Islands are landmasses that are permanently above water but not identified as a continent, such as Australia. Some islands are large and populated, while others are small and uninhabited. Some islands are famous for their natural beauty, wildlife, culture, or history, while others are obscure and unknown. Some islands are part of larger archipelagos, which are chains, clusters, or collections of islands.
The world has hundreds of thousands of islands, but which countries have the most? This article will rank the top 10 countries by the number of islands within their territories, based on the following definition: “An island is a land mass permanently above sea level either in an inland waterway or in the open sea. It is completely surrounded by water, but must not be a continent.”
10. Greece – 6,000 islands
Greece is a country in Southeast Europe that is known for its ancient civilization, mythology, art, philosophy, and culture. It is also famous for its islands, which are scattered across the Aegean Sea, the Ionian Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea. Greece has about 6,000 islands, of which 227 are inhabited. The largest and most populous island is Crete, which has a rich history and diverse landscape. Other popular islands include Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Corfu, and Naxos. Each island has its own unique charm, attractions, and traditions.
9. China – 6,961 islands
China is a vast country in East Asia that has the world’s largest population and the second-largest economy. It also has a long and complex history, culture, and geography. China has about 6,961 islands within its territory, of which 433 are inhabited. These islands vary in size and location, from tiny islets to large landmasses. Some of the most notable islands are Hainan, Taiwan (claimed by China but governed by a separate administration), Hong Kong (a special administrative region), Macau (another special administrative region), and the disputed Spratly Islands and Paracel Islands in the South China Sea.
8. Indonesia – 17,508 islands
Indonesia is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania that consists of thousands of islands that span the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. It is the world’s largest island country and the fourth-most populous country. Indonesia has about 17,508 islands within its territory, of which 6,000 are inhabited. The largest and most populous island is Java, which is home to more than half of the country’s population and the capital city of Jakarta. Other major islands include Sumatra, Borneo (shared with Malaysia and Brunei), Sulawesi, New Guinea (shared with Papua New Guinea), Bali, Lombok, and Komodo (famous for its giant lizards).
7. Philippines – 7,641 islands
The Philippines is a country in Southeast Asia that consists of an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands that lie between the South China Sea and the Philippine Sea. It is the world’s second-largest archipelagic country and the fifth-most populous country in Asia. The Philippines has about 7,641 islands within its territory, of which 2,000 are inhabited. The largest and most populous island is Luzon, which contains Manila, the capital city and Metro Manila, the largest metropolitan area in the country. Other important islands include Mindanao, Visayas, Palawan, Mindoro, and Boracay (a popular tourist destination).
6. Japan – 6,852 islands
Japan is a country in East Asia that consists of an archipelago of four main islands (Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku) and thousands of smaller islands that stretch from the Sea of Japan to the Pacific Ocean. It is one of the world’s most developed and densely populated countries and has a rich culture and history. Japan has about 6, 852 islands within its territory, of which 430 are inhabited.
The largest and most populous island is Honshu, which contains Tokyo, the capital city and the world’s largest metropolitan area. Other notable islands include Okinawa, Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku, and the disputed Senkaku Islands and Kuril Islands.
5. United States – 18,617 islands
The United States is a country in North America that consists of 50 states and several territories that span across the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Arctic Ocean. It is the world’s third-largest country by area and population and the world’s most powerful country by economic and military strength. The United States has about 18,617 islands within its territory, of which 1,000 are inhabited. The largest and most populous island is Hawaii, which is also the only state that is entirely composed of islands. Other significant islands include Alaska (the largest state by area), Puerto Rico (a self-governing territory), Long Island (part of New York state), Kodiak Island (part of Alaska), and the Aleutian Islands (a chain of volcanic islands that extend from Alaska to Russia).
4. Canada – 52,455 islands
Canada is a country in North America that consists of 10 provinces and three territories that cover most of the northern part of the continent. It is the world’s second-largest country by area and the fourth-largest by coastline, bordering three oceans (the Atlantic, the Pacific, and the Arctic) with its thousands of islands. Canada has about 52,455 islands within its territory, of which 2,000 are inhabited. The largest and most populous island is Baffin Island, which is part of Nunavut, the largest and northernmost territory. Other notable islands include Newfoundland (part of Newfoundland and Labrador province), Vancouver Island (part of British Columbia province), Prince Edward Island (the smallest province), Victoria Island (part of Nunavut and Northwest Territories), and the Canadian Arctic Archipelago (a group of more than 36,000 islands in the Arctic Ocean).
3. Finland – 178,947 islands
Finland is a country in Northern Europe that borders Sweden, Norway, Russia, and the Baltic Sea. It is one of the world’s most northern and geographically remote countries and has a unique culture and language. Finland has about 178,947 islands within its territory, of which 780 are inhabited. Most of these islands are located in the Finnish Lakeland, a region of thousands of lakes and islands that covers most of southern and central Finland. The largest lake in Finland is Lake Saimaa, which contains more than 13,000 islands. The largest island in Finland is Soisalo, which is also the largest island in any lake in the world. Other significant islands include Åland (an autonomous region that consists of more than 6,000 islands), Hailuoto (the largest island in the Gulf of Bothnia), and Suomenlinna (a historic fortress island near Helsinki).
2. Norway – 239,057 islands
Norway is a country in Northern Europe that borders Sweden, Finland, Russia, and the North Sea. It is known for its stunning natural scenery, especially its fjords, mountains, glaciers, and northern lights. Norway has about 239,057 islands within its territory, of which 2,324 are inhabited. Most of these islands are found along the Norwegian coast, which is one of the longest and most rugged in the world. The largest and most populous island is Hinnøya, which is part of Nordland county. Other famous islands include Svalbard (a remote archipelago in the Arctic Ocean that is home to polar bears and other wildlife), Lofoten (a group of picturesque islands above the Arctic Circle), Røst (the westernmost island in Norway), and Jan Mayen (a volcanic island in the Greenland Sea).
01. Sweden – 267,570 islands
Sweden is a country in Northern Europe that borders Norway, Finland, Denmark, and the Baltic Sea. It is one of the world’s most prosperous and egalitarian countries and has a rich culture and history. Sweden has about 267,570 islands within its territory, of which 24, 000 are open to the public through the country’s Right of Public Access policy, which allows anyone to hike through lush forests and fields, and forage for berries or mushrooms without asking landowner permission, so long as they show respect for the natural environment and private property. Though Sweden is the country with the most islands in the world, less than 1, 000 of them are inhabited.
The country’s thousands of islands can be found largely along its eastern coastline from the far north to the deep south, with some also located off Sweden’s west coast. The most renowned is the Stockholm Archipelago, which is comprised of nearly 30, 000 islands, islets, and rocks between Öregrund in the north