Development History of Maldives in Brief

Maldives is a small island country located in the Indian Ocean. The country has a rich and diverse history of development. From early settlements to modernization projects, Maldives has come a long way. In this article, we’ll take a brief look at the development history of Maldives.

Early Development and Trade

The earliest settlements in Maldives date back to the 5th century BC. At that time, the island had no central government and was divided into several small communities. The islanders mostly relied on fishing, agriculture, and trade for their livelihood. Maldives was a thriving hub for trade between India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. The islanders traded coconuts, cowrie shells, and fish for textiles, spices, and rice. Over time, the people of Maldives converted to Islam, which influenced the country’s culture and economy.

Colonialism and Dependency

In the 16th century, Maldives became a protectorate of the Portuguese. The Portuguese ruled the country for over 15 years and converted the people of Maldives to Catholicism. The islanders resisted the Portuguese rule, and with help from the Dutch, they were able to overthrow the Portuguese. In the 19th century, Maldives became a protectorate of the British. During this time, the country’s economy became more dependent on foreign aid. This led to a decline in the country’s traditional industries, and the islanders became more reliant on imports.

Independence and Modernization

Maldives gained independence from the British in 1965. Since then, the country has undergone significant modernization. The government invested in social services such as education and healthcare. This led to an increase in the country’s literacy rate and life expectancy. The government also invested in tourism, which is now the country’s primary industry. In the 1980s, the government implemented a development plan aimed at diversifying the economy. This led to the creation of new industries such as tuna fishing and boat building.

Challenges and Opportunities

Maldives faces many challenges in its development. The country is vulnerable to the effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels and coral bleaching. This poses a threat to Maldives’ tourism industry, which is dependent on coral reefs. The country is also facing economic challenges such as unemployment and a trade deficit. However, there are opportunities for Maldives’ development. The government has introduced policies to diversify the economy, such as promoting renewable energy and increasing exports of goods and services. There are also opportunities to develop new industries, such as aquaculture and information technology.

Conclusion

The development history of Maldives reflects the country’s diverse and unique culture. While the country has faced challenges in the past, it has also shown resilience and innovation. With careful investment in its economy and social services, Maldives can continue to develop and prosper.