12th century - Islam introduced. 
 

1558-1573 - Portuguese occupation, which ends after expulsion by locals.

17th century - Islands become a protectorate first of the Dutch rulers of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and later of the British who take control of Ceylon in 1796.

1887 - Status formalised as internally self-governing British protectorate. 
 

1932 - First democratic constitution proclaimed. The sultanate becomes an elected position. 
 

1953 - Becomes a republic within the Commonwealth as the sultanate is abolished. However, the Sultan is restored within months. 
 

1965 - Full independence as a sultanate outside Commonwealth. 
 

1968 - Sultan deposed after referendum; republic reinstated with Ibrahim Nasir as president.
 

1978 - Nasir retires, replaced by Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. 
 

1980s - Development of tourist industry fuels economic growth. 
 

1982 - Rejoins Commonwealth. 
 

1988 - Coup attempt involving Sri Lankan mercenaries foiled with the help of Indian commandos. 
 

1998 - Gayoom re-elected for a fifth term in presidential referendum. 
 

1999 November - Parliamentary elections take place, with more than 120 independent candidates contesting 40 seats.

2002 September - At World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, President Gayoom warns that low-lying islands are at greater risk than ever before, and calls on international community to take urgent action to prevent global environmental catastrophe. 
 

2003 October - Gayoom re-elected for unprecedented sixth term in presidential referendum, winning more than 90% of the vote. 
 

2004 June - President Gayoom promises constitutional changes to limit presidential term and to allow formation of political parties. 
 

2004 December - Scores of people are killed and many islands suffer severe damage when a tsunami generated by a powerful undersea earthquake off the Indonesian coast hits the Maldives. 
 

2005 June - Parliament votes unanimously to allow multi-party politics.