The Maldives' history is easy to compress into "beach resort destination," but the islands carry a distinct religious and political history that shaped the country long before tourism existed.
Early settlement and Buddhism
The islands were settled early by seafaring peoples from the surrounding Indian Ocean region, and for centuries the dominant religion was Buddhism — a period still visible in archaeological remains such as ancient stupa mounds ("hawitta") found on some islands.
Conversion to Islam
According to Maldivian tradition, the ruling king converted to Islam in 1153 CE, and the islands have been Islamic ever since — a conversion generally attributed to contact with Arab and North African traders active across the Indian Ocean trade routes.
Sultanate and colonial-era status
The Maldives operated as a sultanate for most of its subsequent history, briefly experiencing Portuguese occupation in the 16th century before becoming a British protectorate rather than a full colony — a distinction that meant the British controlled defence and foreign affairs while the sultanate retained internal self-governance.
Independence and republic
The Maldives gained full independence from Britain on 26 July 1965, and after a brief return to sultanate rule, was declared a republic in 1968 — the system of government that continues today.