Buddhism in the Maldives

Buddhism was the predominant religion in the Maldives for about a millennia until at least the 12th century. Buddhism may have been introduced to the Maldives around the 3rd century BC and retained some lingering presence until the 14th to 16th century. Evidence indicates that Theravada Buddhism was the earliest dominant school of Buddhism practiced in the Maldives until the growth of Vajrayana Buddhism from the 6th century onwards. In contrast, the closest neighbouring country to Maldives, Sri Lanka, has remained predominantly Buddhist.