Largest Islands in the World: The Largest Islands You Need to See |

The world is dotted with thousands of islands, ranging from small islets to vast landmasses.

These islands come in diverse sizes and offer a wide array of climates, temperatures, and ecosystems.

Islands are renowned for their stunning beauty, nestled amidst vast expanses of water.

These idyllic locales offer breathtaking sunrises, mesmerizing sunsets, and the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

While we often picture islands as small landmasses, it’s essential to note that some of the world’s largest islands are substantial in size and host a significant portion of the global population.

This article provides a compilation of the largest islands across the globe.

Top 10 Largest Islands in the World

1. Greenland

Greenland, boasting a vast expanse spanning 2,130,800 square kilometers, claims the title of the largest island globally.

Situated amidst the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, Greenland was once deemed an unwelcoming terrain, but it has since transformed into a thrilling adventure destination.

Area: 2,130,800 sq km (822,700 sq miles)

Population: 56,483

Population density: 0.028/km2 (0.1/sq miles)

Geographical Location: North America (Denmark)

2. New Guinea

Ranked as the world’s second-largest island, New Guinea spans 785,753 square kilometers.

Its coastal regions on both sides have gained fame as premier diving havens, drawing thousands of tourists annually.

Diving enthusiasts can explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful fish in these waters.

Area: 785,753 sq km (303,381 sq miles)

Population: 11,306,940

Population density: 14/km2 (36/sq miles)

Geographical Location: Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, Oceania

3. Borneo

Borneo Island, ranking as the third-largest globally, stands as the only island that is shared by three different countries.

Indonesia occupies the majority of its landmass, while Brunei and Malaysia claim the remaining portions.

Additionally, this island is home to the towering peak known as Mount Kinabalu.

Area: 743,330 sq km (288,869 sq miles)

Population: 19,804,064

Population density: 21.52/km2 (55.74/sq miles)

Location: Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia, Asia

4. Madagascar

Madagascar ranks as the fourth-largest island globally and holds the distinction of being the largest island in the Indian Ocean, spanning an area of 587,713 square kilometers.

What makes it truly exceptional is its rich biodiversity, housing a plethora of unique species and extraordinary wildlife that cannot be found anywhere else on Earth.

Area: 587,713 sq km (226,917 sq miles)

Population: 22,005,222

Population density: 33/km2 (85/sq miles)

Location: Africa

5. Baffin Island

Baffin Island, boasting a vast expanse spanning 507,451 square kilometers, claims the title of Canada’s largest island.

The nation is endowed with numerous fjords and freshwater lakes, with a significant concentration found along the eastern shoreline of Georgian Bay.

Area: 507,451 sq km (195,928 sq miles)

Population: 10,745

Population density: 0.02/km2 (0.05/sq miles)

Location: Canada, North America

6. Sumatra

This island, is the second-largest in Indonesia, is often referred to as one of the world’s most hazardous places due to its susceptibility to earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and cyclones.

Despite these challenges, it serves as a habitat for tigers, rhinos, elephants, and various other species.

Area: 443,066 sq km (171,069 sq miles)

Population: 50,000,000

Population density: 106/km2 (275/sq miles)

Location: Indonesia, Asia

7. Honshu Island

Honshu ranks as the world’s second-most densely populated island and stands as the largest landmass within Japan.

With significant historical importance, it is regarded as the Japanese mainland.

Moreover, it hosts several major cities of Japan, including Osaka, Hiroshima, Kyoto, and many others.

Area: 225,800 sq km (87,200 sq miles)

Population: 103,000,000

Population density: 447/km2 (1,158/sq miles)

Location: Japan, Asia

8. Victoria Island

Victoria Island is the eighth-largest island globally and the second-largest within the Canadian Arctic Archipelago.

Encompassing a vast expanse measuring 217,291 square kilometers, this island derives its name from Queen Victoria.

Area: 217,291 sq km (83,897 sq miles)

Population: 1,875

Population density: 0.009/km2 (0.02/sq miles)

Location: Canada, North America

9. Great Britain

Great Britain, the largest island on the European continent, is an integral part of the United Kingdom, encompassing Wales, Scotland, and England.

It holds the distinction of being the largest island within the UK and ranks as the ninth-largest globally.

Plan your travel to this magnificent destination and savor its picturesque landscapes, rugged coastlines, and delightful cream teas.

Area: 209,331 sq km (80,823 sq miles)

Population: 60,800,000

Population density: 302/km2 (782/sq miles)

Location: United Kingdom, Europe

10. Ellesmere Island

Encompassing a vast expanse of 183,965 square kilometers, Ellesmere Island ranks as Canada’s third-largest island.

Its stunning allure is elevated by majestic mountains and expansive ice fields.

Situated within the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, it falls under the Qikiqtaaluk region of Canada’s Nunavut province.

Area: 183,965 sq km (71,029 sq miles)

Population: 146

Population density: 0.000744/km2 (0.0019/sq miles)