The Maldives, an island nation in the Indian Ocean southwest of Sri Lanka and India, is renowned for its breathtaking coral atolls and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Comprising 26 atolls and nearly 1,200 islands, the Maldives boasts a rich history shaped by its strategic location along key maritime trade routes. Settled as early as the 5th century BCE by people from the Indian subcontinent, the islands became an important stop for Arab, African, and Asian traders. Islam was introduced in 1153 CE, and the nation has remained predominantly Muslim ever since. Over centuries, the Maldives was ruled by a succession of sultans and dynasties until it became a British protectorate in the late 19th century. The Maldives gained full independence in 1965, becoming a republic three years later. Today, it is celebrated for its unique culture, idyllic resorts, and as one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to climate change due to its low-lying geography.