- Republic of Maldives ⇒
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; member of the Commonwealth (1982–2016). 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: 436 330 (2017 est). Area: 298 sq km (115 sq miles)
Also known as: the Maldive Islands
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025
Mal•dives
(môl′dēvz, mal′dīvz),USA pronunciation
Mal•div•i•an:
(môl div′ē ən, mal-),USA pronunciation adj., n.
- Place Namesa republic in the Indian Ocean, SW of India, consisting of about 2000 islands: British protectorate 1887–1965. 280,391; 115 sq. mi. (298 sq. km). Cap.: Male. Also called Mal′dive Is′lands.
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'Maldives' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):