Maldives

On July 26, 1965, the Maldives gained independence from British rule, marking the end of nearly 78 years as a British protectorate. This significant event was preceded by negotiations between Maldivian leaders and British officials with the intention of securing self-governance. The independence allowed the Maldives to join the United Nations and establish its own government and constitution. Since then, July 26 is celebrated as the Independence Day in the Maldives, commemorating their freedom and sovereignty.

The opening of the first tourist resort, Kurumba Maldives, on October 3, 1972, marked the beginning of the nation's tourism industry. This event played a critical role in transforming the Maldives' economy, making it one of the most luxurious and sought-after tourist destinations in the world. The success of Kurumba led to the establishment of numerous other resorts, significantly boosting the nation's economy and providing employment opportunities. Tourism has since become the Maldives' largest economic sector, crucial for its development.

Maumoon Abdul Gayoom became the President of the Maldives on November 11, 1978, beginning an extensive tenure that lasted for 30 years. During his presidency, he focused on modernizing the country's infrastructure, improving education and healthcare, and promoting tourism. However, his leadership was also characterized by allegations of autocratic rule and suppression of political dissent. Gayoom's presidency remained significant in shaping the Maldives' contemporary political landscape, influencing future governance and political reforms.

On November 3, 1988, a group of Maldivian rebels and mercenaries from the Tamil People's Liberation Organization (PLOTE) attempted a coup against President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's government. The attackers took control of much of the capital, Male, but were ultimately repelled with the assistance of Indian military intervention, under 'Operation Cactus'. The quick response by Indian forces restored order within a few hours and was pivotal in re-establishing the Maldivian government's control. This event reinforced regional security dynamics and Maldives-India relations.

On December 26, 2004, the Maldives was severely impacted by a massive undersea earthquake and subsequent tsunami that originated off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. The tsunami caused widespread destruction across the archipelago, leading to significant loss of life and damage to infrastructure. Many islands were inundated, and the natural disaster left thousands of Maldivians homeless and displaced. The event underscored the vulnerability of low-lying island nations to natural disasters and spurred global efforts in disaster management and mitigation strategies.

On October 28, 2008, the Maldives held its first multi-party presidential election, which marked a significant turning point in its political history. Mohamed Nasheed, a former political prisoner and leader of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party, won against the long-standing incumbent President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. This election was crucial in transitioning the Maldives from autocratic rule to a more democratic governance system, promising greater political freedoms and human rights. Nasheed's victory symbolized hope for change and reform in the Maldives.

On February 7, 2012, President Mohamed Nasheed resigned from office under controversial circumstances, which he later claimed was a coup d'état. Nasheed's resignation followed weeks of public protests and a police mutiny. His administration had faced strong opposition, particularly regarding issues like judicial reform and alleged favoritism. The political upheaval led to Vice President Mohammed Waheed Hassan taking over the presidency. This event sparked international concern over the democratic process and political stability in the Maldives.

On December 4, 2014, the Maldives capital, Male, faced a severe water crisis following a fire that damaged the sole desalination plant supplying water to the city. The crisis left over 100,000 residents without running water for several days, creating a humanitarian emergency. The Maldives government declared a state of crisis and international assistance was sought and received, notably from India and China, providing emergency water supplies. The event highlighted the vulnerabilities and challenges facing small island nations in ensuring sustainable water resources.

In March 2015, former President Mohamed Nasheed was arrested and put on trial under terrorism charges, accused of ordering the illegal arrest of a judge during his presidency. On March 13, he was found guilty and sentenced to 13 years in prison. The trial was widely criticized by international observers for lack of due process and judicial transparency. Nasheed's arrest and trial ignited local and international protests, highlighting concerns over political freedom and human rights in the Maldives and drawing attention from the United Nations and other international bodies.

The 2018 Maldivian presidential election, held on September 23, resulted in the victory of opposition candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Running against the incumbent president Abdulla Yameen, Solih's triumph was seen as a landmark for democracy in the Maldives, signaling a shift in the political landscape with promises of restoring democratic norms, human rights, and improving governance. The election was widely regarded as free and fair, representing a win for pro-democracy forces and a peaceful transition of power in the Maldives political scene.