
The original inhabitants of the Maldives were Buddhist, probably since Ashoka's period,[citation needed] in the 300 BC. Islam in Maldives was introduced in 1153 and has remained dominant since, being the smallest predominantly Muslim nation in the world. During the period of European exploration and colonialism, the Maldives came under the influence of the Portuguese in 1558 and the Dutch in 1654. In 1887 the islands became a British protectorate. In 1965 the country obtained independence from Britain under the name "Maldive Islands". Three years later the reigning Islamic Sultanate was replaced by a quasi-Islamic presidential Republic; in 2008, submission to the Islamic faith became a legal requirement for citizens.
The Maldives is the smallest Asian country in both population and area. With an average ground level of 1.5 metres (4 ft 11 in) above sea level, it is the lowest country on the planet. It is also the country with the lowest highest point in the world, at 2.3 metres (7 ft 7 in).
Source : Wikipedia
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