History and People
Picture of a Maldivian island

History and People

According to historical and archaeological evidence the Maldives was settled more than 2500 years ago in 500 BC. Not much is known about the exact origin of the people of the Maldives. However, archaeological findings of Buddhist relics indicate that the early settlers were probably from southern India and Sri Lankeligion and culture. Today the people of the Maldives display common features of all the major races and are entirely Muslim.

Except for a few brief spells - at first under Portuguese and then as a British Protectorate, the country has remained independent throughout its history. The Head of State and Chief Executive is the President who is elected by a referendum every five years. The President appoints the Cabinet Ministers and they may or may not be members of the Parliament.