A good trick to memorize knowledge about geography that help us master this branch of science is to study lists based on surface area. Here we offer you a list with the five largest islands in the world, ordered from smallest to largest, with detailed information about each of them.
5. Madagascar
Located in the Indian Ocean, this island has a surface area of 587.041 km². There is no other larger one in Africa. If we look at a map of this continent, it stands out in the lower right, opposite Mozambique. Madagascar is known for its unique biodiversity Due to its isolation for millions of years, Madagascar is home to species found nowhere else, such as lemurs and fossas. It is also home to a wide variety of plants. 40 species of lemurs and approximately 800 species of butterflies, standing out for its great natural wealth. In addition, the island is world famous for its coral reef, the third largest in the world, making it an incredible destination for diving enthusiasts.
4. Borneo
The fourth largest island in the world is located in the Pacific Ocean and occupies an area of 748.168 km²Its administration is distributed among three countries: Indonesia, Malaysia y BruneiAlthough much of the territory belongs to Indonesia, Borneo is famous for its incredible biodiversity, both terrestrial and marine, which includes flora and fauna found nowhere else in the world. Among the most notable species are the Bornean orangutan and the pygmy elephant. In addition, the largest flower in the world grows in Borneo, the rafflesia arnoldii, which can reach more than a meter in diameter. This island is surrounded by seas such as the South China Sea and the Celebes Sea, which also makes it a popular diving destination.
3. New Guinea
Located in the Pacific Ocean, north of Australia, this island measures 785.783 km², making it the third largest in the world. New Guinea is geographically divided into two: the western part belongs to Indonesia (landscapes such as Papua and West Papua) and the eastern part forms the territory of Papua New GuineaIt is known for its astonishing biodiversity and indigenous cultures that have remained almost intact for centuries. The island is home to a large number of birds, including 708 species, and is home to a large proportion of the fascinating birds of paradise. The highest mountain in Oceania, the Puncak Jaya At 4.884 meters, it is also located in New Guinea. Historically, the island of New Guinea has been highly coveted due to its copper and gold reserves.
2. Greenland
The largest island in the world has an area of 2.130.800 km²It is located in the North Atlantic Ocean, opposite North America, but administratively it is part of DenmarkIts dominant landscape is a gigantic ice sheet, which covers most of its territory. It is known for its icebergs, hot springs and aurora borealDespite its size, Greenland is sparsely populated, with only around 56.000 inhabitants. Characteristic fauna includes polar bears, arctic foxes, Whales and seals. The vegetation is typical of the arctic tundraThis limits its plant diversity. Greenland is a strategic territory due to its extensive ice sheet, which plays a crucial role in regulating the global climate. Furthermore, it has been a frequent destination for scientists interested in climate change and studying the effects of glacial melt.
1. Australia
Although it is often debated whether Australia is an island or a continent, many consider it to be a island-continent, as it is completely surrounded by water. With an astonishing surface area of 7.617.930 km²Australia is the largest landmass not directly connected to another continent. It is also the sixth largest country in the world. Australia is distinguished not only by its size but also by its extraordinary biodiversityIts fauna includes some of the most emblematic species in the world, such as the kangaroo’s most emblematic landmarks, the koala and the dingo. It also houses the Great Barrier ReefThe Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef on the planet. This unique marine ecosystem is a treasure trove for both biodiversity and tourism. In addition to its vast natural diversity, Australia is characterized by its large desert areas, known as the outbackwhich cover a large part of their interior territory. Large islands represent not only vast expanses of land, but also unique ecosystems. From the eternal ice of Greenland to the biodiversity of Madagascar, these islands offer us an astonishing variety of landscapes, climates, and species. Each one plays a crucial role on our planet, not only because of its size, but also because of its ecological, geopolitical, and cultural importance.