CA Country Anthems

Maldives National Anthem History

Gaumee Salaam · ޤައުމީ ސަލާމް

The Maldivian national anthem, "Gaumee Salaam," evolved from a wordless royal melody to its current form. Lyrics were added in 1948, initially set to the tune of "Auld Lang Syne," before new music was composed in 1972.

Maldives Gaumee Salaam

Maldives

Language
Diveh
Anthem
Gaumee Salaam
Duration
1:08
Status
Today, the anthem uses the 1972 music by Pandit Amaradeva with Mohamed Jameel Didi's updated lyrics, commonly performed as the first two verses.

History timeline

  1. Pre-1948

    Maldives' state anthem was a wordless melody called the Salaamathi, performed by the royal band.

  2. 1948

    Mohamed Jameel Didi composed lyrics for a new anthem, replacing the Salaamathi.

  3. 1948

    The new lyrics were initially set to a modified tune of the Scottish folk song "Auld Lang Syne."

  4. 1968

    Maldives became a republic, influencing later changes to the anthem's lyrics.

  5. 1972

    New music was hastily commissioned and composed by Pandit W.D. Amaradeva for Queen Elizabeth II's visit.

  6. 1972

    The original lyrics were slightly modified to reflect the country's status as a republic.

The initial lyrics of the Maldivian national anthem were set to the tune of the Scottish folk song "Auld Lang Syne," inspired by a clock playing it at midday.