4 large islands. What is the largest island on Earth? Flora and fauna

Hi friends. Today I made a selection with the largest islands in the world. I will not make a long introduction, but immediately move on to the interesting.

The largest island in the world - Icy Greenland

The world's largest island nestled among arctic ice North America. This is Greenland, covering an area of ​​2,130,800 km². The territorially described island belongs to Denmark and is its independent unit.

And, although the name "Greenland" is translated as " green Island”, there is practically no vegetation here, in addition, it is very cold in Greenland. In winter, the air temperature can drop to -50°C, and in summer to -12°C, so only 56,295 people live in this segment. 7% of the surface of the entire territory is occupied by ice, the thickness of which reaches 3 km.

The capital of the largest island in the world is the city of Nuuk, whose name translates as "the city of good hope". The main attraction of Greenland is the world. And the most unusual folk treasure is a toy - a tupilak, created by local Eskimos from walrus skin and tusks and symbolizing an evil spirit - the ruler of the northern ice.

Mysterious New Guinea

New Guinea- a huge island located in the western Pacific Ocean. Its area is 786,000 km², the size of the island is the second largest on the planet and one of the five largest islands in the world. Geographically, this piece of land is located in two different states. The western part belongs to Indonesia, and the eastern part is a separate state of Papua New Guinea.

This island is the most mysterious and little explored in the world. The local population consists of thousands of different tribes, which, until recently, did not even suspect the existence of each other. The flora and fauna of one of the largest islands on the planet is still poorly understood. The city of Tufi is considered to be the diving capital of the world, its beauty underwater world will not leave indifferent even the most experienced underwater swimmer.

Local residents live by their own laws - the most unusual in the world. For example, the law on witchcraft states that a person who considers himself enchanted does not bear consequences for his actions. In New Guinea, there are 18 active volcanoes, whose ancient power is worshiped by the local population.

Borneo Island (Kalimantan)

The third largest island on the planet is the island of Borneo (Kalimantan), covering an area of ​​734 km². This island is located in the heart of the Malay Archipelago and is the only island that simultaneously belongs to three different states: Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. Historically, this island was discovered by the navigator Magellan in 1521, but ancient writings indicate that life on this land existed long before that.

As early as the beginning of the 13th century, the island natives were actively engaged in the trade of spices and fish with neighboring states. The main part of the island is covered mountain ranges and jungle, and millennial forests are the oldest in the world. Plants and animals that are the most predatory on the planet have been recorded on the island.

The largest orangutan in the world lives in Borneo, and some species of giant plants are able to eat not only an insect, but also a large predator. The main attraction of Borneo is the hanging cable car, 480 m long and 20 m high. It is from this height that all the beauties of this wild land open up.

Majestic Madagascar

The fourth place among the largest islands on the planet belongs to the incredible Madagascar. Described Island state covers an area of ​​587,000 km². Unique feature Madagascar is the presence of absolutely amazing plants and animals that live on the island.

For several decades, world scientists have been trying to comprehend the secrets of an amazing state and study its nature, however, amazing Madagascar surprises every time with new wonderful discoveries.

Over 30 species of lemurs live on the island. The local population considers this animal sacred. According to legends, the soul of a dead person moves into a lemur and continues its journey on Earth.

The harshest island

closes TOP largest islands in the world- Baffin Island, located in, and covering an area of ​​​​507,451 km². Due to the harsh climate, the population of the described island is only 11,000 people. The nature of the Arctic North fascinates with its beauty.

Local residents - Inuit move on sled dogs and snowmobiles. And the amazing reindeer move around the city quite calmly, without fear of people. The island natives have their own language and sacred traditions of their ancestors, however, they are very literate and intellectually developed inhabitants, fluent in several languages ​​and developing infrastructure in such harsh climatic conditions.

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Greenland Population: 58 thousand | Area: 2,130,800 km²

Greenland is the most large island on the ground. Its area is 2,130,800 km2. The island is washed by two oceans: the Arctic and the Atlantic. Included in the autonomous unit of Denmark - Greenland. The biggest locality called Nuuk, located in the western part of the island. The highest point in Greenland (Mount Gunbjorn) with a height of 3,383 thousand meters. Until 1921, Cape Morris Jesup was considered the closest land to the North Pole.

Population: 7.5 million | Area: 786,000 km²

New Guinea - the 2nd largest island, with an area of ​​785,753 km2, is located in pacific ocean. New Guinea links Australia with Asia. In turn, the island is separated from Australia by the Torres Strait. New Guinea is divided almost equally between Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. The Indonesian part belongs to Asia. This island is the largest of all islands divided between countries.

Population: 16 million | Area: 743,330 km²

The third largest island, Kalimantan (or Malay Borneo), has an area of ​​748,168 km2. This sea ​​island divided among themselves 3 states: Indonesia, Brunei and Malaysia. Kalimantan is located in South-East Asia in the center of the Malay Archipelago. Most of the island belongs to Indonesia and is divided into 4 provinces. The part that belongs to Malaysia, in turn, is divided into 2 states.

Madagascar Population: 20 million | Area: 587,041 km²

Next on the list of the largest islands in the world is Madagascar. This island has a tropical climate and is located near the east of Africa. The Mozambique Channel flows between the mainland and the island. Its dimensions are approximately 1600 km long and 600 km wide, with total area at 587,713 km2. The island is occupied by the state of Madagascar, whose capital is the city of Antananarivo. BUT locals call their corner of space the island of wild boars.

Population: 11 thousand | Area: 507,451 km²

We are transported to the Arctic Ocean and find there the fifth largest island, called Baffin Island. The island belongs to Canada, it is the largest of the islands of this country. The area of ​​the island is 507,451 km2. Most remain uninhabited due to poor weather conditions. The population of the island lives in the Canadian province of Nunavut with its capital Iqaluit. It is noteworthy that there are many freshwater lakes on the island, two of which are the largest, Nettilling, with an area of ​​5,542 km2, of which only 5,050 km2 is occupied by water, and Amajuak - 3,115 km2 with a water surface of 3,058 km2.

Population: 51 million | Area: 473,000 km²

The sixth largest island - Sumatra, is divided by the equator into almost identical parts, as it is located in both hemispheres of the Earth. The island is located in the west of the Malay Archipelago. It belongs to the group of large Sunda Islands, which are adjacent to small islands. Sumatra has an area of ​​443,066 km2 and belongs to Indonesia. Its coastline is slightly indented and there are coral reefs near the coast.

o.Great Britain Population: 60 million | Area: 229,848 km²

Most big Island british isles- United Kingdom. Its area is 229,848 km2. Wales, Scotland and England - Great Britain is home to most of the entire United Kingdom. The area of ​​the entire kingdom is 244,100 km2. Length coastline the islands from south to north are 966 km, and the width is 483 km. The highest point on the island is 1344 meters.

Honshu Population: 103 million | Area: 227,962.59 km²

The largest island of the Japanese archipelago and the eighth largest in the world is the island of Honshu. Its area is 227,970 km2, which in turn is equal to 60% of the area of ​​all of Japan. It is slightly smaller than the British Isles. Honshu has a mountainous terrain, and among the mountains, in turn, there are many volcanoes. The mountains are responsible for the climatic difference in the southeast and northwest of the island. The largest mountain, which is the permanent symbol of Japan, is Fuji with a height of 3,776 meters.

Ellesmere is also an island of Canada, it is the third largest after Baffin Island and Victoria, and is also included in the list of the largest islands in the world and is in tenth place. The island is located in the north, further than all the other islands of Canada, but still belongs to the territory of the province of Nanavut and is also part of the Queen Elizabeth Islands. The area of ​​the island is 196,236 km2, highest point- 2,616 m. The population of Ellesmere is extremely small, but traces of prehistoric animals were often found there.

Islands are small areas of land that are found in almost every body of water, including rivers. They can have a different origin - there are volcanic hills that are generated due to magma released during eruptions, and there are others created from land areas cut off from the coast.

The process of the formation of new islands and their absorption by waters is constantly taking place, every now and then new heights appear and old ones disappear, and this is completely normal. However, the largest objects remain unchanged. Having considered the top largest islands in the world, you can find out which of them are the most stable - they are all inhabited by people who are in no hurry to leave their homes.

Fifth place - Baffin land

The exception is, perhaps, Baffin Island, which is the fifth largest island on the planet, and is located somewhat west of Greenland. The population here is no more than 11 thousand people, and the central part of the territories is still little explored. The reason for this is the harsh climate that distinguishes this place. The area of ​​the island is 508 thousand sq. km, and the name was given in honor of William Baffin, the first person to describe the territories. It's just here amazing nature and fabulous views, and besides, there are places where a person did not have time
visit.

Fourth place - Madagascar

The island of Madagascar is located near Africa, and today it is known even to children, due to the cartoon about animals. On this island there is a separate state of Madagascar, which has sovereignty, and the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthis piece of land, which is not of volcanic origin, is 587040 sq. km. It has its own flora and fauna, formed in isolation, the island is rich in endemic species. And there are many minerals here. By the way, the name Madagascar itself is translated from the local dialect as Boar Island.

Third place - Kalimantan

The same island is known as Borneo. Its area is 737 thousand square meters. km, which allows him to get the third largest size in the world. This island is located at a real sea crossroads, it is washed by 4 seas and 2 straits at once. It is almost completely covered with forests, up to 80 percent of the territory is impenetrable jungle. There are 3 states on the island at once, which receive large profits from the timber industry, and are mainly engaged in this business. But wood, including valuable species, is not everything, there is also oil, diamonds, gas, so the subsoil and natural reserves of this place are only pleasing. And its name is translated as Diamond River - it speaks for itself. After all, a recreational resource also brings profit here, tourists and vacationers come here.

Second place - New Guinea

New Guinea rightfully took second place, this island is divided by states: Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. The Portuguese discovered the island, this happened in 1526, and before that European world and did not think that there was a similar competitor to the largest island in the world already known at that time. Papua is the first name of the island, which he received because of the curly hair of the locals.

Papua translates as "curly". This island has an area of ​​​​786 thousand km, is an tropical paradise with an abundance of vegetation, attracts many tourists. And despite the fact that many plants, animals and insects that are unique to this area have already been found here, new discoveries are made here every year and hitherto unknown varieties of inhabitants are discovered. Some things simplify the work of researchers - for example, the animals here are not afraid of humans, they do not need to be watched.

The largest island in the world

The largest island in the world is Greenland. This island is located in the northern latitudes. If you translate the name literally, you get Green Land, which is in no way consistent with the appearance of snow-covered plains and rocks. Ice covers up to 80 percent of the territory, and the island itself is washed by both the Atlantic and the Arctic Ocean. The total area of ​​this land is 2,131,500 sq. km.

Why is the island called "green"? one of the scientists says that this is how immigrants were lured here, others point out that the climate in this Danish territory was once different. However, it doesn't matter. Today, the Eskimos live here, here you can see enough of the northern lights, plunge into the darkness of the polar night. And on this island there are plenty of minerals, mainly gas, oil. Fishing is an important local craft, because there are also plenty of fish in the surrounding waters.

This is a list of the largest islands that are stable and do not change for centuries. But who knows what this list will be in the future, because sometimes the face of the planet changes quite suddenly.

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There are over 500,000 islands in the world today. They have a variety of sizes. Many of these islands are very small. Two people can fit on them, no more. However, there are those islands, the size of which is equal to the whole countries of the world. This article will focus on the largest island in the world.

Where is the largest island in the world located?

by the most big island in the world is definitely Greenland. It belongs to Denmark, but it has the right to self-government. This island is located beyond the Arctic Circle. Almost eighty percent of Greenland is covered by a gigantic glacier. Despite such unusual features of location and relief, numerous travel companies offer a large number of attractive tours to this place. Here, all tourists are promised an unusual pastime and unforgettable vacation surrounded by exotic nature.

This island is attractive for tourists. People come here who are not afraid of harsh climatic conditions. Almost the entire territory remains deserted due to heavy snow cover and harsh climate. rest in this place can be really harsh. You need to be ready for this. Therefore, tourists need determination in order to withstand all the trials that will lie in wait for them while traveling around the island.

Greenland is much larger than Denmark. The territory is about fifty times larger than this state. Self-government was introduced on the island six years ago. Denmark is engaged in the military defense of this territory and resolves all political issues. The island has its own judicial system, which is guided by local laws.

Climatic features of the island of Greenland

The climate in southern and northern Greenland is very different. This is due to the fact that its territory occupies large area. The climate varies from arctic to subarctic. Surprising is the fact that in summer period many areas of Greenland can warm up to 21 degrees Celsius. On average, the temperature here at this time of the year does not rise above 0 degrees Celsius. In winter, the temperature averages minus 27 degrees Celsius. It is not easy for people living in the coastal zone. This is due to the fact that very strong winds blow here.

It should be noted that the name of this island literally translates as the Green Country. This is surprising, because there are practically no green areas that would contribute to the development of agriculture.

What attracts tourists to Greenland?

Tourists love the nature of this island. There are amazing Beautiful places with original landscape features. In addition, such natural phenomena that are available here are not found anywhere else in the world. In summer, the local beauty of nature can be enjoyed even at night when the sun is shining. However, because of it, it is almost impossible to admire northern lights. That's why best time to monitor natural phenomenon is the middle of spring.

Population of Greenland

The original inhabitants of Greenland are the Eskimos. Their national language is Greenlandic. However, the local population also speaks Danish. In the northern regions, the Eskimos still build igloos to live in. The population is not engaged in agriculture. The main industries here are fishing and hunting. Salmon, cod and other fish products are exported.

December 28, 2013

Big Islands

There are a lot of different islands on our huge planet. Islands, as everyone knows, are surrounded by water on all sides. In fact, there are a lot of islands on Earth, even more than several tens of thousands.

The largest island is a planetary landform or the so-called continents, continents.

They can also be located one by one, as Sri Lanka is located. If the islands are located very close to each other, then they are called archipelagos. If the piece of land is small, then it is called an island.

Here are some of the largest islands:

Greenland - 2176 thousand kilometers

New Guinea - 829 thousand kilometers

Kalimantan - 734 thousand kilometers

Madagascar - 590 thousand kilometers

Baffin Island - 507 thousand kilometers

Sumatra - 435 thousand kilometers

Honshu - 230 thousand kilometers

Great Britain - 244 thousand kilometers

Victoria - 221 thousand kilometers

Ellesmere - 203 thousand kilometers

Greenland, New Guinea, Kalimantan

Greenland is the largest island on this list. It is located northeast of North America. This is already a territory that is governed independently and is part of Denmark. The length of the island is quite large - 2690 kilometers from north to south, width 1300 kilometers. The area of ​​the entire island is 5.6 thousand square kilometers. In Greenland animal world not rich at all. Here live such animals as: reindeer, polar bear, ermine, hare, lemming. It happens that even wolves can be encountered very rarely. In the water near the island of Greenland, such animals are found: black-barked halibut, striped catfish, cod, flounder and several other types of fish. You can often see shrimp. It also happens that you can see some of the species of beluga whale, narwhal and walrus.

New Guinea is the second largest island after Greenland. He is the most unique and beautiful island on Earth, there are more than 1000 indigenous languages.

This island is located in the Pacific Ocean, a little north of Australia and connects Asia and Australia. New Guinea is very large in size, which is divided between countries. This island is inhabited by 5.6 million people. All residents speak English language and it is official. The vegetation there is very good, represented by 11 thousand species, including 2500 species of unique orchids and 1200 trees. About 500 species of different birds, 400 amphibians, 180 mammals and 450 butterflies live here, so the animal world is quite diverse.

Kalimantan is the largest of the Sunda Islands. Its area occupies approximately 734 thousand square kilometers. Kalimantan is the most ancient island from the Malay Archipelago. There are absolutely no volcanoes on this island, and a little is a fold of the earth's crust.

Madagascar, Baffin Island, Sumatra, Honshu

Madagascar is another island that ranks among the largest islands. The length from north to south is approximately 1600 kilometers, and from west to east 580 kilometers.

Judging by the size, it will be larger than France, Belgium, Holland and even Luxembourg. There are several other small islands near the northern part of the island.

Baffin Island - got its name in honor of the navigator of the ship. The currency on this island is the Canadian dollar.

Sumatra is one of the largest islands in Indonesia, which is known for dark sand, the ruins of ancient temple complexes. The climate on this island is quite hot and humid. It has many attractions: crocodile farm, picturesque canals of Palembang, green mountain valleys.

Honshu is the largest island in the Japanese archipelago. The climate on this island is monsoonal, in the north it is temperate, in the south it is subtropical.

80 percent of Japan's population lives here. There are many different attractions here. There are many natural parks on this island that amaze with their beauty.