Keralite have a tradition of hospitality. They are by nature non-agressive. Like the most other Indians, the traditional Keralite too is family oriented. He tends to be collective rather than individualistic.

However, the traditional joint family system has almost disintegrated, being replaced by nuclear families. The traditional joint family houses like 'nalukettu' and 'ettukettu' are fast giving way to concrete stucco houses and suited for nuclear families.

Even as kerala boasts of a unique cultural tradition, its people are known for their cosmopolitan attitude.The ancient Keralites followed a Dravadian way of life and their religion was a strong mixture of animism, totemism and spirit worship.

The advent of Aryan relegions like Jainism, Budhism, and Hinduism from the north changed this way of life. The liberal natives welcomed the new relegions leading to a synthesis of Aryan and Dravadian culture.
Right from the ancient days, this land has played host to travellers and traders from all over the world.Spices,ivory, teakewood, and muslin atracted foreigners to this land from time immemmorial.References to some of these products are found in the Old Testament of the bible.

The syrian christian of Kerala believe that St. Thomas, one of the direct desciples of Christ, landed near Muziris in 52 AD and established in 7 churches, out of which 4 exist even today. Even today, its people promise their guests a comfortable holiday, living up to their long - cherished dictim 'adithi devo bhava’ - our guest is our God.

The arithmetical proportions of the population reveal the multi religious and cosmopolitan structure of kerala society. All over kerala you can find temples, mosques, and churches in close vicinity. Unlike many other parts of india, communal clashes have been rare here. Inspite of ethic, religious, communal and other differences people live in peace. The Hindus comprise the majority (about 57 %) followed by Christians (about 23 %) and Muslims (about19%). The other religions are represented in traces.

The population is 30 million with the male female ratio being 100:105. The literacy level is 100%. Only about 26% of the people live in urban areas. The density of population is 749 / sq. km. The size of the average household is 5 persons. The rate of population growth is 9% per year. The life expectency is 70 for men and 76 for women. The highest physical quality of life in India. Healthcare system is world class. Infant mortality rate is lowest in India. Kerala is also India's cleanest state.

Political awareness is high in the state probably as a offshoot of its pre-eminent literacy status. The most diverse ideologies have found enthusiastic followings in Kerala. Kerala is the first state in the world where the communists came to power through the ballot paper. Democratc traditions are deep rooted in the people and politics is a perannial favoutite subject of discussion. Coallation ministries, which have become a working reality in other parts of India today were pioneered in Kerala.

The Malayalam is spoken by a bare 3.43% of the country's population, circulation and diffusion of news papers are much higher in Kerala when compared to other Indian states. Kerala's enviable record in the field of journalism extends to the electronic media as well. Kerala is the first state in the country which has provided postal and telecom services to all the villages.

Keralites have shown themselves to be capable of hard work and are endowed with a high intellectual calibre. Lack of job opportunities within the state and the high density of population have triggered a dense outflow of Keralites to other and counties. As a result the Malayalees are a presence all over the world, be it the Gulf, Europe or the US.