Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Recently, Greenland came into the global spotlight due to studies on climate change and melting ice sheets. Similarly, Bishop Rock (UK) was once again recognized as the smallest inhabited island in the world. In this context, knowing about the largest and smallest islands becomes not only interesting but also essential for competitive exams.
What is an Island?
- An island is a naturally formed landmass surrounded by water.
- Islands can be oceanic (formed by volcanic activity, e.g., Hawaii), continental (part of continental shelf, e.g., Greenland), or river/lake islands (e.g., Majuli in India).
- Fun Fact: There are more than 100,000 islands in the world, but only a fraction is inhabited.
This makes islands important in human geography, ecology, and international politics.
Which is the Largest Island in the World?
Greenland holds the title of the largest island on Earth.
- Area: 2.166 million sq. km – almost seven times larger than Germany.
- Location: Lies between the North Atlantic Ocean and Arctic Ocean, northeast of Canada.
- Population: Just around 56,000 people, mostly Inuit (Eskimos).
- Geographical Features:
- About 80% of Greenland is covered by ice.
- Its ice sheet holds 7% of the world’s fresh water.
- If all the ice melted, sea levels would rise by 7 meters worldwide.
- Economic Importance:
- Rich in rare earth minerals, oil, and natural gas.
- Major fishing industry (especially shrimp and halibut).
- Political Importance:
- An autonomous territory of Denmark.
- In 2019, even the USA expressed interest in buying Greenland due to its strategic Arctic position.
Important Note for Exams:
Australia is larger than Greenland but classified as a continent, not an island. Hence, Greenland is the world’s largest island.
Which is the Smallest Island in the World?
Bishop Rock (UK) is considered the smallest inhabited island in the world.
- Area: Only 0.004 sq. km (46m × 16m).
- Location: Part of the Isles of Scilly, off the coast of Cornwall, England.
- Special Features:
- A lighthouse built in 1858 is the only structure.
- The lighthouse is 49 meters tall and can withstand Atlantic storms.
- It has no permanent residents, but lighthouse keepers used to live there until 1992 (automation).
- Global Recognition:
- Listed in the Guinness World Records as the “Smallest Island with a Building.”
- Strategic Importance:
- Helps in maritime navigation across one of the busiest shipping routes in the North Atlantic.
Fun Fact: Some even argue that Just Room Enough Island (New York, USA), which fits only a small house and a tree, should be called the smallest inhabited island. But officially, Bishop Rock is recognized in records.
Are All Islands Located in Oceans?
- No, islands exist in rivers and lakes too.
- Majuli Island (India) in the Brahmaputra is the world’s largest river island.
- Surtsey (Iceland) is a newly formed volcanic island, created in 1963.
- This shows that islands are not limited to oceans but are diverse in formation.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Largest Island | Smallest Island |
| Name | Greenland | Bishop Rock |
| Area | 2.16 million sq. km | 0.004 sq. km |
| Location | Arctic & North Atlantic Ocean | Isles of Scilly, England |
| Population | 56,000 (mainly Inuit) | None (only lighthouse) |
| Importance | Climate research, resources, politics | Maritime navigation, Guinness record |
FAQs
Q1. What is the largest island in the world?
Greenland, with an area of 2.16 million sq. km.
Q2. What is the smallest inhabited island in the world?
Bishop Rock in the UK, recognized by Guinness Records.
Q3. Why is Australia not considered the largest island?
Because it is classified as a continent due to its massive size and unique geological structure.
Q4. Which is the largest river island in the world?
Majuli (Assam, India).
Q5. Which newly formed island is famous for volcanic origin?
Surtsey (Iceland), formed in 1963.
Q6. Which island nation is sinking due to climate change?
The Maldives, as rising sea levels threaten its existence.Q7. Which island is shared by three countries?
Borneo, shared by Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.
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