Maldives

1153 (Friday, May 15) – Introduction of Islam to the Maldives by Tunisian scholar Abu al-Barakat

1656 (June 2, Tuesday) – Portuguese colonization of the Maldives

1678 (March 17, Wednesday) – Dutch defeat the Portuguese and take control of the Maldives

1887 (December 15, Wednesday) – British protectorate established over the Maldives

1965 (July 26, Monday) – Independence from Britain

1978 (November 11, Saturday) – President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom takes power, ruling for 30 years

2004 (December 26, Sunday) – Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami devastates the Maldives, causing widespread destruction and loss of life

2008 (October 8, Wednesday) – First multiparty elections held, Mohamed Nasheed elected as president

2012 (February 7, Tuesday) – President Nasheed resigns after a political coup, Mohamed Waheed becomes president

2013 (November 16, Saturday) – Presidential election results in the election of President Abdulla Yameen

2018 (September 23, Sunday) – Ibrahim Solih wins the presidential election, marking the return to democratic rule

2020 (March 2020) – COVID-19 pandemic impacts tourism sector, leading to economic challenges

2022 (January 2022) – Flooding and storms in Malé and other regions, causing infrastructure damage

2024 (May 2, Thursday) – Tropical Cyclone impacts southern Maldives, causing local flooding and disruptions

Continent: Asia
Location: South Asia, Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka and India
Capital: Malé
Language: Dhivehi
Currency: Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR)
Population: ~540,000 (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Maldives Standard Time (MST, UTC+5)

Borders: None (archipelago of 1,192 islands)
Landscape: Coral islands, atolls, sandy beaches, lagoons
Major Rivers: None (due to island nature)
Major Mountains: None (lowest country in the world)
Deserts: None
Lakes: None (archipelago surrounded by ocean)
Volcanoes: None
Highest Point: 2.4 m (7.9 ft) above sea level (on the island of Villingili)
Lowest Point: 0 m (sea level)
Climate: Tropical monsoon climate with a wet season (April to October) and dry season (November to March)
Geological Features: Coral reefs, atoll formations, sandbars, oceanic trenches

Ethnic Groups: Maldivian (Malaysian origin), Indian, Sri Lankan, and other South Asian groups
Religion: Islam (official state religion, 100% of the population)
Urban Population: ~40% (last updated: 2023)
Aging Population: ~3% aged 65+ (last updated: 2024)

Famous For: Scenic islands, marine life, tourism, coral reefs, Islamic culture
Cuisine: Fish (tuna), coconut, rice, roshi (flatbread), mas huni (traditional breakfast)
Arts: Traditional music (Bodu Beru), dance, crafts, Islamic architecture
Sports: Football (soccer), cricket, volleyball, water sports (surfing, diving, snorkeling)

Economy Type: Service-based economy, with heavy reliance on tourism and fishing
GDP: Approx. $6.5 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Tourism, fishing (tuna), boat building, construction, agriculture
Key Exports: Fish (mostly tuna), coconuts, clothing, handicrafts
Unemployment Rate: ~5.3% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Tourism-centric economy with developments in resorts, particularly on private islands

Government Type: Presidential republic
Head of State: President Ibrahim Solih (as of April 2025)
Head of Government: President Ibrahim Solih (as of April 2025)
Legislature: Unicameral (People’s Majlis)
Constitution: In effect since 2008

Malé: Islamic Centre, Old Friday Mosque, Sultan Park, National Museum
Resorts: Private islands with luxury resorts, spas, diving, and snorkeling
Banana Reef: Famous for diving and coral reefs
Sun Island Resort & Spa: Beautiful beaches, tropical luxury
Addu Atoll: Less touristy, known for coral reefs and diving