Maldives

American  

[mawl-deevz, mal-dahyvz] / ˈmɔl divz, ˈmæl daɪvz /

noun

1. a republic in the Indian Ocean, SW of India, consisting of about 2000 islands: British protectorate 1887–1965. 115 sq. mi. (298 sq. km). Male.

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Maldives British  

/ ˈmɔːlˈdiːvz /

plural noun

1. Also known as: the Maldive Islands.  a republic occupying an archipelago of 1087 coral islands in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka: came under British protection in 1887; became independent in 1965 and a republic in 1968; a member of the Commonwealth. The economy and infrastructure were severely damaged in the Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004. Official language: Divehi. Official religion: (Sunni) Muslim. Currency: rufiyaa. Capital: Malé. Pop: 393 988 (2013 est). Area: 298 sq km (115 sq miles)

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Other Word Forms

• Maldivian adjective

Example Sentences

The Maldives wrote to the British government in November 2024 and January 2026 to formally object to its deal with Mauritius.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

The Maldives and Nepal are rationing the supply of liquefied petroleum gas—popular for cooking—urging households to switch to electric stoves.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

More than 65 P-12s are currently on order, from customers in Mumbai, Saudi Arabia, Maldives, Thailand and Berlin, with further orders expected to be confirmed shortly.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

In the Maldives, fishing has sustained its population for centuries.

From Salon • Mar. 14, 2026

The one thing it tells me for certain is that she’s hiding in the Maldives, so I start there.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller