List of the Top 10 Largest Islands and Their Countries
Islands are fascinating landmasses, often defined by their size, biodiversity, and cultures. The Largest Islands in the World include some of Earth’s most unique places, such as Greenland and New Guinea. On this page, we’ll explore the top 10 largest islands by area, interesting facts about each, and how they compare in population and geography.
Top 10 Largest Islands in the World by Area
| Rank | Island | Area (sq km) | Location | Country/Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Greenland | 2,166,086 | North Atlantic & Arctic Ocean | Denmark (autonomous) |
| 2 | New Guinea | 821,400 | Southwest Pacific | Indonesia & Papua New Guinea |
| 3 | Borneo | 748,168 | Southeast Asia | Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei |
| 4 | Madagascar | 587,295 | Indian Ocean | Madagascar |
| 5 | Baffin Island | 507,451 | Arctic Ocean | Canada |
| 6 | Sumatra | 443,066 | Indian Ocean | Indonesia |
| 7 | Honshu | 227,898 | North Pacific | Japan |
| 8 | Victoria Island | 217,291 | Arctic Ocean | Canada |
| 9 | Great Britain | 209,331 | North Atlantic | United Kingdom |
| 10 | Ellesmere Island | 196,236 | Arctic Ocean | Canada |
These top 10 the largest islands in the world by land showcase remarkable geographical features and cultures. Each holds significant environmental and historical importance, whether covered by Arctic ice, rainforests, or home to rare wildlife.
Detailed Overview of the Largest Islands in the World
The Largest Islands in the World span different continents and climates. Some islands are home to millions, while others remain almost untouched by humans. Let’s look at each of the top 10 by area, including the 2nd and 3rd largest island in the world.
Greenland: The world’s largest island (2,166,086 sq km) is mostly covered in ice and governed by Denmark. Its population is mainly Inuit, and it's famous for its vast glaciers.
New Guinea: As the 2nd largest island in the world (821,400 sq km), it is split between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. New Guinea is renowned for its rich biodiversity and rainforests.
Borneo: The 3rd largest island (748,168 sq km) lies in Southeast Asia, shared by Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. It houses ancient rainforests and unique wildlife, like orangutans.
Madagascar: Known as the largest island country in the world, Madagascar (587,295 sq km) is home to animals found nowhere else, such as lemurs.
Baffin Island: Canada’s largest island (507,451 sq km) is sparsely populated and famed for Arctic wilderness.
Sumatra: Located in Indonesia (443,066 sq km), Sumatra hosts several national parks and significant biodiversity.
Honshu: Japan’s largest island (227,898 sq km) is the country’s cultural and economic heart, with major cities and Mount Fuji.
Victoria Island: Situated in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago (217,291 sq km), this island is known for unique geographic features.
Great Britain: The UK’s principal island (209,331 sq km) includes England, Scotland, and Wales, rich in history and culture.
Ellesmere Island: Another Canadian Arctic island (196,236 sq km), remote and mostly uninhabited, with stunning polar scenery.
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Other Notable Large Islands Around the World
Beyond the top ten largest islands in the world, several more islands exceed 25,000 sq km. These include Sulawesi, South Island (New Zealand), Java, Luzon, and Cuba. The largest islands in the world by area are distributed across every major ocean, showing great diversity in climate and ecology.
Sulawesi and Java (Indonesia): Known for their volcanic landscapes and rich culture.
New Zealand (South and North Islands): Famous for breathtaking scenery and indigenous Maori heritage.
Cuba and Hispaniola (Caribbean): Vital for Caribbean biodiversity and history.
Iceland: Unique for its volcanoes and glaciers, ranking among the top 20 largest islands in the world.
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Interesting Facts about the Largest Islands
Many islands have surprising records and characteristics. For example, the largest artificial islands in the world include places like Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. The largest islands in the world by population are Honshu (Japan), Great Britain (UK), Java (Indonesia), and Luzon (Philippines). While some islands are bustling and densely populated, others remain untouched and wild.
The smallest island in the world is Bishop Rock in the UK, home to just a lighthouse.
The most islands in the world belong to Sweden, with over 267,000 islands!
Several large islands, such as Borneo and New Guinea, are shared by multiple countries.
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Why Are Islands Important in Geography and Culture?
Islands shape the world’s cultures, biodiversity, and economies. Many play a big role in global shipping, climate, and conservation. Students often enjoy the largest islands in the world quiz to test their GK. For traders and explorers, these islands have always been vital crossroads of the world.
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The Largest Islands in the World: Quick Names and Facts
Can you name the largest islands in the world? It’s useful for students and quiz lovers alike. The five largest islands in the world are Greenland, New Guinea, Borneo, Madagascar, and Baffin Island. Great Britain, Victoria Island, and Ellesmere Island all make the top ten largest islands in the world list as well. You can even find some islands for sale, though usually not these giants!
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Understanding the largest islands in the world helps students see the diversity and importance of Earth’s landforms. These islands are home to unique wildlife, diverse ecosystems, and cultures. Vedantu encourages learners to explore such geography topics, as they broaden knowledge and global awareness.
FAQs on The Largest Islands in the World: Complete Guide for Students
1. What is the largest island in the world?
Greenland is the largest island in the world by area.
- Area: About 2,166,086 square kilometers
- Location: North Atlantic, between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans
- Political status: Autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark
2. Is Australia considered an island or a continent?
Australia is classified as a continent, not an island.
- Geographical Status: It is the smallest continent due to its unique continental crust and large land area (~7,692,024 sq km).
- Reason: Continents are judged by geology, not just size. Australia is too vast and tectonically distinct to be called an island.
3. What are the top 3 largest islands in the world?
The top three largest islands in the world are:
- Greenland (2,166,086 sq km)
- New Guinea (785,753 sq km)
- Borneo (748,168 sq km)
4. Which is the second largest island in the world?
New Guinea is the second largest island worldwide.
- Area: About 785,753 square kilometers
- Location: North of Australia, in the southwest Pacific Ocean
- Countries: Split between Indonesia (west) and Papua New Guinea (east)
5. Which is the largest island country in the world?
Madagascar is the largest island that is also a whole country.
- Area: 587,041 square kilometers
- Location: Indian Ocean (off the east coast of Africa)
- Special Feature: Known for unique biodiversity and high endemism
6. Which islands are shared by more than one country?
Some of the largest islands in the world are divided between countries.
- Borneo: Shared by Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei
- New Guinea: Shared by Indonesia and Papua New Guinea
7. Why is Australia not counted among the world's largest islands?
Australia is not listed among islands because it is officially a continent.
- Geographical Reason: Its size and tectonic independence qualify it as a continent, not an island
- Exam Tip: Always remember: In lists of largest islands, Greenland ranks first, never Australia.
8. What are some fun facts about the world's largest islands?
Here are some unique and interesting facts about the largest islands:
- Greenland: Mostly covered by ice; home to Inuit culture
- Borneo: Hosts ancient rainforests and diverse wildlife
- Madagascar: 90% of its animals and plants are found nowhere else on earth
- Honshu: Contains Tokyo, the world's largest city
9. What is the difference between an island and a continent?
The main difference is in size, geology, and classification:
- Island: Landmass completely surrounded by water, smaller than a continent (e.g., Greenland, Borneo)
- Continent: Very large landmass with its own tectonic plate and distinct geology (e.g., Australia, Asia)
10. Which are the five largest islands in the world and their locations?
The five largest islands and their key locations are:
- Greenland – North Atlantic (Denmark)
- New Guinea – Southwest Pacific (Indonesia, Papua New Guinea)
- Borneo – Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei)
- Madagascar – Indian Ocean (country of Madagascar)
- Baffin Island – Canadian Arctic (Canada)
11. Is Greenland a country?
Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, not a fully independent country.
- Self-Government: Has its own government for internal affairs
- International Status: Foreign policy and defense handled by Denmark
12. Which is the largest island in Asia?
Borneo is the largest island in Asia.
- Area: 748,168 square kilometers
- Shared by: Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei
