Islands have always captivated our imaginations. They evoke dreams of tropical paradises, remote wildernesses, and ancient cultures. But beyond their allure, islands also tell a fascinating story about our planet's geological history and the diversity of life it supports. Today, we embark on a journey to discover the 10 largest islands on Earth, awe-inspiring landmasses that defy imagination.
- Greenland
- New Guinea
- Borneo
- Madagascar
- Baffin Island
- Sumatra
- Honshu
- Victoria Island
- Great Britain
- Ellesmere Island
1. Greenland
The undisputed heavyweight of the island world, Greenland reigns supreme with a staggering 2,166,086 square kilometres of icy majesty. This autonomous Danish territory, draped in a vast Greenland ice sheet, is roughly three times the size of Texas and holds the distinction of being the world's largest non-continental landmass.
2. New Guinea
Sharing the island of New Guinea with Indonesia and Papua New Guinea is like sharing a treasure chest bursting with biodiversity. This emerald jewel in the South Pacific Ocean boasts the second-largest landmass, clocking in at 785,753 square kilometres. New Guinea is a land of towering mountains, dense rainforests, and indigenous cultures with unique traditions.
3. Borneo
Borneo, a tropical tapestry woven across Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei, holds the bronze medal with an impressive 748,168 square kilometres. This island is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, sheltering the endangered orangutan, the majestic proboscis monkey, and a vibrant tapestry of other unique species.
4. Madagascar
Drifting off the eastern coast of Africa like a forgotten continent, Madagascar is the world's fourth-largest island, spanning 587,041 square kilometres. This "island continent" boasts a unique ecosystem teeming with lemurs, baobabs, and other endemic species found nowhere else on Earth.
5. Baffin Island
Nestled amidst the icy embrace of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, Baffin Island stretches across 507,451 square kilometres. This frozen wonderland is home to Inuit communities, breathtaking glaciers, and a landscape sculpted by ancient forces.
6. Sumatra
Indonesia's crown jewel, Sumatra, is the sixth-largest island on Earth, with 443,066 square kilometres of tropical splendour. From smouldering volcanoes to lush rainforests teeming with orangutans and tigers, Sumatra is a land of contrasts and captivating beauty.
7. Honshu
The beating heart of Japan, Honshu, is the seventh-largest island with 227,970 square kilometres. This cultural and technological powerhouse is home to bustling metropolises like Tokyo and Kyoto, alongside serene shrines and snow-capped mountains.
8. Victoria Island
Canada's second-largest island, Victoria Island, blankets the Arctic Ocean with its 217,291 square kilometres. This sparsely populated wilderness is a realm of permafrost, polar bears, and Inuit traditions that have endured for centuries.
9. Great Britain
The cradle of the United Kingdom, Great Britain, occupies the ninth spot with its 209,331 square kilometres. This historic island is a tapestry of rolling hills, ancient castles, and vibrant cities like London, a testament to its rich cultural heritage.
10. Ellesmere Islands
Completing our top 10 is Ellesmere Island, Canada's northernmost outpost, with 196,236 square kilometres of Arctic terrain. This frozen frontier is home to the world's northernmost permanently inhabited place, Alert, and boasts awe-inspiring glaciers and otherworldly landscapes.
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