Islands make up some of the most diverse and fascinating places on Earth, from icy Arctic expanses to tropical rainforests filled with life. While continents like Australia are far larger, these ten islands stand out as the biggest landmasses surrounded entirely by water. Together, they represent a wide range of climates, cultures, and ecosystems. Some are densely populated centers of trade and history, while others remain remote wildernesses of mountains, glaciers, and untamed coasts.
Greenland takes the top spot as the world’s largest island, followed by New Guinea, Borneo, and Madagascar, each offering unique geography and biodiversity. Whether home to millions of people or a handful of hardy residents, these islands are vital to the planet’s natural and human story.
1. Greenland
Location: North Atlantic / Arctic
Area (sq mi): 836,330
Overview: Greenland is by far the largest island in the world, covered mostly by ice and surrounded by icy seas.
2. New Guinea
Location: Southwest Pacific
Area (sq mi): 317,150
Overview: Shared by Papua New Guinea in the east and Indonesia in the west, New Guinea is the world’s second largest island and home to immense biodiversity.
3. Borneo
Location: Western Pacific / Southeast Asia
Area (sq mi): 288,869
Overview: Borneo is divided among Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei and is known for its tropical rainforests and rich wildlife.
4. Madagascar
Location: Indian Ocean
Area (sq mi): 226,657
Overview: Off Africa’s east coast, Madagascar is famous for its unique species found nowhere else on Earth.
5. Baffin Island
Location: North Atlantic (Canadian Arctic)
Area (sq mi): 195,928
Overview: Canada’s largest island, Baffin lies mostly within the Arctic Circle and features rugged mountains and fjords.
6. Sumatra
Location: Indian Ocean / Indonesia
Area (sq mi): 171,068
Overview: Sumatra is one of Indonesia’s largest islands, home to volcanoes, rainforests, and diverse wildlife.
7. Honshu
Location: Japan (Sea of Japan / Pacific)
Area (sq mi): 87,992
Overview: The largest island of Japan, Honshu contains most of the country’s population and major cities including Tokyo and Osaka.
8. Victoria Island
Location: Arctic Ocean / Canada
Area (sq mi): 83,896
Overview: Located in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, Victoria Island is sparsely populated and frozen most of the year.
9. Great Britain
Location: North Atlantic / Europe
Area (sq mi): 80,823
Overview: The island includes England, Scotland, and Wales, forming the largest part of the United Kingdom.
10. Ellesmere Island
Location: Arctic Ocean / Canada
Area (sq mi): 75,767
Overview: One of the most remote islands in the Arctic Archipelago, Ellesmere is covered by glaciers and mountains.
People Also Ask...
Why isn’t Australia counted as an island?
Australia is classified as a continent due to its size, unique geology, and continental shelf.
Which of these islands is most populated?
Honshu, Japan’s main island, has more than 100 million residents.
Which island has the most biodiversity?
New Guinea and Madagascar are recognized for their exceptional biodiversity and large number of endemic species.
Do ice-covered areas count in the size of islands?
Yes, permanent ice cover such as that on Greenland is included in its total area measurement.
