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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Maldives

Fiji said last month it expected the heads of state for Antigua and Barbuda, Cape Verde, Thailand, the Maldives and Timor-Leste would attend.

From Barron's ● Oct. 2, 2026

Russians make up the second-largest nationality among tourists in the Maldives, behind Chinese nationals.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 2, 2026

The Maldives Airports Company made a record profit in 2024, becoming the most profitable state-owned company in the country.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 2, 2026

Travel site TripAdvisor currently lists more than 140 such experiences in the Maldives alone.

From BBC ● Aug. 15, 2026

I learn from Wikipedia that the Republic of Maldives is an archipelagic state —meaning a country composed of different islands—in the Indian Ocean.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller

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