The Maldives is an archipelago nation located in the Indian Ocean and consists of 26 atolls and 1192 coral islands, of which about 200 are inhabited. Known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters and abundant marine life, the Maldives is a tourist destination and honeymoon mecca. The main pillar of the Maldives' economy is tourism, which accounts for nearly one-third of gross domestic product (GDP) and is the country's largest source of foreign exchange and job creator. The Maldives also has some fishing, agriculture and manufacturing, mainly exporting fish, coconut, clothing and other products. The official language of the Maldives is Dhivehi, which is predominantly Islamic (Sunni). The Maldives is a presidential republic, with the current president being Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who took office on November 16, 2018, promising to restore democratic order, safeguard human rights, improve diplomatic relations, and resolve the debt crisis.
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History of the Maldives
The history of the Maldives dates back to around 1500 BC, when Aryans came from India and Sri Lanka to settle here.
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Antiquity (1500–1153 BC)
This period is the earliest period in the history of the Maldives, mainly composed of loose alliances of different tribes and islands. The geographical location of the Maldives made it an important transit point for maritime trade between East and West, thus attracting many merchants and travelers. The culture of the Maldives has also been influenced by India, Sri Lanka, Persia, Arabia, etc. The earliest religions in the Maldives were Hinduism and Buddhism, and later there were also some Christians and Jews.
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Islamic period (1153–1887)
This period was the most important in the history of the Maldives and the period of the establishment of a unified nation and conversion to Islam in the Maldives. In 1153, an Arab missionary from Morocco, Abu Barakat Yusuf al-Barbari, succeeded in channeling the Maldivian king and people to Islam, ending the previous polytheistic worship. Since then, the Maldives has become an Islamic state and established the Sultanate Dynasty. During this period, the Maldives experienced six dynasties: the Haradem dynasty (1153-1347), the Hiri dynasty (1347-1388), the Dida dynasty (1388-1558), the Utem dynasty (1558-1692), the Hassan dynasty (1692-1704) and the Hura dynasty (1704-1968). These dynasties were centered on the capital Malé and ruled the islands. During this period, the Maldives also encountered many foreign invasions and interventions, such as the Portuguese, Dutch, French, British, etc. The most serious of these was the Portuguese colonization of the Maldives between 1558 and 1573, which brought great suffering to the local people. It wasn't until 1573 that a hero named Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam led a revolt that succeeded in driving out the Portuguese and establishing the Utem dynasty.
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British protectorate (1887–1965)
This period was the longest in the history of the Maldives and the gradual modernization and independence of the Maldives. In 1887, Sultan Muhammad Mueenuddeen II of the Hura dynasty signed a treaty of protection with the British, making the Maldives a British protectorate. Under the treaty, Britain pledged not to interfere in the internal and religious affairs of the Maldives, but controlled the Maldivians' foreign affairs and defense, and paid tribute to Britain. During this period, the Maldives experienced the effects of two world wars and the Cold War, as well as a number of social changes and nationalist movements. In 1948, Sultan Muhammad Amin Didi tried to end British protectorate status and declare a republic, but the British refused and the opposition revolted. In 1953, with the support of Sultan Muhammad Fareed Didi, Didi again proclaimed a republic and became the first president. However, in November of the same year, an opposition coup led by former Sultan Muhammad Ibrahim Didi overthrew the republican system and restored the Sudanese system. In 1959, a separatist movement took place in the southern Adu Atoll and the establishment of a short-lived regime called the United Sudan Republic. In 1960, the "United Sudanese Republic" was reintegrated into the Maldives under British mediation. On 26 July 1965, following the signing of a new treaty between Sultan Muhammad Fareed Didi and the United Kingdom, the Maldives officially ended its British protectorate status and declared independence.
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Modern period (1965–present)
This period is the most recent in the history of the Maldives and the period of democratization and economic development in the Maldives. In 1968, after the abdication of Sultan Muhammad Fareed Didi, the Sudanese system was abolished again by referendum and a Second Republic was established. Ibrahim Nasir became the second president and began a series of modernization reforms. In 1972, at the initiative of President Nasir, the first tourist resort was opened and has gradually developed into one of the most important economic pillars of the Maldives. In 1976, after the British withdrew from Gan Air Base, President Nasir refused to cede the base to the Soviet Union or other foreign powers, and insisted on maintaining the neutrality of the Maldives. In 1978, after President Nasir resigned, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was elected as the third president and served six terms until 2008. Under President Geyoom's leadership, the Maldives has achieved economic growth and social stability, but it has also faced criticism and protests on issues such as human rights, democracy, and corruption. In 2003, the death of a prisoner in prison sparked massive violent demonstrations that forced the government to undertake political reforms. In 2004, Maldives was severely devastated by the tsunami triggered by the Indian Ocean earthquake, causing casualties and economic losses. In 2005, President Geyom announced a multiparty system and amended the Constitution. In 2008, the Maldives held its first multiparty presidential election, with opposition leader Mohamed Nasheed narrowly defeating President Guillom to become the fourth president. President Nasheed has promoted measures such as environmental protection, democratic reform, and anti-corruption, but has also encountered opposition and obstruction from the former ruling party, military and police, and religious conservatives. On February 7, 2012, in what was believed to be a coup, President Nasheed was forced to resign and Vice President Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik took over as president.
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On November 16, 2013, after many delays and disruptions, the Maldives held its second multiparty presidential election, with former President Yameen Abdul Gayoom, half-brother of former President Geyoom, defeating President Nasheed as the fifth president. President Yameen has strengthened relations and cooperation with China, Saudi Arabia and other countries, promoted infrastructure construction and the introduction of foreign investment, but has also been accused of suppressing freedoms and rights such as opposition, media, and justice, and abusing state resources and power. On September 23, 2018, the Maldives held its third multiparty presidential election under the supervision of the international community and civil society, and opposition coalition candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih defeated President Yameen as the sixth president with a stunning 58.38% of the vote. President Saleh promised to restore democratic order, safeguard human rights, improve diplomatic relations, and resolve the debt crisis ³².
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Current situation in the Maldives
The Maldives currently faces a number of challenges and opportunities. The most pressing of these issues is the threat posed by global climate change. Since the Maldives has an average elevation of only 1.5 meters and its highest point does not exceed 2.4 meters, it is very vulnerable to rising sea levels, storm surges, sea intrusion, etc. It is estimated that if sea levels rise by 1 metre, 80% of the Maldives will be submerged. In addition, bleaching and degradation of coral reefs can also affect the ecosystem and tourism industry in the Maldives. In response to these threats, the Government of Maldives has taken measures such as building artificial islands, raising flood protection standards, promoting renewable energy and strengthening international cooperation. The Maldives has also actively participated in multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement, calling on the international community to take greater action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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Another issue is Maldives' foreign policy and debt. Between 2013 and 2018, pro-China former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom promoted relations and cooperation with China, participated in China's Belt and Road Initiative, and borrowed hundreds of millions of dollars from China for infrastructure construction, such as the China-Malaysia Friendship Bridge, airport expansion, housing projects, etc. While these projects have improved the level of transport and development in the Maldives, they have also increased the Maldives' debt burden to China. According to opposition leader Mohamed Nasheed, the Maldives owes $3.1 billion to China, or nearly 80 percent of the country's GDP. He fears the debts could trap the Maldives in a debt trap and lose control of its territory and resources. He also accused the Yameen government of abusing power, suppressing the opposition, and violating human rights. China denies the allegations and says it never imposes any conditions or demands on the Maldives or other developing countries.
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In the presidential elections held on September 23, 2018, opposition coalition candidate Saleh defeated President Yameen with a stunning 58.38% of the vote to become the sixth president. Saleh has adjusted his foreign policy since coming to power, emphasizing relations with traditionally friendly countries such as India and seeking to renegotiate loan terms and project contracts with China. Saleh also welcomed the cooperation of all States with the Maldives on the basis of respect for its sovereignty and interests. Saleh's government has also released some opposition leaders imprisoned or exiled by Yameen's government and restored democratic institutions such as parliamentary elections and an independent judiciary.
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However, the outbreak of the coronavirus outbreak since March 2020 has hit the Maldives hard. Due to the severe impact on tourism, the Maldivian economy fell by 29.3% in 2020, unemployment rose to 10.9%, and the fiscal deficit widened to 16.5%. In response to the pandemic and the economic crisis, the Maldivian government has taken a series of measures, such as implementing lockdowns, promoting vaccinations, providing financial stimulus, and seeking external assistance. As of October 3, 2021, the cumulative number of confirmed new coronary pneumonia cases in the Maldives is 86,720, and the number of deaths is 239; More than 90% of the population has received two doses of the vaccine. The Maldives has reopened its borders and launched a "Visit Maldives" program to attract more tourists.
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(1) Maldives (Republic of Maldives)_Baidu Encyclopedia. https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E9%A9%AC%E5%B0%94%E4%BB%A3%E5%A4%AB/156155.
(2) Maldives - Wikipedia. https://zh.wikipedia.org/zh-cn/%E9%A9%AC%E5%B0%94%E4%BB%A3%E5%A4%AB.
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