1. Greenland
Greenland is the world’s largest island, covering over 2.1 million square kilometers. Despite its massive size, it has a tiny population of just over 56,000 people, mostly concentrated along the ice-free coastal areas. The island is famous for its vast ice sheet, which covers roughly 80% of its surface and plays a crucial role in global climate regulation. Greenland’s landscapes range from fjords and mountains to glaciers that carve through the terrain like frozen rivers. The indigenous Inuit population has lived on the island for thousands of years, developing unique cultural practices adapted to Arctic conditions. Danish influence is strong, as Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. The island has abundant natural resources, including minerals and potential offshore oil, but environmental concerns often complicate extraction. Its wildlife is remarkable, featuring polar bears, musk oxen, and various migratory birds. Tourism is growing, with visitors drawn to icebergs, dog sledding, and the Northern Lights. Climate change is visibly impacting Greenland, causing rapid ice melt that contributes to rising sea levels worldwide.
2. New Guinea
New Guinea is the second-largest island in the world and the largest in Oceania, spanning more than 785,000 square kilometers. It is divided politically between Indonesia in the west and Papua New Guinea in the east. The island is known for its extraordinary biodiversity, hosting thousands of endemic species of plants and animals. Dense tropical rainforests cover much of New Guinea, making it one of the world’s most important ecological regions. The highlands are home to some of the world’s most isolated human societies, with tribes maintaining traditional lifestyles and languages. There are over 800 languages spoken across the island, reflecting its cultural richness. New Guinea’s terrain is rugged, featuring mountains that reach over 4,500 meters and active volcanoes that shape the landscape. Its rivers are vital for transportation and sustenance in remote areas. Hunting, subsistence agriculture, and fishing remain central to daily life for many communities. The island faces ecological threats from logging and mining, challenging the preservation of its pristine forests.
3. Borneo
Borneo is the third-largest island in the world, covering roughly 748,000 square kilometers. It is shared by three countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. Borneo is famous for its tropical rainforests, which are among the oldest in the world and home to iconic species like orangutans, pygmy elephants, and clouded leopards. The island’s rivers, such as the Kapuas and the Mahakam, are crucial lifelines for both wildlife and human populations. Borneo has immense cultural diversity, with hundreds of indigenous groups preserving traditional customs. The island is also rich in natural resources, including timber, oil, and minerals, but this has led to large-scale deforestation. Tourism is popular, especially eco-tourism and wildlife safaris. Borneo’s climate is equatorial, with high humidity and heavy rainfall supporting its lush vegetation. Mount Kinabalu in Malaysian Borneo is the highest peak on the island, drawing climbers from around the globe. Conservation efforts are ongoing, balancing economic development with protecting endangered species.
4. Madagascar
Madagascar, the fourth-largest island, is located off the southeast coast of Africa and spans over 587,000 square kilometers. It separated from the African continent around 88 million years ago, resulting in extraordinary biodiversity. About 90% of its wildlife is found nowhere else on Earth, including lemurs, fossa, and baobab trees. Madagascar’s landscapes vary from tropical rainforests to deserts, and from highlands to coral reefs along the coast. Its population is around 28 million, with a unique blend of African and Southeast Asian ancestry. Agriculture, particularly rice cultivation, dominates the economy, while vanilla production is a major export. The island’s culture is rich in music, dance, and storytelling, reflecting centuries of tradition. Tourism focuses on natural parks, wildlife viewing, and coastal resorts. Madagascar faces challenges such as deforestation, soil erosion, and habitat loss. Despite these threats, conservation programs aim to protect its endemic species and ecosystems.
5. Baffin Island
Baffin Island is the fifth-largest island in the world, located in the Canadian Arctic and covering about 507,000 square kilometers. It is part of the territory of Nunavut and is sparsely populated, with only a few thousand residents, mainly Inuit. The island features dramatic Arctic landscapes, including fjords, glaciers, and mountains, with Mount Odin being one of its highest peaks. Its coastline is deeply indented, creating sheltered bays that are crucial for marine life. Polar bears, Arctic foxes, and walruses inhabit the region, adapted to the harsh conditions. Summers are short and cool, while winters are long and extremely cold, with ice covering much of the island for months. Baffin Island has a rich cultural history, with Inuit communities preserving traditional hunting and crafting practices. Mining and tourism provide economic opportunities, though the remote location makes logistics challenging. The island also plays a critical role in climate research due to its Arctic environment. Visitors are drawn to its natural beauty, wildlife, and northern lights displays.
6. Sumatra
Sumatra is the sixth-largest island in the world, stretching over 443,000 square kilometers in western Indonesia. It is famous for its tropical rainforests, volcanoes, and diverse wildlife, including tigers, orangutans, and rhinoceroses. The island is geologically active, with numerous volcanoes and frequent earthquakes shaping the landscape. Its rivers, like the Musi and Batang Hari, are essential for transportation and agriculture. Sumatra has a rich cultural heritage, home to ethnic groups such as the Batak, Minangkabau, and Acehnese. Agriculture, palm oil plantations, and mining are key economic drivers, often leading to deforestation and habitat loss. The island’s climate is equatorial, with high humidity and heavy rainfall throughout the year. Tourism is growing, with visitors exploring Lake Toba, Bukit Barisan mountains, and tropical beaches. Historical trade routes brought a mix of cultures and religions, including Islam and Buddhism. Despite environmental challenges, Sumatra remains one of Southeast Asia’s most ecologically and culturally significant islands.
7. Honshu
Honshu is Japan’s largest island, covering approximately 227,000 square kilometers. It is the economic, cultural, and political heart of the country, hosting major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. The island stretches from the north’s snowy regions to the south’s subtropical climates, providing diverse landscapes. Mount Fuji, Japan’s tallest peak, dominates the central region and is a symbol of national identity. Honshu’s rivers, including the Shinano and Tone, are vital for agriculture, industry, and urban development. The island is prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Traditional and modern cultures coexist, from ancient temples and shrines to high-tech urban centers. Honshu is home to over 100 million people, making it one of the most densely populated islands globally. Railways, including the famous Shinkansen, connect its cities efficiently. Tourism is vibrant, with visitors drawn to cultural sites, natural landscapes, and seasonal festivals.
8. Victoria Island
Victoria Island, in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, spans around 217,000 square kilometers, making it the eighth-largest island in the world. The island is divided between the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. It has a small population, mostly indigenous Inuit communities who rely on traditional hunting and fishing. Victoria Island’s landscape includes tundra, ice fields, and rugged mountains, creating a harsh but stunning environment. Its coastline is irregular, with many inlets and bays that provide access to Arctic waters. Polar bears, Arctic foxes, and seals inhabit the region, thriving in the extreme cold. Summers are short, with long daylight hours, while winters are extremely cold and dark. The island’s history includes exploration by European expeditions searching for the Northwest Passage. Natural resources such as diamonds and minerals exist but are challenging to exploit. Scientific research on climate change, permafrost, and Arctic ecosystems is significant on Victoria Island.
9. Great Britain
Great Britain is the ninth-largest island, covering about 209,000 square kilometers. It comprises three countries: England, Scotland, and Wales, each with distinct cultures and landscapes. The island’s history spans centuries of human settlement, empire, and innovation. Its landscapes range from the Scottish Highlands to rolling English countryside and Welsh mountains. Major rivers like the Thames and Severn have shaped settlement patterns and trade routes. Great Britain played a central role in the Industrial Revolution, leaving a legacy of infrastructure, architecture, and industry. It has diverse wildlife, including red deer, badgers, and puffins along the coasts. Cities such as London, Edinburgh, and Cardiff are cultural and economic hubs. Tourism thrives with historical sites, castles, and natural parks. Great Britain also has a rich literary, musical, and artistic heritage that has influenced the world.
10. Ellesmere Island
Ellesmere Island is the tenth-largest island, covering about 196,000 square kilometers in the Canadian Arctic. It is part of the territory of Nunavut and lies very close to Greenland across the Nares Strait. The island features extreme Arctic conditions, with glaciers, fjords, and ice caps dominating the landscape. Its highest point, Barbeau Peak, rises over 2,600 meters above sea level. Ellesmere Island is sparsely populated, with only a few small Inuit communities. Wildlife includes musk oxen, Arctic wolves, and polar bears. The island has been critical for scientific research on Arctic ecosystems, climate change, and glaciology. Summers are brief and cool, while winters are long and harsh, with temperatures plunging below −30°C. Ellesmere is home to Quttinirpaaq National Park, one of the most remote parks in the world. The island’s isolation and pristine environment make it a natural laboratory for studying the impacts of global warming.
The Knowledge Base 
Leave a comment