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Across the globe, there are numerous islands, each with its unique characteristics in terms of climate, culture, and customs. Curious about the largest islands worldwide? Join us at ExploreIslands.com as we present the article Top 20 Islands with the Largest Area in the World 2024.
20. Sri Lanka (65,268 km2)
Sri Lanka is a tranquil island nation in the Indian Ocean, formed by the main island and satellite islands off the coast.
Indulge in the tropical paradise of this beloved tea-making island, celebrated for its vast expanse that benefits everything, from stunning beaches to tea plantations. Beyond the annual monsoon season, Sri Lanka becomes an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for long hikes, mountain climbing, and surfing.
19. Banks Island (70,028 km2)
Located northwest of Victoria Island, separated by the Amundsen Gulf, Banks Island stretches approximately 250 miles. With a unique and intriguing ecosystem, it stands as a treeless island offering a distinctive environment.
18. Sakhalin (72,493 km2)
Sakhalin Island stands as the largest island in Russia, stretching over 600 miles in a long and narrow shape resembling that of a standing woman.
Sakhalin Island is equivalent in size to one-fifth of Japan's total area. However, in the 1870s, Japan ceded control of the island to Russia in exchange for the Kuril Islands to the south.
17. Hispaniola (73,929 km2)
One of the first European colonies in the New World set foot on Hispaniola in the 1400s. It also stands as one of the most densely populated islands in the Americas and the world.
Part of the Greater Antilles archipelago in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, where it is the second-largest island (after Cuba), Hispaniola goes by various names: Hispaniola as the Spanish colony, Saint-Domingue as the French colony. Interestingly, Hispaniola is also divided between two different nations: the majority belonging to the Dominican Republic and the rest to Haiti.
16. Hokkaido (78,719 km2)
Due to the island's climate, it is significantly cooler than the mainland during the peak of summer, and six national parks with diverse wildlife make for an exciting escape from the bustling city. Sapporo, Hokkaido's largest city, is also renowned for producing the famous Japanese beer.
15. Ireland (84,421 km2)
Ireland ranks as the third-largest island in Europe, formed by around 80 different islands. Politically divided into the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, the latter constitutes one-sixth of the entire land area and is part of the United Kingdom. Excluding these political distinctions, the island spans over 300 miles in length geographically.
14. Mindanao (97,530 km2)
Mindanao, also known as Southern Philippines, is the second-largest island in the Philippines after Luzon. Comprising a main island and a collection of surrounding islets, Mindanao is home to over 20 million people.
It's often referred to as the 'Promise Land of the Philippines' due to its rich biodiversity resulting from picturesque mountains, rivers, waterfalls, lakes, and beautiful plains. It is also home to several active volcanoes, making it a popular destination for long hikes and bird watching.
13. Iceland (101,826 km2)
Iceland is the second-largest island in Europe after the United Kingdom, but this renowned travel destination likely needs no introduction. With over 3,000 miles of rugged coastline and majestic mountains, Iceland is just slightly smaller than the state of Kentucky.
Despite its colossal size, Iceland is one of the least populated islands in the world. With a population of 360,000 people, there are only ten people per square mile. Contrary to popular belief, only 10% of Iceland's area is covered by glaciers; the rest consists of volcanic fields, national parks, and vibrant hot springs.
12. Cuba (105,806 km2)
Cuba is an archipelago in the northern Caribbean, where the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean meet. Spanning over 780 miles, Cuba's main island seamlessly blends Spanish colonial architecture, picturesque beaches, and tobacco fields used to produce the famed Cuban cigars.
11. Newfoundland (108,860 km2)
Situated off the eastern coast of Canada, Newfoundland is the fourth-largest island in the country. As the easternmost province of Canada, it is also the largest island outside of the Northern territories and a renowned location for viewing the Northern Lights.
The Belle Isle Strait divides the island province into two - Newfoundland and Labrador, the latter forming part of the Canadian mainland. Newfoundland got its name when King Henry VII of England referred to the island as the 'New Found Land' after John Cabot discovered it in the 1490s.
10. Luzon (109,965 km2)
As the economic and political hub, Luzon is the most densely populated island in the Philippines and one of the most densely populated islands globally, hosting over half of the Philippines' population. The capital, Manila, as well as Quezon City, can be found on Luzon Island.
Situated at the northernmost point of the Philippine archipelago at the crossroads of the South China Sea, Philippine Sea, and the Luzon Strait, Luzon is renowned for its stunning beaches, majestic mountain ranges, impressive volcanoes, and picturesque rice fields.
9. North Island (111,583 km2)
The dazzling North Island of New Zealand, also known as Te Ika-a-Maui, stands distinct from its larger southern counterpart by the Cook Strait and is a kaleidoscope of geological wonders, vibrant beaches, and national parks.
Stretching 1,000 miles at its longest and 280 miles at its widest, the North Island unveils captivating discoveries. Both the capital city Wellington and Auckland, known as the City of Sails, grace the beautiful North Island of New Zealand.
8. Java (138,794 km2)
As part of Indonesia, Java is a large volcanic island. Despite being the fourth-largest island in Indonesia, it is home to over half the nation's population and stands as the most densely populated island in the world.
There are countless reasons to visit Java, and it has become increasingly popular on the travel radar in recent years. This island offers everything, with diverse and stunning landscapes, from active volcanoes to tea plantations. It's also home to the famous Borobudur Temple and Ujung Kulon National Park.
7. South Island (145,836 km2)
New Zealand's South Island, also known as Te Wahipounamu, is the larger of the country's two main islands. Split by the Southern Alps, with Mount Cook as its highest point, it ranks as the ninth-highest island globally.
There's much to explore on the South Island. Stretching over 500 miles, it boasts vineyards, national parks, and the breathtaking fjords of Milford Sound. The allure of the South Island lies in its laid-back pace of life and simple natural beauty.
6. Sulawesi (180,681 km2)
Sulawesi, formerly known as Celebes, is part of Indonesia. This uniquely shaped island is home to no less than four distinctive peninsulas.
Situated between the continents of Australia and Asia, Sulawesi spans multiple seas, including the Celebes Sea, Banda Sea, Java Sea, Flores Sea, and Molucca Sea. It's no surprise that this is a renowned scuba diving destination with numerous coral reefs to explore underwater.
5. Ellesmere Island (196,236 km2)
Island of Ellesmere ranks as the third-largest island in Canada. It is the largest island in the Queen Elizabeth Islands, part of the Nunavut territory, characterized by towering peaks and spectacular ice shelves.
Situated between Baffin Bay and the Arctic Ocean, Canada's Ellesmere Island carries a rich historical imprint, preserving geographical features dating back to the last Ice Age. These include a series of sedimentary rocks and the Ward Hunt Ice Shelf with an age spanning thousands of years.
4. Great Britain (209,331 km2)
The largest island in the British Isles, the United Kingdom is an island nestled in the North Atlantic, separated from the European continent by the English Channel and the North Sea. It is the largest island in Europe, though it has clearly and widely declared its departure from the European Union.
Combining the nations of England, Scotland, and Wales, the United Kingdom is also a part of the British Isles. People have inhabited the United Kingdom for over 500,000 years, and its largest city, London, continues to attract tourists worldwide in search of shared history and culture.
3. Victoria Island (217,291 km2)
Stretching over 320 miles, Victoria Island is the second-largest island in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Discovered by Arctic explorer Thomas Simpson in the early 1830s.
Despite enduring centuries, the island remains sparsely populated, with just over 2,000 inhabitants. The most famous sight on the island is the Tunnunik Impact Crater, created by the impact of a meteorite landing here approximately 350 million years ago.
2. Honshu (225,800 km2)
Honshu is the largest island among the four major islands of Japan. Despite being situated between the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean, it is considered part of the Japanese mainland. With a length of over 800 miles, it equals more than half the area of Japan!
The island of Honshu is home to some of Japan's most iconic cities, such as Tokyo, Hiroshima, and Osaka. It is also where Mount Fuji, Japan's highest peak, and Lake Biwa, the country's largest lake, can be found.
1. Sumatra (443,065 km2)
Sumatra ranks as the sixth-largest island globally and is the second-largest in Indonesia. Situated on the subduction zone of the Indo-Australian and Eurasian tectonic plates, it frequently experiences earthquakes and tsunamis.
Enveloped by stunning tropical rainforests, the island's major allure lies in its relatively pristine nature and wildlife. Some species in need of protection include the Sumatran tiger, Sumatran orangutan, and Sumatran rhinoceros.
Thank you for taking the time to read the article World's Largest Islands - Top 20 Largest Islands in the World 2024. Feel free to leave your comments below to contribute your thoughts to the article.
