On July 26, Maldives celebrates the day when it formally broke free from foreign control. From far away, the Maldives looks like a heaven on Earth, but zoom in and you will see a nation that survived the colonizers, identity dilemmas, and economic challenges.
On this day, apart from flags, speeches, and celebrations, one must ask what has kept these islands together since 1965 and how statecraft and nationalism is defined under such unique geography?
The colonial past
Over centuries, the islands survived under foreign control, several periods of occupation, some of which changed the history of the country forever. First, the Portuguese colonizers in the 19th century, followed by the British colonization that lasted from 1887 to 1965.
On July 26, 1965, Maldives gained independence, and it was granted total autonomy. The freedom was significant as it gave the country the ability to take control of its economy, develop, and make progress.
The end of World War II resulted in the independence of two former colonies of Britain, as Srilanka and India got their freedom from British colonizers, this motivated Maldives to pursue their freedom as well.
It became even more important when three southern atolls were claimed as part of a brief Suvadive Republic from 1959 to 1963. Maldives also became a member of the United Nations within two months of its independence. On October 12, 1965 Maldives national flag was hoisted at the headquarters.
Who are Maldivians & how do they celebrate the Big Day
Who are the Maldivians really? Are they the smiling resort staff that greets visitors with coconut water and coral necklaces? Are they the fisherman sailing across the atolls? Or are they the modern youth who are tweeting and spreading awareness about climate change risks? The reality is, Maldivians are all of this.
The ethnic diversity in Maldives is mind-blowing as these people have inherited the culture and values of South Asians, Arabs, and Africans. The South Asian touch is in their language, food, and family structure.
The Arab influence can be seen in their Islamic faith and governance system, and the African traces can be found along the southern atolls. Despite this diversity of origins, Maldivians see themselves as one people.
These people celebrate their Independence Day with full joy and enthusiasm. Malé city transforms overnight. Streets are lit with the colors of the flag in red, green, and white. Children wear traditional clothes.
Buildings are covered in lights, public offices display patriotic banners, and the national anthem plays through loudspeakers in the early hours. The government organizes a grand military parade, and the President addresses the country.
Out of Male, celebrations on the islands are more fun-filled with tradition and cultural values. Villagers organize boat races, beach cleanups, storytelling nights, and communal meals. A sense of ownership spreads everywhere.
The unique sense of nationalism
Nationalism in Maldives isn’t loud; in fact, it’s quieter, but deeper, and sometimes even invisible to outsiders, but it’s very real to Maldivians. The people of this island are scattered across the Indian Ocean may seem far away from each other but deep inside, they are united like a rock.
To the people who live here, each island is their home, and all of them together make them a proud nation. These people are islanders, their identity is connected to the sea, and so are their lives. The sea feeds them, connects them, and protects them.
Many Maldivians feel that no outsider truly understands what it means to live with the waves as both a blessing and a threat. Even when outsiders like the British, Portuguese, or French tried to take control, they kept their culture, language, and religion protected and took pride in that. That’s why their independence isn’t political but personal.
What has kept the Islands together for 60 years
Maldives is made up of around 1200 tiny islands scattered across the Indian Ocean; some islands are so small that you can walk around and cross them within a few minutes. With such a geography, it’s not easy to stay united as one country.
But it’s been 60 years since Independence, and these islands are united. So what kept these islands together for decades? The shared identity? The reality is that no matter how far these islands are from each other, everyone speaks the same language, Dhivehi, and follows the same religion, Islam.
These two things are the main pillars of Maldivian identity. That’s what makes people feel connected despite living many kilometers away from each other. While the islands differ in customs or dialects, their shared beliefs and language have acted like a bridge, keeping them united and stronger. So it’s the spirit of the people that has kept them together and not the politics or geography.
What tourism looks like in Maldives
Tourism in Maldives is like exploring paradise. Maldives tourism isn’t just an economic pillar, but it is the representation of national identity crafted for the world to admire and enjoy.
The tourism scene in the Maldives is undeniably glorious, offering experiences that only a few places on Earth can match.
Here are some most exciting things to do in Maldives as a tourist
- Snorkeling and Diving in Baa Atoll
- Underwater Dining at Ithaa Restaurant (Conrad Rangali Island)
- Seaplane Ride Across the Atolls
- Stay in an Overwater Villa
- Visit the Maldives National Museum (Malé)
- Underwater Sculpture Park at Fairmont Maldives
- Submarine Ride from Malé
Interesting facts about Maldives
- Maldives is one of the world’s most geographically dispersed countries. It has more than 1190 coral islands in 26 atolls. These islands are spread over an area of roughly 90000 square kilometers.
- Only 1% of the country is land.
- It’s also the world’s lowest country. Its average elevation is 1.5 meters above sea level, and its highest point is 2.4 meters.
- For climate change awareness, Maldives became the world’s first country to hold a cabinet meeting underwater, which was attended by the President and 13 other government officials, all in scuba gear, sitting around sunken desks.
- The name Maldives is derived from the Malayalam for “Garland Island”
- Maldives is the smallest Muslim country.
- Each island has its code letter and a name as well, which confuses tourists, but it’s beneficial to recognize islands with the same names. There are three islands named Funadhoo in different atolls, for example, so the code letter helps in identification.
An IR student whose interest lies in diplomacy and current affairs and a part time debater
