MALDIVIA ISLANDS, a cluster of small islands
in the Indian ocean, 500 miles south-west of the con-
tinent of the island of Ceylon. They are about 1000
in number, and are very small; extending from the se-
cond degree of south latitude to the seventh degree of
north latitude. They are generally black low lands,
surrounded by rocks and sands. The natives are of
the same complexion with the Arabians, profess the
Mahometan
Mahometan religion, and are subject to one sovereign. The channels between the islands are very narrow, and some of them are fordable. They produce neither rice, corn, nor herbage; but the natives live upon cocoa-nuts, and other fruits, roots, and fish. They carry on a little trade with the British Indian settlements, exchanging their salt-fish, turtle-shells, and cocoa, for rice, sugar, hardware, cloth, &c. They have also a considerable trade among themselves. Their manners are mild and inoffensive.