What are the top 10 largest islands in the world? Understanding the world’s largest islands helps us appreciate the diversity of landscapes and ecosystems on Earth. This guide explores the top 10 largest islands by land area, offering insights into their unique features and significance.
Largest Islands in the World by Land Area
Here is a detailed look at the world’s largest islands, ranked by their total land area. These islands are not only vast in size but also rich in cultural and natural diversity.
1. Greenland
- Area: 2,166,086 square kilometers
- Location: North Atlantic Ocean
- Key Features: Known for its vast ice sheet, Greenland is the world’s largest island. It is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark and is mostly covered by ice, with a sparse population concentrated along the coast.
2. New Guinea
- Area: 785,753 square kilometers
- Location: Southwest Pacific Ocean
- Key Features: Divided between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, New Guinea boasts diverse ecosystems, including rainforests and mountainous regions. It is home to a rich variety of indigenous cultures.
3. Borneo
- Area: 748,168 square kilometers
- Location: Southeast Asia
- Key Features: Shared by Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia, Borneo is famous for its biodiversity, including orangutans and rainforests. It is the largest island in Asia.
4. Madagascar
- Area: 587,041 square kilometers
- Location: Indian Ocean, off the coast of Southeast Africa
- Key Features: Madagascar is renowned for its unique wildlife, with many species found nowhere else on Earth. The island’s isolation has led to a high degree of endemism.
5. Baffin Island
- Area: 507,451 square kilometers
- Location: Canadian Arctic Archipelago
- Key Features: As the largest island in Canada, Baffin Island features rugged landscapes with fjords and glaciers. It is part of the territory of Nunavut.
6. Sumatra
- Area: 473,481 square kilometers
- Location: Indonesia
- Key Features: Sumatra is known for its diverse ecosystems, including rainforests and volcanoes. It is one of Indonesia’s major islands and supports a rich variety of wildlife, such as tigers and elephants.
7. Honshu
- Area: 225,800 square kilometers
- Location: Japan
- Key Features: The largest island of Japan, Honshu is home to the country’s major cities, including Tokyo and Osaka. It is the economic and cultural heart of Japan.
8. Victoria Island
- Area: 217,291 square kilometers
- Location: Canadian Arctic Archipelago
- Key Features: Victoria Island is known for its harsh Arctic environment. It is split between the territories of Nunavut and the Northwest Territories in Canada.
9. Great Britain
- Area: 209,331 square kilometers
- Location: North Atlantic Ocean
- Key Features: Great Britain is the largest island of the British Isles and includes England, Scotland, and Wales. It is a cultural and historical hub with a significant global influence.
10. Ellesmere Island
- Area: 196,236 square kilometers
- Location: Canadian Arctic Archipelago
- Key Features: Known for its rugged terrain and ice-covered landscapes, Ellesmere Island is one of the most remote and least populated islands in the world.
Comparison Table of the Largest Islands
| Island | Area (sq km) | Location | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greenland | 2,166,086 | North Atlantic Ocean | Ice sheet, sparse population |
| New Guinea | 785,753 | Southwest Pacific Ocean | Rainforests, cultural diversity |
| Borneo | 748,168 | Southeast Asia | Biodiversity, rainforests |
| Madagascar | 587,041 | Indian Ocean | Unique wildlife, endemism |
| Baffin Island | 507,451 | Canadian Arctic Archipelago | Fjords, glaciers |
| Sumatra | 473,481 | Indonesia | Rainforests, wildlife |
| Honshu | 225,800 | Japan | Major cities, cultural hub |
| Victoria Island | 217,291 | Canadian Arctic Archipelago | Arctic environment |
| Great Britain | 209,331 | North Atlantic Ocean | Cultural and historical significance |
| Ellesmere Island | 196,236 | Canadian Arctic Archipelago | Remote, ice-covered |
People Also Ask
What is the largest island in the world?
The largest island in the world is Greenland, with an area of 2,166,086 square kilometers. It is located in the North Atlantic Ocean and is predominantly covered by ice.
How is an island different from a continent?
An island is a landmass surrounded by water and smaller than a continent. Unlike continents, islands do not have a continental shelf. For example, Australia is considered a continent, not an island, due to its large landmass and geological characteristics.
Why is Australia not considered the largest island?
Australia is classified as a continent rather than an island due to its significant size and unique geological features. It is the smallest continent but not an island because it sits on its own continental shelf.
Which island has the most biodiversity?
Borneo is renowned for its biodiversity, hosting a wide variety of plant and animal species, including endangered orangutans. Its rainforests are some of the oldest in the world.
How do islands impact global ecology?
Islands play a crucial role in global ecology by hosting unique ecosystems and species. They often have high levels of endemism due to their isolation, which can lead to unique evolutionary paths.
Conclusion
Understanding the world’s largest islands gives insight into the planet’s geographical diversity and ecological significance. These islands are not only vast in size but also rich in culture and natural beauty. Explore more about these islands and their unique features to appreciate their role in the global ecosystem. For further exploration, consider learning about the differences between islands and continents or the cultural significance of islands in human history.
