The first settlers of Maldives chose to settle in the Maldives for several reasons:
1. **Strategic Location**: The Maldives' location in the Indian Ocean made it an attractive settlement site for early settlers. Its position along important trade routes allowed for easy access to trade with neighboring regions, making it a strategic hub for maritime activities.
2. **Abundant Marine Resources**: The rich marine biodiversity of the Maldives, with its coral reefs and abundant fish populations, provided a sustainable source of food and resources for the settlers. The availability of these resources supported the livelihoods of the early inhabitants and facilitated their settlement in the region.
3. **Natural Defenses**: The geographical features of the Maldives, including its dispersed islands and atolls, offered natural defense mechanisms against potential threats. The islands' isolation and the surrounding ocean acted as barriers, providing a level of protection and security for the settlers, making it an appealing place to establish their communities.