Maldives: flag, capital, currency and history
Maldives, officially the Republic of the Maldives, is a country in Southern Asia, Asia. Its capital is Malé. The currency is the Maldivian rufiyaa. Languages spoken include Maldivian.
Quick facts about Maldives
- Official name
- Republic of the Maldives
- Capital
- Malé
- Region
- Asia, Southern Asia
- Currency
- Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR, .ރ)
- Languages
- Maldivian
- Calling code
- +960
- Internet domain
- .mv
- Area
- 300 km² (116 sq mi)
- Land borders
- None (island or surrounded by water)
- Demonym
- Maldivan
- National day
- Independence Day, July 26
Flag of Maldives
Download the flag of Maldives as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇲🇻.
History of Maldives
The Maldives were settled in antiquity by peoples from the Indian subcontinent and Sri Lanka. According to tradition, the islands adopted Islam in 1153, and a sultanate ruled for centuries. The Portuguese held a presence in the mid-16th century until they were expelled in the 1570s. The islands later came under the influence of the Dutch and then Britain, becoming a British protectorate in 1887. The Maldives gained full independence on 26 July 1965 and became a republic in 1968. A new constitution in 2008 introduced a multiparty presidential system.
Key dates
- 1153The islands traditionally convert to Islam.
- 1558The Portuguese establish a garrison at Malé.
- 1573The Portuguese are expelled from the Maldives.
- 1887The Maldives becomes a British protectorate.
- 1965The Maldives gains independence on 26 July.
- 1968The sultanate is abolished and a republic is declared.
- 2008A new constitution introduces a multiparty presidential system.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of Maldives
Maldives uses the Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR, .ރ). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Maldives?
The capital of Maldives is Malé.
What currency does Maldives use?
Maldives uses the Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR, symbol .ރ).
What languages are spoken in Maldives?
Languages used in Maldives include Maldivian.
What is the calling code of Maldives?
The international calling code of Maldives is +960. Its internet domain is .mv.
Which countries border Maldives?
Maldives has no land borders and is surrounded by water.
On which continent is Maldives?
Maldives is in Asia, in the region of Southern Asia.
What is the national day of Maldives?
Maldives marks Independence Day on July 26.
More countries in Southern Asia
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).