

Dhivehi is the national language of Maldives. Article 11 of the Constitution and the National Language (Priority) Act give Dhivehi priority in state communications and correspondence, while allowing other languages when institutions communicate with people who do not speak Dhivehi. Thaana is the main Dhivehi writing system and runs from right to left. There is no separate language administration for individual atolls. Dhivehi also has strong regional varieties, including Haddummati, Huvadhu, Fuvahmulah and Addu. Northern varieties are generally closer to standard Dhivehi, while understanding between some southern varieties can be uneven. English is widely used in education, administration, tourism and communication with international organisations. Dhivehi is required in every pre-primary, primary, secondary and higher-secondary school, while English is often used as a teaching language; the balance varies by institution. Foreign children have the same legal access to the school system. Census 2022 data for resident Maldivians aged ten and above recorded 98.6% literacy in Dhivehi or the native language and 82.6% English literacy. English literacy was 89.5% in Malé and 77.4% in the atolls. These figures measure literacy, not fluency. Public administration commonly works in Dhivehi or English. Statistics data collection uses those two languages, while another language requires approval from the responsible lead agency. Maldives has no uniformly documented nationwide entitlement to an interpreter or translator for every public service, so availability, timing and cost depend on the institution. Oral Dhivehi knowledge and adequate education are required for naturalisation. The Maldives Bureau of Statistics recorded 132,493 resident foreign nationals in 2022, but nationality does not show which language people speak. Available census tables measure native-language and English literacy rather than providing a complete ranking of Bengali, Hindi, Tamil or other languages. These languages are therefore practically relevant but remain insufficiently documented as a national language profile. Public Service Media, commonly known as PSM, provides news in Dhivehi and English. Dhivehi Raajjeyge Adu and PSM are major sources of Dhivehi public information, including election and crisis communication. The Ministry of Dhivehi Language, Heritage and Culture coordinates bodies such as the Dhivehi Bahuge Academy, research and heritage institutions, and printing facilities. Dhivehi usually offers the easiest access to cultural participation and national public information, while English functions as the main bridge language across tourism, education and international communication.