Capital
Malé
Malé is the capital of the Maldives and is a busy island city surrounded by the Indian Ocean.
Capital
South Asia
🇲🇻 Maldives
ދިވެހިރާއްޖެ
The Maldives is a group of islands in the Indian Ocean known for its beaches and clear waters.
Population
500k+
Capital
Malé
Languages
Dhivehi
Currency
Maldivian Rufiyaa
Country Overview
A closer look at Maldives
Maldives is part of the South Asia region and has its own landscapes, traditions, history, and identity. This page is a starting point for exploring important places, key events, cultural life, and interesting facts connected to the country.
HistoryCulturePlacesFoodWildlife
Fact File
Learn about Maldives
Explore the capital city, food, wildlife, and culture through images and short fact-file summaries.
Food
Mas Huni
Mas huni is a traditional Maldivian dish made with tuna, coconut, onion, and chilli, often eaten for breakfast.
Food
Wildlife
Yellowfin Tuna
Yellowfin tuna is an important sea animal in the Maldives and is closely linked to fishing and island life.
Wildlife
Culture
Bodu Beru Drumming
Bodu Beru is a traditional performance with drumming, rhythm, and movement that is important in Maldivian culture.
Culture
c. 500 BCE
🏝️ Early Settlements
People settled on the islands, relying on fishing and the sea for survival.
- ❓ Why would people settle on islands?
- ❓ What challenges might island life bring?
c. 500 BCE – 1000 CE
🚢 Indian Ocean Trade
The Maldives became an important stop on trade routes between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
- ❓ Why were sea routes important?
- ❓ What goods might have been traded?
c. 300 BCE – 1100 CE
🧘 Buddhist Influence
Buddhism was the main religion, shaping culture and traditions on the islands.
- ❓ How did religion shape daily life?
- ❓ Why do religions spread across regions?
1153
🕌 Conversion to Islam
The Maldives officially became a Muslim country, which still shapes its identity today.
- ❓ Why do countries adopt religions?
- ❓ How does religion shape identity?
1153–1968
👑 Sultanate Rule
The Maldives was ruled by sultans for many centuries.
- ❓ What is a sultan?
- ❓ How do monarchies work?
1500s
⚓ Portuguese Influence
European powers attempted to control the islands for trade routes.
- ❓ Why did Europeans want control?
- ❓ What impact might this have had?
1887–1965
⚙️ British Protectorate
The Maldives became a British protectorate but kept local rulers.
- ❓ What is a protectorate?
- ❓ How is it different from full control?
1965
🇲🇻 Independence
The Maldives gained independence from Britain.
- ❓ Why is independence important?
- ❓ What challenges follow independence?
1968
🗳️ Becomes a Republic
The Maldives replaced the sultanate with a republic system.
- ❓ What is a republic?
- ❓ Why change from a monarchy?
1970s–Present
🌊 Tourism Growth
The Maldives became a popular tourist destination known for its islands and marine life.
- ❓ Why do people visit the Maldives?
- ❓ How does tourism affect a country?
2000–Present
🌍 Climate Challenges
Rising sea levels threaten the islands, making climate change a major issue.
- ❓ Why is the Maldives at risk?
- ❓ What can be done to help?
Research Gap
❓ What did we miss?
There are many important events not included here.
🔍 Can you research and add an important event?
Places to Explore
Discover places in Maldives
From famous landmarks to landscapes and historic cities, these places help tell the story of Maldives.
Country and Places
Exploring Maldives
Every country has places that help us understand its story. Some are natural landscapes, some are religious or historic sites, and others are famous landmarks that people recognise around the world.
These images give a glimpse into the geography, culture, and history of Maldives, helping students connect what they see with what they learn.
Look closely:
- • What do these places tell you about the landscape?
- • Which places look historic, religious, or modern?
- • Which place would you most like to visit, and why?
🌿 Nature
Coral Reefs
The Maldives is famous for coral reefs filled with colourful sea life and clear blue water.
🌊 Coast
Sandbanks
Sandbanks are tiny sandy islands surrounded by shallow sea and are a striking part of the Maldivian landscape.
✨ Modern Landmark
Overwater Villas
Overwater villas are a famous image of the Maldives and show how tourism shapes many islands.
✨ Natural Wonder
Vaadhoo Island
Vaadhoo Island is known for glowing beaches caused by tiny organisms in the water that light up at night.
Did You Know?
Interesting Facts
Things We’ve Learned
The Maldives is made up of many small islands.
It is known for tourism and beaches.
It is one of the lowest-lying countries in the world.