Maldives in 1914

Overview

The Maldive Islands are an archipelago of 26 coral islands situated south west of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean. In 1887 the islands, which had formerly been an independent state, became a British protectorate, with executive power vested in the Sultan. The majority of the population inhabit Malé.

During the First World War the Sultan of the Maldives donated £2,000 to the Prince of Wales’ Fund and a further sum of £333 was donated by his ministers. As a sheltered deep water harbour, situated between India and Africa, the commercial harbour at Malé was an ideal fuelling point for Royal and Merchant Navy ships.

Key figures

Key documents

Image V11480, sketch of Maldives islands, view 1 mile East of Eastern Entrance to Malé Lagoon, registered August 1917 ADM 344/1286

• Aerial photographs of the island of Malé, 1917 ADM 344/1286

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