A country is typically characterized by a population that shares a common language and cultural heritage. According to the Dhivehi Word Book, a country can be defined as a community of individuals residing within a specific territory under a unified governing authority. Therefore, the term “country” refers to the distinctive characteristics shared by a collective group of people inhabiting a designated geographical area. In the case of the Maldives, the country is defined by its citizens who share these said characteristics.
The origins of the Maldives and its earliest inhabitants remain largely undocumented. This indicates how ancient Maldives is as a country.
Geographically, the Maldives is located in the midst of the Indian Ocean, serving as a common route for travelers. It is believed that the initial settlers arrived on these shores as travelers who were compelled to land due to various circumstances such as shipwrecks, adverse weather conditions, or seeking refuge from nearby war zones or distant lands, or even merchants travelling for business. Despite the absence of concrete records, the exact details of the earliest civilization in the Maldives remain in mystery.
The Maldives fulfills all the criteria of a country, with its citizens sharing a common way of life, language, and cultural heritage. Maldives is a predominantly Muslim nation, with Islam playing a significant role in its societal fabric.