Across the planet, the largest islands in the world have always fascinated people. They stand as isolated worlds surrounded by vast oceans- some icy and barren, others lush and full of life. From volcanic peaks rising out of tropical waters to frozen Arctic tundra, these massive islands show how Earth has evolved over millions of years. Each one has its own unique climate, landscape, and culture, offering a glimpse into the planet’s incredible diversity.
In this blog, we will discuss the top 10 largest islands in the world, exploring their area, location, lowest temperatures, and the special features that make them unique. These islands are not only the biggest by size but also home to extraordinary biodiversity, ancient rainforests, glaciers, and some of the most extreme natural environments on Earth. Whether you’re a student, traveler, or geography enthusiast, this guide will help you discover the world’s largest and most remarkable islands in an easy and engaging way.
List of Top 10 Largest Islands in the World
| Rank | Island Name | Area (sq km) | Location | Approx. Lowest Temp | Key Highlight |
| 1 | Greenland | 2,166,086 | Arctic (Denmark) | −50°C | World’s largest island; 80% covered in ice |
| 2 | New Guinea | 785,753 | Indonesia & Papua New Guinea | +10°C (highlands) | Richest biodiversity on Earth |
| 3 | Borneo | 748,168 | Indonesia, Malaysia & Brunei | +5°C (mountain peaks) | Oldest rainforest; home to orangutans |
| 4 | Madagascar | 587,041 | Indian Ocean, off Africa | 0°C (central highlands) | Over 90% endemic species |
| 5 | Baffin Island | 507,451 | Arctic Canada | −45°C | Icy tundra and Inuit culture |
| 6 | Sumatra | 443,066 | Indonesia | +6°C (mountains) | Active volcanoes and dense forests |
| 7 | Honshu | 227,970 | Japan | −10°C (mountains) | Economic and cultural hub of Japan |
| 8 | Victoria Island | 217,291 | Arctic Canada | −40°C | Frozen wilderness and polar wildlife |
| 9 | Great Britain | 209,331 | United Kingdom | −10°C | Historic island with global influence |
| 10 | Ellesmere Island | 196,236 | Canadian Arctic | −50°C | Remote Arctic frontier with glaciers |
1. Greenland – The World’s Largest Island
Greenland stands as the world’s largest island, covering an immense 2.16 million square kilometers. About 80% of it is blanketed in ice, making it one of the coldest regions on the planet. Temperatures in the interior can plunge to −50°C, while the coastal areas remain slightly milder.
Greenland’s ice sheet holds about 10% of the world’s freshwater, and if it melted, global sea levels would rise by more than seven meters. Its population of around 56,000 lives mainly along the western coast, where fishing and hunting are a way of life. The island is a hub for climate research and Arctic exploration.
2. New Guinea – A Biodiversity Treasure
The island of New Guinea ranks second, spanning 785,753 square kilometers. Shared by Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, it is home to over 13,000 plant species and hundreds of unique animals.
The highland areas, such as Mount Wilhelm, can drop to around +10°C at night, offering a contrast to the steamy tropical lowlands. The island’s dense rainforests are rich in wildlife, including birds of paradise and tree kangaroos. Culturally, New Guinea is one of the most diverse places on Earth, with over 800 languages spoken.
3. Borneo – The Rainforest Giant of Asia
Borneo, the third largest island on Earth, spans 748,168 square kilometers across Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. It is home to one of the world’s oldest rainforests, believed to be around 130 million years old.
Temperatures in the lowlands are tropical, while mountain peaks like Mount Kinabalu can see lows of +5°C. Borneo shelters endangered species such as orangutans, pygmy elephants, and clouded leopards. Although deforestation remains a threat, the island’s rainforests continue to draw global attention for conservation and ecotourism.
4. Madagascar – The Island of Evolution
Madagascar, the fourth largest island, covers 587,041 square kilometers. Separated from Africa for over 80 million years, it developed an ecosystem unlike any other. More than 90% of its species - including lemurs, chameleons, and baobab trees - are found nowhere else.
Its highlands can reach 0°C, while coastal areas stay warm and humid. Madagascar’s isolation turned it into a “living museum of evolution,” making it a top destination for researchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
5. Baffin Island – Canada’s Frozen Frontier
Located within the Arctic Circle, Baffin Island is Canada’s largest and the fifth largest island in the world, spanning 507,451 square kilometers. Temperatures can plunge to −45°C, making it one of the coldest inhabited islands on Earth.
It’s home to Inuit communities who maintain their traditions amid the icy environment. The island’s dramatic fjords, glaciers, and tundra landscapes attract explorers and photographers searching for untouched Arctic beauty.
6. Sumatra – The Volcanic Powerhouse of Indonesia
Sumatra ranks sixth, with an area of 443,066 square kilometers. It’s part of Indonesia’s volcanic belt and contains more than 30 active volcanoes.
Highlands experience cooler nights around +6°C, while coastal regions are tropical. The island is home to Lake Toba, one of the world’s largest volcanic lakes, and endangered wildlife such as Sumatran tigers and elephants. Despite frequent earthquakes, Sumatra remains vital for its rich natural resources and biodiversity.
7. Honshu – The Cultural and Economic Heart of Japan
Honshu, Japan’s main island, spans 227,970 square kilometers and is the seventh largest island globally. It’s home to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, as well as Japan’s tallest peak, Mount Fuji (3,776 m).
Temperatures in the mountains can dip to −10°C, while coastal cities enjoy milder winters. Honshu combines advanced cities, historical landmarks, and scenic beauty, making it the perfect symbol of Japan’s balance between tradition and modernity.
8. Victoria Island – Arctic Wilderness
Victoria Island, in northern Canada, ranks eighth with 217,291 square kilometers. Its harsh Arctic climate sees winter lows near −40°C, and it remains largely frozen for most of the year.
The population is under 2,000, mainly Indigenous Inuit residents. The island’s landscape includes permafrost plains, ice fields, and polar bears. It’s an important location for Arctic research and exploration.
9. Great Britain – Island of History and Heritage
Great Britain, covering 209,331 square kilometers, ranks ninth among the world’s largest islands. It includes England, Scotland, and Wales, forming the core of the United Kingdom.
The island experiences mild temperatures compared to Arctic islands, with winter lows around −10°C. With a population of over 67 million, Great Britain is one of the world’s most historically influential islands - known for its literature, culture, and technological advancements.
10. Ellesmere Island – The Cold Edge of the World
Ellesmere Island completes the list as the tenth largest island, spanning 196,236 square kilometers. Situated deep within the Arctic, it records some of the planet’s lowest temperatures - as cold as −50°C.
It’s home to Alert, the world’s northernmost permanently inhabited settlement. With towering glaciers, frozen fjords, and minimal population, Ellesmere is a symbol of the planet’s untouched, icy wilderness.
The Wonder of Earth’s Largest Islands
The largest islands in the world reveal how nature works in extremes. Some lie near the equator, drenched in rain and sunlight, while others rest under layers of snow and ice. They are vast enough to host mountain ranges, deserts, and dense forests within their boundaries.
These islands represent incredible geographic and climatic diversity. Greenland, for instance, is a frozen wilderness that plays a critical role in regulating Earth’s climate. In contrast, tropical islands like New Guinea and Borneo are biodiversity hotspots, home to thousands of species found nowhere else. Understanding these islands means understanding how the planet balances cold and heat, isolation and connection, wilderness and civilization.
Why These Islands Are Important?
The largest islands in the world show Earth’s diversity - from the icy north to tropical zones near the equator. They host unique ecosystems, rare wildlife, and deep-rooted human cultures. Some, like Greenland, are vital to climate research, while others, such as Borneo and Madagascar, safeguard irreplaceable biodiversity.
Each island plays a key role in understanding climate change, species evolution, and global geography. They’re not just landmasses - they’re living examples of how our planet has evolved and continues to adapt.
Frequently Asked Questions About Largest Islands in the World
1. Which is the largest island in the world?
Greenland is the largest island, covering about 2.16 million square kilometers.
2. Why is Australia not on this list?
Australia is considered a continent, not an island, because of its size and geological structure.
3. Which island is the coldest?
Ellesmere Island and Greenland record temperatures as low as −50°C.
4. Which island has the most biodiversity?
New Guinea and Madagascar have some of the highest biodiversity in the world.
5. Which is the largest tropical island?
New Guinea is the world’s largest tropical island.
6. Which island has the most people?
Honshu (Japan) is the most populated, with over 100 million residents.
7. Which island has the oldest rainforest?
Borneo’s rainforest is estimated to be around 130 million years old.
8. Which islands are part of Canada?
Baffin, Victoria, and Ellesmere Islands belong to Canada.
9. What is the main feature of Madagascar?
Madagascar is home to over 90% unique species not found anywhere else.
10. What makes Greenland unique?
Its massive ice sheet and impact on global sea levels make it scientifically significant.