Maldives: History

Early 1800s

The Maldives Islands become a protectorate of the Dutch. 

1887

The Islands becomes a self-governing British protectorate.

1953

Maldives becomes a republic under the Commonwealth.

1965

Maldives becomes independent as a sultanate outside the Commonwealth.

1968

Republic is reinstated and the sultan is deposed. 

1982 The Maldives rejoin the British Commonwealth.

1980s

Growth in tourism fuels economic growth.

2004

After a Tsunami hit many Islands in the Maldives, the government states that the national disaster has set development work back by 20 years.