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12th century - Islam introduced
1558-1573 -Portuguese occupation, which ends after expulsion by locals
17th century - Islands become a protectorate first of the Dutch rulers of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and later of the British who take control of Ceylon in 1796
1887 - Status formalised as internally self-governing British protectorate
1932 - First democratic Constitution proclaimed. The sultanate becomes an elected position
1953 - Becomes a republic within the Commonwealth as the sultanate is abolished. However, the Sultan is restored within months. | | | | |
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| | It is believed that Aryan immigrants from the Indian subcontinent established permanent settlements around 500 BC. | | | |
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| | Over 90 per cent of government tax revenue comes from import duties and tourism-related taxes. | | | |
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| | Maldives has a presidential form of government. There is a Parliament, the Citizen's Majlis, with 48 members. | | | |
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| | The Maldives is a unitary, sovereign, independent democratic republic based on the principles of Islam. | | | |
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| | Mr Gayoom was re-elected for a record sixth five-year term in 2003, having first become president in 1978. | | |
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