In modern times the Keralites have migrated in large numbers in search of employment to several foreign countries like United States, Malaysia and Singapore in South East Asia as well as to several countries of Africa and West Asia. The professionals of Kerala are among the most wanted experts in the fields of medicine, Information Technology etc. The people of Kerala are also a diverse race. While most of the Malayalee people are Dravidians like the Tamil people, a large number of Aryans from North India has also settled down in the fertile green valleys of Kerala and have become a part of the population of the state. Also as Kerala was the major trading port in India through which Arab and Syrian traders took Indian spices to Europe, a large number of Arabs and Syrians also settled down in Kerala and have become a part of the racial mixture of the state. Till the creation of Israel, Kerala had a significant Jewish population too. Kerala hence has a lesser percentage of Dravidian people than the other South Indian state. And its people are distinctive and can easily be identified as a Keralite, either by looks or pronunciation or name.

Kerala has the highest standard of living among all the states in the Indian alliance. Ironically Kerala has the least number of Industries or manufacturing and is entirely a consumer state. With the population densely distributed throughout the state a visitor to Kerala would feel that it is one big city as there is hardly any empty land. Kerala economy thrives on Malayalee people who work in other parts of India or abroad. Also with many beautiful locales to offer, Kerala is an attractive tourist location in India. Most of the people of Kerala are Hindu. But there is a considerable population of Christians and Muslims too. All the people celebrate the religious festivals, of each community. The biggest festival being ONAM, which is celebrated in memory of the ancient King Mahabali of Kerala. Hindus, Muslims and Christians together participate in the Onam festival, which is one of the best times to visit Kerala. There are also number of tribal people lived in Kerala. The majoor Tribes of Kerala are Marati, Malamalasar, Kondareddis, Kammara, etc.