Asia/Southern Asia
Maldives
Malé
515.1K
300 km²
Maldivian rufiyaa
Coastal
Maldivian
Historical Events
947 - Contact with the Outside World
Documented contact with the outside world began with visits from Arab travellers.
1100 - Introduction of Islam
Islam was introduced to the Maldivian Archipelago, leading to significant cultural changes.
1887 - British Protectorate
Maldives became a British protectorate, marking the beginning of colonial influence.
1965 - Independence from the UK
Maldives gained independence from British colonial rule.
1968 - Establishment of Presidential Republic
A presidential republic was established in Maldives with an elected People's Majlis.
1980 - Founding Member of SAARC
Maldives became a founding member of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.
2016 - Withdrawal from the Commonwealth
Maldives temporarily withdrew from the Commonwealth due to human rights concerns.
2020 - Re-admittance to the Commonwealth
Maldives was readmitted to the Commonwealth after demonstrating democratic reforms.