Top 10 Largest Islands Worldwide

When discussing the largest islands in the world by land area, it’s important to note that islands can vary greatly in size and can be measured by different criteria. In this context, the land area refers to the total area of the island, including any surrounding water bodies, such as lakes or lagoons. Here are the top 10 largest islands in the world by land area:

1. Greenland: Greenland is the largest island in the world, with an area of approximately 2,166,086 square kilometers (836,330 square miles). Despite its massive size, Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.

2. New Guinea: New Guinea is the second-largest island globally, covering an area of about 785,753 square kilometers (303,381 square miles). It is located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, north of Australia, and is divided politically between Papua New Guinea to the east and Indonesia to the west.

3. Borneo: Borneo is the third-largest island and is shared by three countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. It spans approximately 748,168 square kilometers (288,869 square miles). Borneo is renowned for its biodiversity, including dense rainforests and unique wildlife such as orangutans.

4. Madagascar: Located off the southeastern coast of Africa, Madagascar is the fourth-largest island globally, with an area of around 587,713 square kilometers (226,917 square miles). It is known for its rich biodiversity, including many endemic species of plants and animals.

5. Baffin Island: Baffin Island, situated in the Canadian territory of Nunavut, is the largest island in Canada and the fifth-largest globally. It covers approximately 507,451 square kilometers (195,928 square miles) and is known for its stunning Arctic landscapes and indigenous Inuit communities.

6. Sumatra: Sumatra is the sixth-largest island globally, located in western Indonesia. It has an area of roughly 443,066 square kilometers (171,069 square miles) and is known for its lush rainforests, diverse wildlife, and volcanic landscapes.

7. Honshu: Honshu is the largest island in Japan and the seventh-largest globally, covering approximately 225,800 square kilometers (87,200 square miles). It is home to Japan’s capital, Tokyo, as well as other major cities such as Osaka and Kyoto.

8. Victoria Island: Victoria Island is one of the largest islands in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, with an area of about 217,291 square kilometers (83,897 square miles). It is located in the Canadian territory of Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.

9. Great Britain: Great Britain is the ninth-largest island globally, encompassing the countries of England, Scotland, and Wales. It has an area of approximately 209,331 square kilometers (80,823 square miles) and is situated in the North Atlantic Ocean.

10. Ellesmere Island: Ellesmere Island is the third-largest island in Canada and the tenth-largest globally, with an area of about 196,236 square kilometers (75,767 square miles). It is known for its rugged Arctic landscapes, ice caps, and unique wildlife.

These islands represent some of the most significant land masses on Earth, each with its own distinct geography, ecosystems, and cultural heritage. From the icy expanses of Greenland to the tropical rainforests of Borneo, each island offers a glimpse into the diverse natural wonders of our planet.

Certainly! Let’s delve deeper into each of the top 10 largest islands in the world by land area:

1. Greenland: Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, located between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans. Despite its name, much of Greenland is covered by ice, with the Greenland Ice Sheet being one of the largest ice sheets in the world. However, along its coastlines, there are fjords, valleys, and coastal plains where communities reside, primarily along the southwestern coast. Greenland’s population is predominantly indigenous, consisting mainly of Greenlandic Inuit. The island’s economy relies heavily on fishing, hunting, and increasingly, tourism.

2. New Guinea: New Guinea is divided into two parts: the western half, known as Papua or Papua Barat, which is part of Indonesia, and the eastern half, known as Papua New Guinea, an independent country. The island is renowned for its vast rainforests, rich biodiversity, and diverse indigenous cultures. It is home to many unique species of flora and fauna, including the Birds of Paradise. Mount Wilhelm, the highest peak in Papua New Guinea, rises to 4,509 meters (14,793 feet) above sea level.

3. Borneo: Borneo is the third-largest island globally and is shared by three countries: Indonesia (covering about 73% of the island’s land area), Malaysia (including the states of Sabah and Sarawak), and the small sovereign state of Brunei. The island is famed for its tropical rainforests, which are some of the oldest in the world, housing an incredibly diverse array of plant and animal species. Borneo is also home to one of the oldest rainforests on the planet, estimated to be over 130 million years old.

4. Madagascar: Madagascar is an island nation located off the southeastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. It is known for its extraordinary biodiversity, with a high proportion of endemic species found nowhere else on Earth. Lemurs, a type of primate unique to Madagascar, are among its most famous inhabitants. The island’s ecosystems range from rainforests to deserts, supporting a variety of flora and fauna. Madagascar’s culture is a blend of African, Asian, and European influences, reflecting its history of colonization and trade.

5. Baffin Island: Baffin Island is situated in the Arctic Ocean and is part of the Canadian territory of Nunavut. It is characterized by its rugged, glaciated terrain, fjords, and ice caps. The island is sparsely populated, with most inhabitants residing in small, remote communities along the coast. Baffin Island is a popular destination for adventure tourism, offering opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and experiencing Inuit culture.

6. Sumatra: Sumatra is one of the Sunda Islands in western Indonesia, separated from the Malay Peninsula by the Strait of Malacca. It is known for its rich biodiversity and diverse landscapes, including tropical rainforests, active volcanoes, and fertile plains. Sumatra is home to critically endangered species such as the Sumatran tiger, Sumatran elephant, and Sumatran orangutan. The island also has a long history of trade and cultural exchange, influenced by Indian, Chinese, Arab, and European traders.

7. Honshu: Honshu is the largest and most populous island in Japan, home to approximately 80% of the country’s population. It is known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from densely populated urban areas like Tokyo and Osaka to rural regions with picturesque mountains and traditional villages. Honshu is also culturally significant, with historical landmarks such as Kyoto’s temples and Nara’s ancient sites. The island is traversed by a network of high-speed trains and highways, facilitating travel and commerce.

8. Victoria Island: Victoria Island is located in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago and is part of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. It is characterized by its remote, Arctic wilderness, with vast tundra landscapes, ice-covered seas, and polar bear habitat. Inuit communities inhabit the island’s northern coast, relying on hunting, fishing, and traditional practices for sustenance. Victoria Island is also home to important migratory bird nesting sites and marine mammal populations.

9. Great Britain: Great Britain is the largest island in the British Isles and encompasses the countries of England, Scotland, and Wales. It has a diverse landscape, including rolling hills, coastal cliffs, and fertile plains. The island has a long history of human habitation, with archaeological sites dating back to prehistoric times. Today, Great Britain is known for its cultural heritage, including landmarks such as Stonehenge, Edinburgh Castle, and the Tower of London.

10. Ellesmere Island: Ellesmere Island is located in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago and is part of the territory of Nunavut. It is characterized by its extreme Arctic environment, with glaciers, ice caps, and permafrost dominating the landscape. The island is sparsely populated, with only a few research stations and small settlements. Ellesmere Island is known for its unique wildlife, including muskoxen, Arctic foxes, and polar bears, as well as its stunning natural scenery.

These islands showcase the incredible diversity of landscapes, ecosystems, and cultures found across the globe, highlighting the importance of conservation and sustainable management to preserve these unique environments for future generations.