The Proclamation of the First Republic
  Sultan Hassan Noraddeen Isknder II. This sultan reigned from 1353 to 1362 A.H (1935 to 1943 A.D).
 
On 2 Rabeeul Aakhir 1362 (8 April 1943), Sultan Hassan Nooraddin abdicated. From that time onwards, the Maldives began to progress towards a republican form of government. Following the demise in February 1952 of the Sultan-Elect, Amir Abdul Majeed Rannabadeyri Kilegefan, the time had come for setting up a republic. The special Majlis meeting held on 20 Rajab 1371 15 April 1952 unanimously agreed that a referendum should be held to determine the principles on which the country should be governed. The referendum supported the establishing of a republic to replace the sultanate. The First Republic was proclaimed on 1 January 1953 with Sumuwul Amir Muhammed Amin Dhoshimeyna Kilegefan as its president. During the time that Sumuwul Amir Muhammed Amin Dhoshimeyna Kilegefaan was at the helm of the affairs of state, he rendered a number of noteworthy services to the nation, which included the following.

* Educating people and laying the foundation of making Maldivians an educated people.
* 1942 - Formation of a co-operative trading company (Bodu Istore).
* 1947 - Setting up ward schools in the four wards of Malé.
* Reform and development of the atolls
* 1948 - Issuance of legal tender notes
* 1952 - Establishment of a museum
* 1951 - Formation of a national shipping line
* 1946 - Marking the first national day
* 1943 - Publication of newspapers
* 1952- Establishing a boarding school at Malé for those from outer islands.
* 1949 - First installation of electricity.
* 1950 - Establishing a passport office and issuance of travel documents
* Installation of the first telephones
* Representing the Maldives in an international conference for the first time (at the Islamic Economic Congress held at Karachi, Pakistan in 1949).
 
  Al Ameeru Abdhul Majeed Rannabandeyri Kilegefaanu was elected to the throne of Maldives in 1363 A.H (1944 A.D). In the year following his death in February 1952, Maldives became a Republic.
 
 
 

Al Ameer Muhammad Ameen Dhoshimeynaa Kilegefaanu, First President of the Republic of Maldives. Al Ameer Muhammad Ameen was elected President of Maldives on 14 Rabeeul Aakhiru 1372 (January 1, 1953). On 11 Zulhijja 1372 (August 21, 1953) he was removed from power
 
  4. Al Ameeru Muhammad Ameen's years of service to the country he emphasized on the importance of education in the country's development. The photograph shows students in Dhaarul Iqama, a boarding school for students from outlying islands.
 
  5. Issue of Maldivian currency notes. On 24 Ramazan 1366 A.H (August 12, 1947 A.D) the act authorizing the use of Maldivian paper currency was enacted by the Parliament and attested by the Sultan. The currency came into use on 01 Zulgaidhaa 1367 A.H (September 05, 1948 A.D).
 
  First National Day. National Day was first celebrated on 01 Rabeeul Avval 1365 A.H ( February 04, 1946 A.D ). The day was marked with sports and games held at Heveiru Sports Ground. The Photograph shows a National Day celebration held in Utheem, the island of Boduthakurufaanu, the National Hero. .

 
 
  The First Telephones in the Maldives.. .The picture shows one of the earliest telephones installed in Male' during Al Ameeru Muhammad Ameen's era.