Countries that Start with the 2024

While there are 14 countries that unofficially start with "the," none of these countries' official names begin with it. These are countries that are commonly referred to with the word "the" at the start of the country's name because it sounds more natural than pronouncing the name alone.

Countries That Start With "the"

Several countries start with "the" as of 2023, but these titles only apply to their unofficial names. Check out this list of countries that start with the (in unofficial use):

• The Bahamas

• The Central African Republic
• The Democratic Republic of the Congo
• The Dominican Republic

• The Gambia
• The Maldives
• The Marshall Islands

• The Netherlands
• The Philippines
• The Solomon Islands

• The United Arab Emirates
• The United Kingdom
• The United Mexican States

• The United States of America

So why do we add "the" to some countries? Well, what sounds better: "I'm going to Maldives" or "I'm going to the Maldives?" The effect is the same with countries like Philippines -- it just sounds better to say the Philippines.

The effect is most noticeable in countries that end in a plural -s. Bahamas, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Netherlands, Philippines, Solomon Islands, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Mexican States, and United States of America are all great examples.

But in some cases, countries without a plural -s at the end still seem to sound more natural with "the" in front. Central Republic of Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominican Republic, Gambia, and United Kingdom are examples.

Official Names of Countries That Start With the 2023

When you begin to consider each country's official name, none of which start with "the" but often contain the word, the rules change even more.

For example, the official name of what we call the Bahamas is actually Commonwealth of the Bahamas. Gambia, in reality, is Republic of the Gambia. Maldives is Republic of the Maldives and Marshall Islands are Republic of the Marshall Islands.

It's easy to see why we tend to shorten this official name into "the Bahamas" or "the Maldives" when you consider that the word the is already in the name - just not at the start. And not many people refer to a country by its full, official name when there's a shorter nickname in common use.

It's okay to start a country's title with "the" if it's plural or commonly used. Just don't assume it's the official name!