Maldives Colonial Records

Portuguese Colonization (1558-1573)
The Portuguese established a garrison in the Maldives in 1558. They were driven out in 1573.

Dutch Colonization (mid 1600s-1796)
The Dutch replaced the British as the dominant power in the mid 1600s. The Britich expelled the Dutch in 1796.

British Colonization (1796-1965)
The British expelled the Dutch in 1796. On 26 July 1965, Maldives gained independence from the United Kingdom.