ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

History of the Maldives

The Maldives is a group of tiny islands located in the Indian Ocean. A long time ago, people from India and Sri Lanka came to settle in the Maldives. They were fishermen and farmers who built communities on the islands.

In the 12th century, a Hindu king ruled over the Maldives. He built many temples and spread his religion throughout the islands. But in the 12th century, Islam was introduced to the people of the Maldives. Many people converted to Islam and it became the main religion of the country.

In the 16th century, European explorers like Vasco da Gama visited the Maldives. But it was the Portuguese who began attacking the Maldives and trying to take over the islands. The Maldives eventually asked for help from the Dutch who defeated the Portuguese.

During the 1800s, the Maldives became a British protectorate. This meant that Britain helped protect the Maldives from other countries and helped the country become more modern.

In 1965, the Maldives gained independence from Britain and became its own country. At first, the Maldives had trouble trying to develop their economy because they didn't have many resources. But in the 1970s, tourists started coming to the Maldives because of its beautiful beaches and clear water. This helped the country's economy to grow.

Today, the Maldives is known for its luxury resorts and unique culture. The country is still facing challenges due to climate change and rising sea levels. But the people of the Maldives continue to work to protect their country and culture for future generations.