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 2nd largest island, with an area of 785,753 km2, located in Pacific... 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 the 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 divided among themselves 3 states: Indonesia, Brunei and Malaysia. Kalimantan is located in South-East 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
Further on the list of the most large islands the world goes 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 in length and 600 km in width, 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. A 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
Most big Island British Isles - 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. Length coastline the islands from south to north are 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. 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 undisputed 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, highest point- 2 616 m. The population of Ellesmere is extremely small, but traces of prehistoric animals were often found there.
Islands are small areas of land that are found in almost every body of water, not excluding rivers. They can have different origins - there are volcanic hills, which are generated due to magma released during eruptions, and there are others created from land areas cut off from the coast.
The process of the formation of new islands and their absorption by the waters occurs constantly, every now and then new heights appear and old ones disappear, and this is completely normal. However, the largest objects remain unchanged. Having examined the top of the largest islands in the world, you can find out which of them are the most stable - they are all inhabited by people who are in no hurry to leave their homes.
Fifth place - Baffin's land
The exception is, perhaps, Baffin's land, which is the fifth largest island on the planet, and there are several west of Greenland... The population here is no more than 11 thousand people, and central part territories are still poorly explored. The reason for this is the harsh climate that characterizes this place. The area of the island is 508 thousand sq. km, and the name was given in honor of William Buffin, the first person who took up the description of territories. It's just amazing nature and fabulous views, and besides, there are places where a person did not have time
visit.
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Fourth place - Madagascar
The island of Madagascar is located near Africa, and today it is known even to children, due to the cartoon about animals. On this island there is a separate state of Madagascar, which has sovereignty, and the area of this land area, which is not volcanic in origin, is 587040 sq. km. It has its own flora and fauna, formed in isolation, the island is rich in endemic species. There are also many minerals here. By the way, the very name Madagascar is translated from the local dialect as the Island of Boars.
Third place - Kalimantan
Island - Kalimantan This island is also known as Borneo. Its area is 737 thousand square meters. km, which allows him to get the third largest in the world. This island is located at a real sea crossroads, it is washed by 4 seas and 2 straits at once. It is almost completely covered with forests, up to 80 percent of the territory is impenetrable jungle. There are 3 states at once on the island that receive large profits from the timber industry, and are mainly engaged in this business. But wood, including valuable species, is not all, there is also oil, diamonds, gas, so the subsoil and natural reserves of this place only delight. And its name is translated as Diamond River - it speaks for itself. After all, the recreational resource also brings profit here, tourists and vacationers come here.
There are almost no uninhabited islands left. But the soul of the tourist still asks for extreme. To go to the largest island on Earth!
Better yet, the three largest. And it doesn't 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 eternal ice, and 58 thousand people live only on the coast of the Atlantic and Arctic oceans.
The proximity to the North Pole is extreme for the modern tourist. There are no old cities and amazing architectural monuments... 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:
- Icebergs. Ice mountains drifting in the sea, reflecting all the colors of the rainbow on their sides, can be watched for hours.
- Thermal springs. It is a great pleasure to swim beyond the Arctic Circle in a crystal clean water warmed up to 40 ° С, among icebergs.
- The colorful cities of Greenland. Probably, only here people so earnestly paint their houses, which are similar to the scenery of a northern fairy tale. And how great it is to watch the polar lights here!
- 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 look for a real lost World then it 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 what they called this paradise) are not at all afraid of people.
It is interesting:
- 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 places dives - Rabaul, Kimby Bay, Madang.
- Varirata National Park. Numerous observation decks, suspension bridges are 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.
- 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.
- Art gallery and National Museum Papua New Guinea... The island is rich not only in nature, but also cultural monuments... It contains tens of thousands of unique anthropological and archaeological exhibits, relics of the military past and masterpieces of contemporary local art.
- 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, which covers 80% of Kalimantan's area, is home to wild 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 both 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:
- Pontianak city... Focus most interesting museums and architectural monuments, including the old mosque of Abdurrahman, the palace of Sultan Kadriah, the Pontianak Museum, which contains ancient porcelain and ceramics made by indigenous tribes.
- Banjarmasin. The city of slender minarets, canals and floating markets.
- 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.
- 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. Let the rest of the sights remain a secret for tourists, which is recommended to be learned on their own by going on a journey.
When we hear the word "island", the shores rises before our eyes, washed by the oncoming waves, sails loom on the horizon pirate ships, or the unfortunate Robinson, longingly looking into the endless sea distance. The islands of the whole world have always attracted and frightened people a little. Such attractiveness and mystery is caused not only by the plots of adventure books and feature films. Scientists every year discover new interesting facts about these pieces of land, surrounded by water on all sides.
There are half a million islands on our Earth. The process of their formation continues to this day. The youngest islet was "born" in 1992 in the Pacific Ocean after a volcanic eruption. Is connected with almost every island unusual story, and sometimes not one. The largest island in the world is Greenland, followed by New Guinea, Kalimantan, Madagascar, Baffin Land and Sumatra. What interesting facts are connected with these islands?
The largest islands in the world - Top 6
1. Greenland
Greenland's area is 2,130,800 km 2, which exceeds the territories of Great Britain, France, Italy, Belgium and Holland combined. It is washed by two oceans - the Atlantic and the Arctic. It is under the jurisdiction of Denmark. Moreover, the island is fifty times larger than the mainland of Denmark itself.
For such a huge area, there are fewer inhabitants than in a European city - the population density is 0.027 people / km 2. This is due to the fact that the ground here is covered with ice. In some places, the thickness of the ice cover reaches 3 kilometers. If the ice in Greenland suddenly melted for some reason, the sea level would rise by seven meters, and many coastal cities would simply disappear under water.
Almost all the inhabitants of the island are Greenlandic Eskimos, and the capital is the city of Nuuk. The main occupation of the Aboriginal people is hunting and fishing. Between settlements there are no roads or railways. Favorite national dishes are not subjected to any heat treatment here, and the most favorite local delicacy is partridge droppings, whipped with seal fat.
On the hottest summer days, the temperature here is + 10 ° C, while in winter it often drops to -47 ° C. Greenland - biosphere reserve almost untouched by civilization. It is home to polar bears, musk oxen, polar wolves and arctic plants.
2. New Guinea
The density of New Guinea is almost 786 thousand km 2, and the population is 7.5 million people. The island is located in the Pacific Ocean, and is divided between the countries of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. It was discovered back in the 16th century, but for a long time Europeans believed that all local residents were cannibals.
Only the Russian scientist Nikolai Miklukho-Maclay, who landed on the island in 1871 and happily lived in friendship with local population more than a year. The northeastern coast is still called the Maclay Coast. Although at first Nikolai Nikolaevich was received by the Papuans rather hostilely, but the calmness of an unarmed person, his help in difficult life situations was able to overcome mistrust and hostility.
The fame of the man from the moon, as the aborigines called him, spread throughout the island, despite language barriers. And in New Guinea, this is a serious obstacle; 850 languages are spoken here. Even today, from time to time, ethnic conflicts flare up on the island. And some tribes in the wilds of the jungle have never seen a white man at all. Therefore, going on a trip to New Guinea, you can get into real, not cinematic, deadly adventures.
3. Kalimantan
The population of the island is 16 million people, its area is 743 330 km². It is under the jurisdiction of three states: Indonesia, Brunei and Malaysia. The first settlements appeared here 40 thousand years ago. Europeans put it on their maps in the 16th century.
The island also has a second name - Borneo. It is home to Malaysians, Chinese and Dayaks - an authentic population. The natives here live according to the same customs as hundreds of years ago, they hunt and gather. If we set the task to describe the character of the peoples of Kalimantan in one word, then the epithet "hospitable" is the most suitable. The richness of the flora and fauna of the island cannot be described in a hundred words. 54 species of animals live here, a huge number of plants, including a rare black orchid and the world's largest rafflesia with a flower weighing 15 kg.
4. Madagascar
The population is over 20 million people, the area is 587,041 km². The island is located near east coast Africa and has tropical climate... On the island of Madagascar there is a state of the same name with the capital Antanarivo. The aborigines call their home area the island of wild boars or red (according to the color of the soil).
There are many unusual animals in Madagascar. There are spiders-gold spiders, weaving a web, from which, with the existing skill, you can make clothes. The first socks and gloves made of cobweb were owned by Louis XIV, they were woven over four years. Another amazing creature is the Madagascar moth, which feeds on drinking tears from birds at night.
Madagascars love turtle meat, which they catch with stick fish. When the Europeans first came to the island at night and saw the huge glowing eyes of some animals in the dark, they were very frightened and remembered the ancient Roman mythology about the souls of the dead. The ancient Romans called them lemurs and terrified people. This is how the harmless animal got its mystical name.
5. Baffin's Land
The population is only 11 thousand people, the area is 507 451 km². Such a small number of inhabitants on a huge territory is explained by the fact that the island lies in the Arctic Ocean. It belongs to Canada and has many freshwater lakes.
Almost the only way to do business on the island is extreme tourism. You can only get to Baffin's Land by air... Tourists come here to get an idea of life in the Arctic Circle. They offer hunting, fishing and local attractions, which mean a special natural landscape, a chain of waterfalls on the Soper River. The historical park contains ancient objects left here not only by the Eskimos, but also by the Vikings who once lived on this rugged island.
6. Sumatra
The population of the island is more than 50 million people, the area is 473 thousand km². Such a dense population is due to the paradise climate. 30% of its territory is covered rainforest... There are coral reefs on the coast. The island is located in both hemispheres of the planet at the same time.
In terms of jurisdiction, the island is now autonomous within Indonesia, although these lands have already been the property of Portugal and Holland. Now the island lives according to Islamic laws. National composition islanders consists of six peoples, each of which has its own traditions, customs and moral values. There are also relatively backward tribes with bloodthirsty customs. In the center of the island, they say, more recently cases of cannibalism were noted. But the rest of the island is already doing business in a very civilized manner and receiving numerous tourists.
Each of these islands is interesting in its own way. Everyone deserves the closest attention, both scientists and those who want to relax and learn new things. From such dissimilar scraps - islands and continents - a motley and diverse "blanket" of our planet is woven.
