What is the name of the largest island in the world?
VerifiedAnswer: Greenland
Explanation:
Greenland is officially recognized as 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, positioned northeast of Canada and northwest of Iceland.
Despite its name suggesting a green landscape, Greenland is predominantly covered by ice. About 80% of its surface is blanketed by an ice sheet that can be up to 3 kilometers thick in some areas. This ice coverage makes it one of the most unique geographical features on Earth, containing approximately 10% of the world's fresh water reserves.
Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, with a population of approximately 56,000 people. The majority of its inhabitants are Inuit, and the capital city is Nuuk. The island's economy relies primarily on fishing, hunting, and increasingly, tourism and mineral extraction.
The island's strategic location has made it geopolitically significant throughout history. During World War II, it served as an important military base, and today it continues to be valued for its position in Arctic affairs. Climate change has brought increased attention to Greenland, as its melting ice sheet contributes to global sea level rise and opens new opportunities for resource exploration.
It's worth noting that while Australia is much larger than Greenland, it is classified as a continent rather than an island. This distinction makes Greenland hold the undisputed title of the world's largest island, making it a fascinating subject of geographical study and an important part of our planet's diverse landscape.
