In the past, the Maldives, like many other countries throughout the
world, was ruled by the British Empire. They, however, did not become a
British Protectorate until 1887 after many attempts. The Maldives only
benefited from the new status by preventing the British from interfering
with their internal affairs. If the country were to engage in any
international activity, the British government would have to be
consulted first. To get the Maldives to cooperate, the British offered
to defend the country in exchange.
On July 26, 1965, the Maldives
was granted total autonomy. The independence was crucial because it gave
the country the ability to take control of its economy and develop as
it saw fit. The conclusion of World War II brought about the
independence of two neighboring countries, Sri Lanka and India, both of
which were colonized by the British, motivating the Maldives to pursue
their own independence.
It became even more pressing when three
southern atolls were claimed as part of a brief Suvadive Republic from
1959 to 1963. The Maldives was admitted as a member of the United
Nations within two months of achieving independence. On October 12,
1965, their national flag was hoisted at the headquarters.
The Independence Day celebrations in Maldives typically include various
events, parades, flag hoisting ceremonies, cultural performances, and
speeches by government officials. It is a day of national pride and
patriotism for the Maldivian people, as they commemorate the day their
nation became an independent and sovereign country.