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Maldives

(Redirected from History of the Maldives)

The Republic of Maldives is a country consisting territorially of a group of atolls in the Indian Ocean, south-southwest of India.

Republic of Maldives
Dhivehi Raajjeyge Jumhooriyyaa
ހިވެދި ގުޖޭއްރާ ޔާއްރިހޫމްޖު
Maldives_flag_large.png coat of arms
(In Detail) (Full size)
National motto: Xxxxx
image:LocationMaldives.png
Official language Dhivehi
Capital Malé
Capital's coordinates 3° 15' N, 73° 00' E
Largest City Malé
President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom
Area
 - Total
 - % water
Ranked 185th
300 km²
Negligible
Population
 - Total (Year)
 - Density
Ranked 167th
301,475
1,005/km²
GDP (PPP)
 - Total (Year)
 - GDP/head
Ranked 183rd
$1,250 million
$3,900
Currency Rufiyah (Rf)
Time zone UTC +5
Independence 26 July 1965
National anthem Gavmii mi ekuverikan matii tibegen kuriime salaam (In National Unity Do We Salute Our Nation)
Internet TLD .MV
Calling Code 960
Contents

History

Main article: History of the Maldives

The early history of the Maldives is obscure. According to Maldivian legend, a Sinhalese prince named Koimale was stranded with his bride--daughter of the king of Sri Lanka--in a Maldivian lagoon and stayed on to rule as the first sultan.

Over the centuries, the islands have been visited and their development influenced by sailors from countries on the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean littorals. Mopla pirates from the Malabar Coast--present-day Kerala state in India--harassed the islands. In the 16th century, the Portuguese subjugated and ruled the islands for 15 years (1558-1573) before being driven away by the warrior-patriot and later Sultan, Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al-Azam.

Although governed as an independent Islamic sultanate for most of its history from 1153 to 1968, Maldives was a British protectorate from 1887 until July 25, 1965. In 1953, there was a brief, abortive attempt at a republican form of government, after which the sultanate was reimposed.

Following independence from Britain in 1965, the sultanate continued to operate for another 3 years. On November 11, 1968, it was abolished and replaced by a republic, and the country assumed its present name. Tourism and fishing are being developed on the archipelago.

Politics

Main article: Politics of the Maldives

Atolls

Main article: Atolls of the Maldives

Geography

Main article: Geography of the Maldives

Economy

Main article: Economy of the Maldives

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of the Maldives

Culture

Main article: Culture of the Maldives

Miscellaneous topics


Countries in South Asia

Bangladesh | Bhutan | India | Maldives | Nepal | Pakistan | Sri Lanka




Last updated: 10-24-2004 05:10:45