Language is a means lingua franca for wide communication between the numerous ethnic groups living in the area around Larantuka and Solor.

Islam has had a presence in the area sometime before the 16th century as Portuguese missionaries reported the established existence of a mosque and Muslims in the islands.

[6] A few Lamaholot are devotees of a traditional monotheistic religion who believe in a god whom they call Lera Wulan Tanah Ekan (The combined power of the Sun, Moon, and Earth),[7][8] death cults and shamanism.

Dominant agricultural crops are such as corn, dried rice, millet, yam, cassava, sweet potato, legumes, pumpkin, various fruits and vegetables.

The main dietary food includes boiled corn and rice with vegetable and fish seasonings.

Residents of a number of coastal villages specialize in intermediary trade in textiles, clothing and agricultural implements.

[11] Traditional cumulus settlements (in the mountains) are surrounded by a dense hedge of corals, houses are skeleton-pillared, rectangular, with a high steep roof.