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.

2005

Civil unrest provoked in the Malé, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll and Addu Atoll of the Maldives on August 12, which led to events that supported democratic reform of the country.

2008

President Gayoom ratifies a new constitution that introduces the first multi-party presidential elections. 

2008

Mohamed Nasheed defeats President Gayoom in the second round of voting. 

2009

President Nasheed declares that the Maldives will become carbon-neutral within a decade by completely switching to renewable energy sources. 

2016

The Maldives announces it is leaving the Commonwealth, after the organization warned that the country risked suspension without progress in promoting democracy.