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General Information ... continued

History

Discovery
Although the islands lie low and is barely visible across the waves, many travellers somehow knew that a peaceful treasure awaited them on the mass of the great ocean. Perhaps travellers and traders caught on the treacherous monsoons found their refuge to the calm waters of the clear lagoons. History had not kept any books which recorded these beginnings, yet folklore has left many similar tales of discovery of the islands.
These settlers may have come from various parts of the worlds; from costs of Africa and the nations that surrounded the red sea, and from the far east Malaysia, Indonesia and perhaps Chinese descendants, and from the Asia's perhaps India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Even today the influences of these various cultures and languages can been seen in the Maldivian society.
Archaeological evidence suggests that Buddhists and Hindus have settled, and even sun temples similar to those of the Aztec cultures have been discovered. Therefore some theorists suggests that human settlements commenced on the islands about 200 BC.

Invasions
Only a warm welcome awaits visitors from the islanders of this miniature islands and indeed many found their accord here. However, in the mid 16th century, the Portuguese in their quest for the dominating the sea, found their way to the islands. Their invasion was challenged immediately. A peaceful nation was in turmoil and separated from their commonness; peace. The Portuguese reign of terror continued for 15 years until, Sultan Ghaazee Mohamed Thakurufaanu, heroically fought his way in and once again reunited the people of the islands.
In the 17th century, more than 12 wars were fought with the South Indian pirates and expedition of Malabar opportunists. Sometimes the islanders fought with the help French who had a fort at the southern Indian coast and independence was maintained throughout these years. Around the same time period, the Dutch, also was interested in the islands as a source of trade, but never tried to invade.

Protected
In 1887, the Sultan of the Maldives and the British government came to an agreement to allow the British to be part of the Maldives without them settling on the islands. This allowed to keep the British at bay whilst acknowledging their influence over the Indian Ocean. The British did not interfere in internal matter, although they controlled external affairs and respected the Maldives as a protected state.

Constitution
Based on the customs, conventions, traditional practices and other commonly held beliefs that had been followed for many centuries, the first written Constitution was formulated in 1932. This constituted a form of taxation, national security and a justice system. The Constitution was amended several times and as a consequence the 6th amendment gave birth to the first republic. This was not long lived and soon the Sultanate was re-established. In 1968, the 10th Constitution replaced the Sultanate and the current Republic was born with the former prime minister, Ibrahim Nasir, as the president. A new constitution was passed in 1997 which gives more freedom and power to the people.

Independence
With an agreement ending Britain's role signed by then prime minister, Ibrahim Nasir, The Maldives gained full independence in 1965. Since thenit has become a member of United Nations and other World Organisation.