The first largest island in the world. What is the largest island on Earth? Borneo, West Central Pacific

Every year new islands appear in the world, but the largest ones still remain in their places. Below is a list of the ten largest islands in the world by area.

Ellesmere - 196,236 km sq.

Ellesmere is the northernmost Canadian island, with a total area of ​​196,236 km2. sq. It is the third largest island in Canada and the tenth in the world. Despite the huge territory, as of 2006, only 146 permanent residents live on the island, in three settlements - Gris Fjord, Alert and Eureka.

Victoria Island - 217,291 km. sq.

Victoria is the second largest island in Canada and the ninth in the world (according to various sources, it is the eighth or ninth). Located in the Arctic Ocean and located in the southwestern part of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. The island was named after Queen Victoria of England in 1839. It is home to 1707 people (2001).

Honshu - 227,970 km. sq.

Honshu is the largest island in Japan (approximately 60% of the entire country). Located south of Hokkaido Island. Honshu has a population of about 100 million in 2010, making it the second most populous island in the world (after the Indonesian island of Java).

Great Britain - 229 848 km. sq.

Great Britain is the largest of the British Isles, stretching northwest of mainland Europe. 95% of its entire territory is divided between England, Scotland and Wales, which are part of the United Kingdom. It has a population of about 63 million people and ranks third in the world in terms of population after the islands of Java and Honshu.

Sumatra - 480 848 km. sq.

Sumatra is the sixth largest island in the world. Fully part of Indonesia. The number of inhabitants living on the island as of 2010 is more than 50 million people, making it the fourth largest island in the world in terms of population.

Baffin's Land - 507,451 km. sq.

Baffin's Land is an island in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. It is the largest island in Canada and the fifth largest island in the world. It is home to just over 11,000 people (as of 2007) in eight settlements, the largest of which is Iqaluit.

Madagascar - 587,713 km. sq.

Madagascar is a large island located in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa. Although Madagascar is located not far from Africa, the flora and fauna of the island is unique - it contains 5% of all species of flora and fauna in the world, 80% of which exist only on this island.

Kalimantan (Borneo) - 748 168 km. sq.

Kalimantan or Borneo is the third largest island in the world and the largest island in Asia. Located in the center of the Malay Archipelago in Southeast Asia. Divided between Indonesia (73%), Malaysia (26%) and Brunei (about 1%). The island is home to one of the oldest rainforests in the world. It has 19.8 million inhabitants (as of 2010), most of whom live in coastal cities. The population density in Borneo is 26 people per square kilometer.

New Guinea - 785,753 sq. km.

New Guinea is the second largest island on earth, located in the western Pacific Ocean north of Australia. Divided approximately equally between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. The current population of the island is about eleven million (2015). It has large natural reserves of oil, gold, copper and other ores.

Greenland - 2,130,800 sq. km.

Greenland is the largest island on Earth. Located in the northeast of North America and washed by the Atlantic and Arctic oceans. It is part of Denmark as an autonomous unit. The population of the island as of July 2010 is 57,600 people.

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There are almost no uninhabited islands left. But the tourist's soul still asks for extreme. To go to the largest island on Earth!

Better yet, the three largest. And it does not matter that they are located where it is either very cold or too hot. You can embrace everything with an inquisitive tourist soul.

Greenland (2,130,800 km²): land of glaciers and fjords

It is not known whether this island was a "Green Land" when discovered by the Vikings in the 10th century. But today it would be more correct to call this land "White Land".

It is more than 80% covered with eternal ice, and the 58,000 population lives only on the shores of the Atlantic and Arctic oceans.

The proximity to the North Pole is extreme for the modern tourist. There are no ancient cities and amazing architectural monuments here. The most icy and largest island on Earth is a paradise for connoisseurs of unusually bright and majestic northern landscapes, the beauty of icebergs and white nights, unique flora and fauna.

It is interesting:

1. Icebergs. Ice mountains drifting into the sea, reflecting all the colors of the rainbow on their sides, can be watched for hours.
2. Thermal springs. It is a great pleasure to swim beyond the Arctic Circle in crystal clear water, heated to 40 ° C, among icebergs.
3. The colorful cities of Greenland. Probably, only here people so earnestly paint their houses, which look like the scenery of a northern fairy tale. And how great it is to watch the polar lights here!
4. Ilulissat festivals. Having visited the main attractions of the city (Knut Rasmussen Museum and the Cold Museum), it is worth getting poisoned on a dance festival of local aborigines. You will definitely love sled dog racing and polar bear hunting!

New Guinea (786,000 km²): Eden in the tropics

It is the largest of the islands divided between different countries.

Known to us, first of all, from the travels of Miklouho-Maclay, the island today amazes the traveler with its fantastic nature, just as it struck the famous Russian pioneer of the 19th century. New Guinea is still one of the poorly explored corners of the earth.

In general, if you are looking for a real lost world, then this is here. Recently, a vast area was discovered on the island, where plants and animals unknown to science live carelessly. Moreover, the inhabitants of New Eden (this is the name of this paradise) are not at all afraid of people.

It is interesting:

1. Surfing and diving... This is the only way to enjoy the views of the most picturesque coral reefs on the planet. It is useful to inspect the numerous ships and aircraft that sank during the Second World War. The best diving sites are Rabaul, Kimby Bay, Madang.
2. Varirata National Park. Numerous observation decks, suspension bridges - a great chance to fully appreciate the beauty of the surrounding hills and rainforest. It is recommended to visit "Derevo-dom", the center of cult worship of the Papuan tribe Koiaris.
3. Bayer - river reserve... Located on beautiful mountain slopes, this nature reserve gives rise to several island rivers and wild paths along which exotic birds of paradise, cassowaries, kangaroos and possums roam freely.
4. Art Gallery and National Museum of Papua New Guinea... The island is rich not only in nature, but also in cultural monuments. It contains tens of thousands of unique anthropological and archaeological exhibits, relics of the military past and masterpieces of contemporary local art.
5. Turtle Beach. A whole kilometer of dazzling white sand and gentle sea. There are all the amenities.

Kalimantan (743,330 km²): a paradise for ethnographers

Divided between three states (Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei), the island attracts lovers of the tropical sun and warm azure sea. Exquisite service is offered to travelers.

The rugged jungle here, covering 80% of Kalimantan's area, is home to savage Aboriginal tribes. The terrible traditions of cannibalism and the hunt for human skulls, which raged in these places several decades ago, were replaced by original songs and warlike dances.

In any case, there is a lot of interesting things in Kalimantan for lovers of folklore, and for "hunters" on active volcanoes, and for those who prefer to spend time peacefully on ecologically clean sea beaches.

It is interesting:

1. Pontianak city... The center of the most interesting museums and architectural monuments, including the ancient Abdurrahman mosque, the palace of Sultan Kadriakh, the Pontianak Museum, where ancient porcelain and ceramic products made by indigenous tribes are collected.
2. Banjarmasin. A city of slender minarets, canals and floating markets.
3. Diamond mines... Here and today, in reality, you can see how in the very recent past, the islanders had a hard time mining precious stones.
4. Canibalu National Park... A leisurely stroll through its territory promises an unforgettable experience. Here you can see many rare plants and animals, the most beautiful 10-meter Kippungite waterfall, plunge into the pool with healing springs.

These are just a few of the treasures of the world's largest islands. The rest of the attractions, let them remain a secret for tourists, which is recommended to learn on their own by going on a journey.

There are about 500 thousand islands in the seas and oceans of the planet, of which no more than two percent are inhabited. In terms of area, such land formations can accommodate entire states, or they can hardly accommodate even one person. Tectonic processes cause the emergence of new islands and the flooding of old ones; also, land areas surrounded by sea water are also formed due to the activities of a person who creates artificial territories.

1. Greenland

The largest island on the planet is Greenland, with an area exceeding 2.130 million km 2. The territory is washed by the waters of the Arctic and Atlantic oceans. The island belongs to Denmark and is an autonomous administrative unit with a population of 57.7 thousand people, most of whom are Greenlandic Eskimos. The capital of Greenland is Nuuk, it is home to 16,583 people, and the area of ​​the city is 6.9 km 2. The island is located in the northeastern part of North America. The climate of the territory is heterogeneous and changeable; the mildest weather conditions are noted on the south-western coast.

2. New Guinea

The second largest island on the planet, New Guinea, has an area of ​​786 thousand square meters. The territory is located in the Pacific Ocean, north of Australia. The southern part of the island is washed by the waters of the Coral and Arafura Seas. The main land area belongs to the state of Papua New Guinea, its western part belongs to Indonesia. The island is 2000 km long and over 700 km wide. Being an area of ​​land with an equatorial and subequatorial climate, the island has a rich flora and fauna, as well as excellent conditions for beach tourism.

3. Kalimantan

Few in the area of ​​New Guinea is the island of Kalimantan, which has the third indicator in the world and an area of ​​734 thousand km 2. The most common name is Borneo, on planet Earth it is the only island whose territory is divided between three states. Kalimantan is under the jurisdiction of countries such as Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia. In total, the island is home to 19.8 million people. The territory is washed by the waters of the Java and South China Seas, as well as the Sulu and Sulawesi Seas, and others.

4. Madagascar

The fourth island in the world is Madagascar, whose territory exceeds 584 km 2. Located off the eastern coast of Africa, washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean, separated from the mainland by the Mozambique Channel. It is 1600 km long and 600 km wide. The island is home to the state of the same name, the capital of which is Antananarivo. Madagascar's climate is predominantly tropical. In the central part of the island is the high-mountainous plateau Anjafi; five mountain ranges pass on the land. World famous lemurs live only in Madagascar.

5. Baffin's Land

Baffin's Land Island ranks fifth in the world in terms of area, with an indicator of 507.4 thousand km 2. Belongs to Canada and is part of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Located in the north of the mainland and washed by the waters of the Arctic Ocean. The island's territory has numerous freshwater lakes, the largest of which, Nettilling, covers an area of ​​5542 km 2. A little more than 11 thousand people live on Baffin Land. More significant settlement is hindered by the harsh climatic conditions.

6. Sumatra

Located in the western part of the Malay Archipelago, Sumatra is the sixth largest island in the world. Its territory occupies 473 thousand km 2 with a length of 1.8 thousand km and a width of 435 km. The island is located in both hemispheres of the planet, divided by the equator almost in half. Sumatra is part of Indonesia, with a population of 50.6 million. On land there is Lake Toba, located in a huge caldera, it covers an area of ​​1103 km 2, and the 120-meter Sipiso-piso waterfall, the source of which is an underground river.

7.UK

The seventh largest island in the world is Great Britain, whose territory is occupied by the state of the same name, including England, Wales and Scotland, with the capital in London. The area of ​​the island is 229.9 thousand km 2, with a length of 1440 km and a width of up to 660 km. The territory is home to 63 million people, which makes the island the third largest in the world in terms of population. Great Britain is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The island has Lake Loch Lomond, which has an area of ​​71 km 2. The island state is located in the northwest direction from the continental part of Europe.

8. Honshu

The second most populous island in the world, Honshu is the eighth largest island on the planet. The territory of 227.9 thousand km 2 is slightly inferior to Great Britain. The island is home to over 100 million people and is the largest in the Japanese archipelago. Honshu is 1,300 km long and no more than 230 km wide. The island's area is 60 percent of the total territory of Japan. Washed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean, the length of the coastline is 5450 km. Mount Fujiyama, the symbol and active stratovolcano of Japan, is located on Honshu.

9. Victoria

Victoria Island, which is part of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, has an area of ​​217.2 thousand km 2, occupying the ninth position in the ranking. The island territory is washed by the waters of the Arctic Ocean and belongs to Canada. The harsh climate does not allow the settlement of this land area, which is home to 1,700 people. The maximum length is 500 km, with the greatest width being 600 km. The island has numerous lakes, the largest of which, Ferguson, occupies 588 km 2. Victoria is part of the North American ecological region "Polar Tundra".

10. Ellesmere

Another island, part of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, ranks tenth in the ranking. The area of ​​the territory is 196.2 thousand km 2, in its eastern part there is the border of Canada and Greenland, the island is home to 146 people, the climate is polar arctic. Here is the northernmost settlement in the world, Alert, which is home to only five people. There are three settlements in Ellesmere.

About a third of the area is covered with glaciers. The polar night can last up to five months. Winter temperatures reach -50 ° C. The highest point of the island is Barbo Peak with a height of 2616 meters.

Greenland Population: 58 thousand | Area: 2,130,800 km²

Greenland is the largest island on Earth. Its area is 2 130 800 km2. The island is washed by two oceans: the Arctic and the Atlantic. It is part of the autonomous unit of Denmark - Greenland. The largest settlement is called Nuuk, located in the western part of the island. The highest point in Greenland (Mount Gunbjorn) is 3 383 thousand meters high. Until 1921, Cape Morris Jesup was considered the closest land to the North Pole.

Population: 7.5 million | Area: 786,000 km²

New Guinea is the second largest island, with an area of ​​785,753 km2, located in the Pacific Ocean. New Guinea connects Australia with Asia. In turn, the island is separated from Australia by the Torres Strait. New Guinea is almost equally divided between Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. The Indonesian part belongs to Asia. This island is the largest of all islands divided between countries.

Population: 16 million | Area: 743 330 km²

The third largest island, Kalimantan (or Malay Borneo), has an area of ​​748,168 km2. This sea island was divided between 3 states: Indonesia, Brunei and Malaysia. Kalimantan is located in southeast Asia in the center of the Malay Archipelago. Most of the island belongs to Indonesia and is divided into 4 provinces. The part that belongs to Malaysia, in turn, is divided into 2 states.

Madagascar Population: 20 million | Area: 587,041 km²

Next on the list of the largest islands in the world is Madagascar. This island has a tropical climate and is located just east of Africa. The Mozambique Channel flows between the mainland and the island. Its dimensions are approximately 1600 km long and 600 km wide, with a total area of ​​587,713 km2. The island is occupied by the state of Madagascar, the capital of which is the city of Antananarivo. And the locals call their corner of space the island of wild boars.

Population: 11 thousand | Area: 507,451 km²

We are transported to the Arctic Ocean and find there the fifth largest island, called Baffin's Land. The island belongs to Canada, it is the largest of the islands in this country. The area of ​​the island is 507,451 km2. Most of them remain uninhabited due to bad weather conditions. The island's population lives in the Canadian province of Nunavut with its capital Iqaluit. It is noteworthy that there are many freshwater lakes on the island, two of which are the largest, this is Nettilling, with an area of ​​5,542 km2, of which only 5,050 km2 is occupied by water, and Amadjuak - 3115 km2 with a water surface of 3,058 km2.

Population: 51 million | Area: 473,000 km²

The sixth largest island - Sumatra, is divided by the equator into almost equal parts, as it is located in both hemispheres of the Earth. The island is located in the west of the Malay Archipelago. Belongs to the group of large Sunda Islands, which are adjacent to small islets. Sumatra has an area of ​​443,066 km2 and belongs to Indonesia. Its coastline is weakly indented, and there are coral reefs near the coast.

about Great Britain Population: 60 million | Area: 229,848 km²

The largest island in the British Isles is Great Britain. Its area is 229,848 km2. Wales, Scotland and England - Great Britain is home to most of the entire United Kingdom. The area of ​​the entire kingdom is 244,100 km2. The length of the coastline of the island from south to north is 966 km, and the width is 483 km. The highest point on the island is 1,344 meters.

Honshu Population: 103 million | Area: 227,962.59 km²

The largest island in the Japanese archipelago and the eighth largest in the world is Honshu Island. Its area is 227,970 km2, which in turn is equal to 60% of the total area of ​​Japan. It is slightly smaller than the British Isles. Honshu has a mountainous relief, and among the mountains, in turn, there are many volcanoes. The mountains are responsible for the climatic difference in the southeast and northwest of the island. The largest mountain, which is the permanent symbol of Japan, is Fuji with a height of 3,776 meters.

Ellesmere is also an island in Canada, it is the third largest after Baffin Land and Victoria, and is also included in the list of the largest islands in the world and is in tenth place. The island is located in the north, farther than all the other islands of Canada, but still belongs to the territory of the province of Nanawut and is also part of the Queen Elizabeth Islands. The area of ​​the island is 196 236 km2, the highest point is 2 616 m. The population of Ellesmere is extremely small, but traces of prehistoric animals were often found there.