12th century
The first recorded ruler is Theemugey Maha Kalaminja. This Buddhist king and his subjects are converted to Islam by Abu Barakaath Yoosuf Al Barbary from Morocco. The king changes his name to Mohamed Ibn Abdulla and reigns as Sultan until 1166.

14th century
A woman, Khadeeja, rules as Sultana. Twice deposed by a husband, each time she regains the throne. Another Moroccan, Mohamed Ibn Batuta, visits and records local customs, noting that the main occupations are fishing and the making of coir rope.

16th century
In 1512, the Portuguese arrive, aided by an ex-sultan converted to Christianity. The invaders are wiped out in 1573 with the help of Indians from Malabar.

18th century
The Malabaris are showing too much interest in the Maldives and French help is enlisted to ward them off.

19th century
In 1887, a protection agreement is signed with Britain. In return the British receive annual tribute, which continues as late as 1948.

20th century
In 1957, the island of Gan is made into a Royal Air Force Base, which the British retain even after the Maldives become independent and join the United Nations in 1965. The Maldives becomes a republic in 1968 and the British airmen leave their base in 1976. The Maldivian Parliament decides that Independence Day is to be dated from March 29, 1976, the day of this final withdrawal.