Location of Maldives
The Maldives consists of 1190 islands grouped into 26 natural atolls scattered over an area of 90000 sq. km. straddling the equator between latitudes 7°6″ north and 0°42″ south and longitudes 72°32″ and 73°46″ east.
Geography of Maldives
The atolls of the Maldives are formed from coral structures. The atolls are part of a greater structure known as the Laccadives-Chagos Ridge, which stretches over 2000 kilometers. The islands are low lying with the highest point at approximately eight feet above sea level. Ring-shaped reef structures form the atolls and these reefs provide the natural defense against wind and wave action on these delicate islands.
History of Maldives
The early history of the Maldives is enshrined in myth and legend. Archeological records indicate that the first visitors to the Maldives stepped a shore over 5000 years ago. According to folklore the Maldives was first colonized by an Indo-Aryan race between the fourth and fifth centuries B.C.
Independes
On July 26, 1965, Maldives gained independence under an agreement signed with United Kingdom. The British government retained the use of the Gan and Hitaddu facilities. In a national referendum in March 1968, Maldivians abolished the sultanate and established a republic.
| 1st Century AD | Roman manual of navigation Periplus Mari Erithraei mentions islands assumed to be Maldives |
|---|---|
| 2nd Century AD | Ptolemy refers to Maldives in his geography. |
| 362 AD | Roman historian records visit of delegation to Rome bearing gifts to Emperor Julian. |
| 662 AD | Historical Chinese document records the King of Maldives sent gifts to Chinese Emperor Kao-Tsung of Tang Dynasty. |
| 1153 | Maldives convert to Islam |
| 1558 | Portuguese invade Maldives |
| 1573 | Mohamed Thakurufaanu liberates Maldives from the Portuguese |
| 1752 | The Malabars invade and rule for 3 months |
| 1887 | Protectorate agreement with Great Britain |
| 1932 | First constitution enacted |
| 1953 | The first Republic |
| 1954 | Failure of the first Republic |
| 1965 | Independence from the British |
| 1968 | End of the monarchy, beginning of the second Republic |
| 1972 | Development of the first island resort |
| 1972 | Arrival of first tourists to island resorts |
share this page