Maldives

Early settlers perhaps have come before 500 B.C.E from Sri Lanka and Southern India.

In the twelfth century, Sailors from East Africa and Arab countries arrived

The name originates from Mahal’deeb, Dheeb meaning “Island” and Dhives meaning “Islanders” relating to Sanskrit

Maldives is the smallest Asian country in population and land area.
 

The Maldives has been an independent state for a short period of 15 years, during under Portuguese occupation in the 16th century

• Maldives became a British Protectorate in 1887 until July 26, 1965

   

The Maldives changed from a Sultanate to a Republic on November 11, 1968