Islands are some of the most fascinating and diverse natural formations on our planet. They can be volcanic, coral, or continental in origin and are found in every ocean and sea. Some islands are so small that they can only fit a single house, while others are larger than entire countries. You might not know that the largest island in the world is bigger than most nations, while the smallest one can completely disappear underwater during high tide. Let’s explore more fascinating facts about islands.
- The largest island in the world is Greenland. It covers an area of over 2.1 million square kilometers, making it larger than most countries. Despite its enormous size, Greenland remains one of the least populated regions on Earth.
- The smallest inhabited island is Just Room Enough Island in New York, USA. It is so tiny that it only accommodates a single house and a few trees. During high tide, the water nearly submerges its entire shoreline.
- Volcanic islands form as a result of underwater volcanic eruptions. For example, the Hawaiian Islands were created this way and continue to grow due to volcanic activity, such as that of Kīlauea. Scientists predict that in thousands of years, a new island may emerge southeast of Hawaii.
- Coral islands, also known as atolls, are formed from the accumulation of coral polyps’ skeletons around submerged volcanoes. An example is the Maldives, an archipelago almost entirely composed of coral islands. Due to rising sea levels, these islands may disappear within the next few centuries.
- The most remote island on Earth is Bouvet Island, which belongs to Norway. It is located in the South Atlantic Ocean, more than 1,600 kilometers from the nearest landmass. This makes it one of the most isolated and difficult-to-reach places on the planet.
- Some islands can move due to currents and winds. Floating islands, for instance, are formed from vegetation in lakes and swamps. These islands can change their location multiple times throughout the year.
- The most densely populated island in the world is Santa Cruz del Islote in Colombia. Despite being only 1.2 hectares in size, it is home to over 1,200 people. Due to limited space, houses are built extremely close to each other, and most resources are transported from the mainland.
- Socotra Island, which belongs to Yemen, is famous for its unique flora and fauna. More than one-third of the plant and animal species found there are not found anywhere else in the world. Due to its isolation, the island has preserved rare species such as the dragon’s blood tree.
- Honshu, the largest island of Japan, is also the eighth largest island in the world. It is home to Japan’s biggest cities, including Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Despite being densely populated, the island also has vast national parks and mountainous regions.
- One of the most mysterious islands in the world is Easter Island. It is famous for its giant stone statues, known as moai, which were created by an ancient civilization. To this day, it remains a mystery how the island’s inhabitants managed to move these massive statues without modern technology.
- Some islands disappear and reappear depending on the tides. For example, Mont Saint-Michel in France becomes completely surrounded by water during high tide, transforming into an island. During low tide, it can be reached on foot via a sandbank.
- Some islands have been artificially created by humans. In Dubai, for instance, an artificial archipelago called The World was constructed, consisting of islands arranged in the shape of a world map. These islands serve as luxury resorts and private villas.
- The United Kingdom is the largest island in Europe and the ninth largest in the world. It is part of the United Kingdom and has played a crucial role in global history and culture. Its strategic location made it one of the most important maritime and trade centers for centuries.
- Many islands host unique ecosystems that are highly vulnerable to external threats. For example, the introduction of non-native species such as rats or cats can lead to the extinction of native wildlife. Because of this, many island nations enforce strict environmental protection laws.
Islands are among the most extraordinary places on Earth, characterized by incredible diversity, history, and ecology. From the largest ones, like Greenland, to the smallest ones that vanish with the tides, each island has something unique to offer. They are home to rare species of animals and plants and serve as sites of historical and cultural significance. Studying islands helps us better understand nature, climate change, and the importance of protecting the environment.
