Island country term has been defined by the United Nations, it has primary territory consists of one or more islands or parts of islands. There are 10 countries with the most islands in the world.
- Sweden– 267.570 islands
Sweden has the most islands in the world. Even its capital city, Stockholm, is composed of some small islands that are connected by bridges. However, some islands are inhabited. Some islands are occupied by Swedish and even become tourists destination, such as Blido, Orno, Moja, Uto, and Sando Islands. The remaining islands are only occupied by one or two families. No wonder the government encourages people to buy one of the islands. You should also need to read about the North Sentinel Island.
- Finland – 179.584 islands
Not only having many islands, Finland also has 187.888 lakes. Most of those islands have steep coral features, so they are rarely used for living places. The islands near the main land are used for castle and other classic buildings. There is one special island that can only be visited by women named SuperShe Island.
- Norway(more than 000 islands)
Norway, with an area of 385.525 km2, at least has more than 50 thousands islands from Bouvet Island to Svalbard Island. There is one island that will apply time-free zone, called Sommaroy Island, or Summer Island during summer season. It happens since the island will get constant daylight for more than two months during summer. On the other hand, there is no sunshine during winter season in the Sommaroy Island.
- Canada (more than 000 islands)
Canada is one of the 10 countries with the most islands in the world. Not only being famous as the second largest country in the world, Canada also has more than 30 thousands island. There islands are located from the North America to the North Pole. Most of those islands, especially near the North Pole, are always covered with thick ice. Meanwhile in the south part, the islands are filled with forest and used for living places for local people. Besides its islands, Canada also has one of the largest lakes in the world.
- Indonesia – 18.307 islands
As we know, Indonesia is popularly called as a country with thousands islands from Sabang to Merauke. Some of those islands become tourists destination as they have pretty natural landscape, such as Bali and Raja Ampat in Papua. However, with the total of 18 thousands islands, only 13.644 of them that have been registered at the UN. But, only nine thousands islands that are used as living places and the remaining islands are inhabited. There are some significant differences between sea water and mountain water.
- Australia – 8.222 islands
Statistically, there are about more than eight thousands islands in Australia. One of the popular islands is Norfolk Island in the Byron Bay that has quiet environment and beautiful landscape. Norfolk Island has some unique rules, such as it has no traffic light and the residents are only permitted to stay up to three months. They could stay permanent if they are doing some businesses in Norfolk Island for five years.
- The Philippines – 7.641 islands
At least, The Philippines own more than 7.000 islands. The country itself is divided into three island zones; Luzon, Mindanao, and Visayas. Even one of their island, Siargao Island, got rewarded as the best island by Conde Nast Traveler. The Siargao Island has 15 surfing spots, thanks to its high waves and white sands. No wonder you could find plenty of surfing schools for beginner and surfing board rentals in the island.
- Japan – 6.852 islands
For an East Asia country, Japan has most islands in the region. Some of the big ones are Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku. Most of Japan’s land are located on those four big islands. However, only 430 islands that are used for living places. You should also read about Galapagos Island.
- United Kingdom – 6.806 islands
The United Kingdom consists of some countries, such as England, North Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. The UK has an area of 1.728.000 km2, it has more than six thousands islands and 6.289 islands are located in Scotland. Foula Island, located in the very west of the country, has a population of 30 people. The island was first inhabited 5,000 years ago and owned by the Holbourn family.
- The Maldives– 1.200 islands
The Maldives are like a heaven in the Indian Ocean. It becomes a popular tourists destination from various countries in the world. The Maldives have coral islands that create two atoll lines with an area of 9.000 m2. However, global warming could damage the coral nowadays.
So that is the list of the 10 countries with the most islands in the world.