A Unique People & Culture

The first settlers arrived as early as 500BC probably from Sri Lanka and southern India. In the twelfth century, sailors from East Africa and Arab countries arrived. Originally Buddhists, in the twelfth century Islam was proclaimed the national religion. The Maldives has always been an independent political entity except when it was under Portuguese control from 1558 to 1573. In 1887, the Maldives agreed to become a protectorate of the British government, allowing the British to take responsibility for its defence and foreign relations. The first constitution was ratified by the Sultan in 1932, and the sultanate became an elected rather than hereditary position.

The Maldives regained full sovereignty in 1965 and joined the United Nations that year. In 1968, the sultanate was abolished and the republic was declared. On 11 November 1968, the Republic of Maldives was created with an elected president. The country joined the British Commonwealth in 1982.

The population consists of a mix of people who trace their descent from Sri Lanka, India, Arab countries, and Africa.



<-- Back