Leaders

Mr Gayoom was re-elected for a record sixth five-year term in 2003, having first become president in 1978.

President: Maumoon Abdul Gayoom

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Gayoom was re-elected for a record sixth five-year term in 2003, having first become president in 1978. The Maldives has experienced relative stability under Asia's longest-serving leader, despite attempted coups in the 1980s.

He was born in Male in 1937 and was educated in Sri Lanka and Egypt. He served as transport minister under President Ibrahim Nasir.

In July 2003 human rights group Amnesty International accused the government of political repression, citing the "arbitrary detention" of its critics and the torture of prisoners. The government rejected the accusations as "false and baseless".

Heads of State

Sultan Amin 'Abd al-Majid Didi Oct 3, 1945 - Feb 21 1952 (+)

Chairman of the Council of Regency

Amir Ahmad Muhammad Amin Didi Feb 21 1952 - Jan 1, 1953 (+1954)

Presidents of the Republic

Amir Ahmad Muhammad Amin Didi Jan 1, 1953 - Sep 2, 1953 (+1954)

Amir Ibrahim Muhammad Didi Sep 2, 1953 - Mar 7, 1954 (acting)

Sultan 'Ali Muhammad Farid Didi Mar 7, 1954 - Nov 11, 1968 (+1969)

Presidents of the Republic

Ibrahim Nasir R Kilagefaanu Nov 11, 1968 - Nov 11, 1978

Maumoon Abdul Gayoom Nov 11, 1978-