**What is the largest island in the world? A) Greenland B) New Guinea C) Borneo D) Madagascar**
Verified**Explanation:**
Greenland is indeed the world's largest island, covering an impressive area of approximately 2.17 million square kilometers (836,330 square miles). This massive landmass is located between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, east of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Despite its enormous size, Greenland has a relatively small population of around 56,000 people, making it one of the least densely populated territories in the world.
To put Greenland's size into perspective, it's worth comparing it with the other options listed. New Guinea, the second-largest island globally, covers about 785,753 square kilometers, making it less than half the size of Greenland. Borneo, the third-largest island, spans approximately 748,168 square kilometers, while Madagascar, the fourth-largest, covers around 587,041 square kilometers.
One interesting fact about Greenland is that approximately 80% of its surface is covered by ice, forming the world's second-largest ice sheet after Antarctica. This ice sheet contains about 10% of the world's fresh water reserves. The ice-free areas are primarily found along the coastal regions, where most of the population lives in small settlements and towns.
Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, though it has been moving toward greater self-governance over the years. The island's harsh Arctic climate and remote location have shaped its unique culture, which blends Inuit traditions with Danish influences. The capital city, Nuuk, is home to about one-third of Greenland's total population.
It's important to note that while Greenland is classified as an island, Australia is considered a continent rather than an island, despite being surrounded by water. This geographical classification is based on size, geological structure, and continental shelf considerations. Had Australia been classified as an island, it would have easily claimed the title of the world's largest island, being about 3.5 times larger than Greenland.
