1965    Full independence is granted to the Maldives.

1965    Gambia, Maldives and Singapore are admitted as members of the United Nations.

1968    A second republic is declared in the Maldives.

1988    Sri Lankan Tamil mercenaries try to overthrow the Maldivian government. At President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's request, the Indian military suppresses the coup attempt within 24 hours.

2004    A 9.3 magnitude earthquake creates a tsunami causing devastation in Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Maldives and many other areas around the rim of the Indian Ocean, killing over 250,000 people including over 1700 on a moving train