National Anthems of the World

Lyrics, history and anecdotes

🇲🇻 Maldives

The national anthem of Maldives is called: « Qaumii Salaam ».

Continent: Asia

History of « Qaumii Salaam »

« Qaumii Salaam » (National Salute) is the national anthem of the Maldives. The anthem reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage, its independence, and the unity of its people.

Key Dates and People

  • 1948: The lyrics of « Qaumii Salaam » were written by Muhammad Jameel Didi, a Maldivian poet and scholar. The music was composed by Sri Lankan composer Pandit Amaradeva.
  • 1972: The anthem was officially adopted as the national anthem of the Maldives, replacing the previous anthem « Salaamathi. »

Anecdotes

  • Cultural Exchange: The collaboration between Muhammad Jameel Didi and Pandit Amaradeva is a notable example of cultural exchange between the Maldives and Sri Lanka. Amaradeva’s composition brought a unique musical style to the Maldivian anthem.
  • Symbol of Independence: The adoption of « Qaumii Salaam » in 1972 was part of a broader effort to establish a distinct national identity following the Maldives’ independence from British protection in 1965. The anthem symbolizes the country’s sovereignty and unity.
  • Cultural Significance: « Qaumii Salaam » is performed at national celebrations, official ceremonies, and sporting events, reinforcing its role in uniting the Maldivian people and celebrating their heritage. The anthem’s stirring lyrics and melody inspire a sense of unity and pride among Maldivians.

Lyrics Excerpt

In Dhivehi

ސަލާމް އަދި ހައިރާ މަލަދީން
ދިވެހިރާއްޖޭގެ އަދަދު އަދި ހައިރާ
މަލަދީން ދިވެހިރާއްޖޭގެ އަދަދު އަދި ހައިރާ
އަދި ހައިރާ މަލަދީން
ދިވެހިރާއްޖޭގެ އަދަދު އަދި ހައިރާ
މަލަދީން ދިވެހިރާއްޖޭގެ އަދަދު އަދި ހައިރާ
އަދި ހައިރާ މަލަދީން
ދިވެހިރާއްޖޭގެ އަދަދު އަދި ހައިރާ
މަލަދީން ދިވެހިރާއްޖޭގެ އަދަދު އަދި ހައިރާ
އަދި ހައިރާ މަލަދީން
ދިވެހިރާއްޖޭގެ އަދަދު އަދި ހައިރާ
މަލަދީން

In English (translation)

In the name of God, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.
Blessed be the sacred land,
Happy be the bounteous realm,
Symbol of high resolve, land of Maldives.

Peaceful be the country, peaceful be the people,
Peaceful be the Sultan, leading the way.
We salute you, we salute you,
We salute you, our homeland.

By the will of God, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful,
We shall remain true to the nation,
We shall remain true to the nation,
We shall remain true to the nation, our homeland.

Sources: