The top-level domain (TLD) is the highest level of domain names with their last part in the hierarchical Domain Name System (DNS) of the internet. The most popular and commonly used TLDs include .com, .org, .net, .edu, among others. However, in this discussion, we concentrate on the .mv TLD, which is a country-code top-level domain (ccTLD) in the using.
The .mv domain name is the internet country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Maldives. Simply put, it is the TLD designated to Maldives, similar to how .uk is for the United Kingdom, .ca for Canada, and .us for the United States. Country code top-level domains are vital for nations as they improve their online presence and foster a sense of national identity on the international digital platform. This information is readily available from the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) website, which supervises the global coordination of the DNS Root, and IP addressing system.
The Communications Authority of Maldives manages the registration of .mv domains, as stated on its official website. Registrations, which can be done through approved registrars, are made directly at the second level or under several categories of third-level domains such as .com.mv, .org.mv, .net.mv etc. which are intended for different types of entities such as commercial and non-profit organizations.
For example, the Maldives National University uses the .mv domain with its official website being www.mnu.edu.mv. Another major user of this TLD is the Maldives government, which operates under www.gov.mv. These examples clearly show how the .mv domain is prominently used by Maldivian institutions, businesses and government to enforce their digital identity. If you carry out a WHOIS search, it verifies that these domains are registered under .mv domain.
In summary, the .mv domain plays a significant role in giving an online identity to institutions, businesses, and entities in the Maldives. Its use helps these entities to establish their digital presence associated with the Maldives and helps internet users to identify them as such.
Sources:
1. “Top-Level Domain.” Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/technology/top-level-domain
2. “IANA — .mv Domain Delegation Data” https://www.iana.org/domains/root/db/mv.html
3. “Domain Names Regulations,” Communications Authority of Maldives. https://www.com.gov.mv/en/page/domain-names-regulations
4. The Maldives National University. https://www.mnu.edu.mv/
5. Government of Maldives. http://www.gov.mv/
6. “Whois Lookup & IP.” https://www.whois.com/whois
