Maldives History.......

The origins of the Maldivians are lost in ancient history. There are historical and archeological records which indicate the islands to have been inhabited for over 50,000 years. There are also indications that the Maldives, being on an important trade route, was settled by people from all over the world. This leaves the origins of the people enshrined in mystery. However, the min stock of the Maldivian people, as seen from physical features and supported by historical evidence of migration, are predominantly Aryan or Dravidian. Throughout the Maldives a language which belongs to the Indo-Iranian group, Dhivehi, is spoken. It shows a strong Arabic influence. Dhivehi written from right to left is the official language of the country. As a second working language, English is widely used in Government Offices. Other foreign languages, however, are widely used within the tourism industry. Foreign languages, mainly English, are also frequently used in commerce.

The Maldives have been an independent country, except for a brief period of 15 years and 6 months of Portuguese rule in the middle of the 16th century. Between 1887 and 1965, the Maldives was a British protectorate though Britain did not interfere with the internal affairs of the country.

Maldives regained her full sovereignty in 1965. The newly independent country changed from a Sultanate to a Republic on 11 November 1968.