The Maldives is one of the oldest countries in the world but the history about their original settlers is shrouded in mystery. Some historians simplify the history of the Maldives by dividing it into two periods; before conversion of Islam and after conversion ie. in 1153AD.

It was said that the early settlers of the country were the Aryanswho emigrated from countries like Indiaand SriLanka as early as the 5th century AD.

According to the Maldivian legend, the sultanate in the Maldives started with the arrival of a Sinhalese prince named Koimale, who got stranded in a Lagoon with his bride - the daughter of the Sri Lankan King. The prince stayed on to rule as the first sultan of Maldives and from then onwards Maldives was ruled by Sultans and in some occasions by Sultanas i.e. their Queens.

History indicates that in 300 BC Buddhism arrived in the Maldives. This invasion mainly came from the people of Sri Lanka and South India in 500BC.  Many supporting evidences and ruined temples from those days can still be found on some islands. Buddhism remained the predominant religion till 1153 AD. 
In 1153AD, the Maldives was converted to Islam by a Muslim from Maghreb (North Africa) well-known as Abul Barakat Yoosuf Al Barbary.  He convinced the reigning king, Sri Tribuvana Aditiya, of the virtues of Islam. The king converted and adopted the name Muhammed Ibn Abdulla, as his Muslim name. He sent missionaries to various parts of the Maldives to spread Islam.  Nationwide conversion soon followed and till today the Maldives is a Muslim country.

Around the 16th century, the Portuguese caught the fancy of Maldives because of the easy availability of the cowry shells, coir rope and ambergris. The Portuguese defeated the reigning sultan Ali the 6th, and took the control of the island from 1558 – 1573.  They were ultimately thrown out by the warrior-patriot, Muhammad Thakurufanu Al-Azam. 

Muhammad Thakurufaanu from the Island of Utheemu in Thiladunmathi Atoll led the people of Maldives in their resistance against the foreign control.  Due to his heroic act, he is spoken about with respect and reverence and is considered a National Hero to this date.

After this, Maldives safeguarded their boundaries by constructing forts and acquiring arms and ammunitions. But once again the country was captured by the Malabari Pirates of the South Indian Coast in 1752. This was for a short time period of merely four months because Maldives fought back under the leadership of Muleege Hassan Maniku or Dhon Bandaarain of Huraa family in Male’ Atoll.

A treaty between the British and the Maldives was introduced in 1948. In 1953, Maldives became a Republic and Mohammed Amin Didi became the first President of Maldives. But this Republic government was short-lived. The President was overthrown in just eight months due to some of his policies that were unacceptable to the people. Once again, Monarchy prevailed till 1968, Sultan Fareedh being the last monarch. Ibrahim Nasir became the first President of Maldives followed by Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom in 1978.
Today, the Maldives is a modern democracy that is proud of its history and culture while forging ahead the race for development.