Which Country Has the Most Islands? See the Top 10 List

Can you guess which country has the most islands? You might think it’s somewhere tropical, but the answer will definitely surprise you. Some countries have so many islands, they’ve literally lost count. From chilly northern coasts to sunny tropical chains, these nations are packed with thousands — even hundreds of thousands — of islands.Whether you're into white-sand beaches, misty fjords, or remote hideaways, this list is your ticket to discovering the planet’s most island-filled countries. So grab your flip-flops or hiking boots — we’re heading out on an epic island-counting adventure.

1. Sweden – 267,570 Islands

Sweden’s islands are mostly uninhabited, scattered across serene lakes and along its rugged coastlines. The vast Stockholm Archipelago is one of the most well-known, where pine-covered islets meet the Baltic Sea. From Lapland’s isolated patches of land to southern archipelagos, these islands represent a harmonious balance between wilderness and water. Many remain untouched, preserving the natural beauty and quiet charm that define Sweden’s expansive and often surprising island landscape.

Top 10 Largest Islands in Sweden:

  • Gotland is Sweden’s largest island and a Baltic Sea beauty known for medieval ruins, limestone cliffs, and the charming town of Visby.
  • Öland features windmills, ancient forts, and sunny beaches — it’s Sweden’s summer escape spot.
  • Orust is a quiet island on the west coast, perfect for sailing and seafood-lovers.
  • Hisingen, located in Gothenburg, blends urban life with lush green spaces.
  • Värmdö sits in the Stockholm Archipelago and offers picturesque cottages and pine forests.
  • Tjörn is an artsy island, home to the famous Nordic Watercolour Museum.
  • Väddö stretches along the Roslagen coast, with peaceful beaches and kayaking routes.
  • Fårö is a windswept gem just north of Gotland, known for its stone formations and as the home of filmmaker Ingmar Bergman.
  • Ekerö, part of the capital region, houses royal palaces and lakeside tranquility.
  • Lidingö combines Stockholm suburb charm with nature reserves and hiking trails.

2. Norway – 239,057 Islands

Norway’s islands are shaped by ancient glaciers and dramatic coastlines, stretching from the southern coast all the way into the Arctic Circle. The islands are varied—some rocky and uninhabited, others home to fishing communities and striking fjords. The northern islands, especially the Lofoten and Svalbard archipelagos, present otherworldly scenery with towering peaks, icy waters, and wildlife. These islands form an essential part of Norway’s maritime identity and cultural heritage.

Top 10 Largest Islands in Norway:

  • Spitsbergen is the largest island in Svalbard, known for glaciers, polar bears, and Arctic expeditions.
  • Hinnøya offers rugged fjords, snowcapped peaks, and cozy fishing villages.
  • Senja is often called "Norway in miniature" due to its diverse landscapes.
  • Langøya is part of the Vesterålen archipelago and a hotspot for whale watching.
  • Sørøya is known for its dramatic cliffs and vibrant fishing heritage.
  • Kvaløya near Tromsø offers reindeer sightings, mountains, and midnight sun hikes.
  • Ringvassøya is peaceful and wild, with lakes, moors, and untouched nature.
  • Andøya boasts black sand beaches and scenic drives along the coast.
  • Stjernøya is a remote and mountainous island, rich in minerals and solitude.
  • Osterøy lies inland near Bergen and is known for its forested hills and cultural sites.

3.Finland – 178,947 Islands

Finland’s islands are found in both coastal waters and inland lakes, forming a network of natural retreats that define the Finnish landscape. The southwestern Archipelago Sea is among the world’s densest island regions, while Lake Saimaa hosts countless freshwater islets. The islands are tranquil, covered in forests and often accessible only by boat. They play a key role in Finland’s connection to nature, offering seclusion and timeless Nordic scenery.

Top 10 Largest Islands in Finland:

  • Soisalo is often mistaken as a peninsula, but it’s a massive inland lake island.
  • Sääminginsalo lies within Lake Saimaa and is one of Europe’s largest lake islands.
  • Hailuoto sits in the Gulf of Bothnia and is known for its sand dunes and birdlife.
  • Kimitoön mixes Swedish-speaking culture, old manors, and coastal charm.
  • Otava is a scenic and forested island within the lake region of eastern Finland.
  • Replot connects to the mainland by Finland’s longest bridge and features quaint villages.
  • Hirvensalo is a green, residential island just outside the city of Turku.
  • Kemiönsaari (also called Kimitoön) has serene forests, historic ironworks, and a Swedish heritage.
  • Luvia sits in the Bothnian Sea with a rocky coastline and quiet harbors.
  • Luonnonmaa, near Naantali, is home to the President’s summer residence and peaceful trails.

4. Canada – 52,445 Islands

Canada’s islands span three oceans and countless lakes, from the Arctic Archipelago to coastal British Columbia and the Atlantic Maritimes. These islands range from icy tundra environments to temperate rainforests and rocky river isles. The variety is staggering — some host entire communities, while others are untouched wilderness. Together, they showcase Canada’s immense geographic diversity and its deep connection to both land and water across a vast northern expanse.

Top 10 Largest Islands in Canada:

  • Baffin Island is the largest, filled with dramatic Arctic peaks and Inuit culture.
  • Victoria Island, partly shared with Nunavut and NWT, has stark tundras and caribou herds.
  • Ellesmere Island is remote and icy, home to glaciers and polar wildlife.
  • Newfoundland is full of charming fishing towns, puffins, and rich maritime history.
  • Banks Island is an Arctic treasure where muskox roam and few humans tread.
  • Devon Island is the largest uninhabited island in the world and used for Mars research.
  • Axel Heiberg Island features otherworldly landscapes and ancient fossil forests.
  • Melville Island is cold and isolated, known for its harsh beauty and rare visits.
  • Southampton Island lies at the entrance to Hudson Bay, with vibrant Indigenous traditions.
  • Prince of Wales Island has vast flat tundras and important ecological zones.
  • 5. Indonesia – 17,508 Islands

    Indonesia is an immense archipelago stretching across the equator, comprising over 17,000 islands. These islands vary from large, bustling hubs like Java and Sumatra to tiny, remote islets in the eastern seas. The landscape includes volcanic peaks, lush jungles, coral-fringed shores, and ancient temples. Indonesia’s islands are culturally diverse, with hundreds of languages and traditions. Together, they form a complex, living mosaic of cultures, climates, and biodiversity.

    Top 10 Largest Islands in Indonesia:

  • New Guinea (shared with Papua New Guinea) is home to highlands, rainforests, and Indigenous tribes.
  • Borneo (shared with Malaysia and Brunei) is known for orangutans, jungles, and rich biodiversity.
  • Sumatra features volcanoes, lakes, and some of the world’s rarest species.
  • Sulawesi has a wild, twisty shape and cultures unlike anywhere else in the country.
  • Java is Indonesia’s most populous island, filled with temples, cities, and rice fields.
  • Halmahera is rich in wildlife and lies in the remote Maluku Islands.
  • Seram offers mountainous jungle terrain and mystical local legends.
  • Sumbawa is known for surf spots, volcanoes, and raw beauty.
  • Flores features rugged hills, diving hotspots, and access to Komodo dragons.
  • Lombok is a quiet alternative to Bali with beaches, waterfalls, and hiking on Mount Rinjani.
  • 6. Australia – 8,222 Islands

    Australia’s island count includes tropical reef atolls, continental landmasses, and remote ocean outposts. Tasmania is the largest, offering cool-climate wilderness, while the northern Torres Strait and Coral Sea islands are rich in Indigenous culture and marine life. Many of the islands are protected as national parks or heritage sites. Scattered along both coastlines and offshore reefs, these islands reveal a lesser-known dimension of Australia’s diverse and vast geography.

    Top 10 Largest Islands in Australia:

  • Tasmania is a lush island state with wild national parks and a booming food scene.
  • Melville Island, part of the Tiwi Islands, offers rich Aboriginal traditions and tropical landscapes.
  • Kangaroo Island is a wildlife sanctuary with rugged cliffs and sea lions.
  • Groote Eylandt is mineral-rich and culturally significant for the Anindilyakwa people.
  • Bathurst Island shares the Tiwi culture and offers untouched natural beauty.
  • Fraser Island (K'gari) is the world’s largest sand island and a UNESCO site.
  • Mornington Island is home to Aboriginal communities and remote Gulf coastlines.
  • King Island sits between Tasmania and Victoria, known for its cheese and lighthouses.
  • Flinders Island offers mountain peaks, quiet beaches, and abundant wildlife.
  • Phillip Island is famous for its nightly penguin parade and motorsports events.
  • 7. Japan – 14,125 Islands

    Japan’s islands span from the snowy north to the subtropical south, creating a nation of rich geographical contrasts. The four main islands — Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku — are home to most of the population, while the remaining thousands form remote, isolated landscapes. Volcanic in origin, many islands host hot springs, dense forests, and dramatic coastlines. Together, they form a nation where tradition and nature are intimately woven into daily life.

    Top 10 Largest Islands in Japan:

  • Honshu is the heart of Japan, home to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Mount Fuji.
  • Hokkaido boasts ski resorts, lavender fields, and vast natural parks.
  • Kyushu features volcanoes, hot springs, and a subtropical vibe.
  • Shikoku is famous for its 88-temple pilgrimage and peaceful countryside.
  • Okinawa Island is Japan’s tropical getaway with clear waters and Ryukyuan culture.
  • Sado Island has gold mine history, traditional taiko drumming, and scenic coasts.
  • Amami Ōshima offers coral reefs, mangroves, and an easygoing southern atmosphere.
  • Tsushima lies between Korea and Japan and has a fascinating cross-cultural history.
  • Yakushima is a UNESCO site with ancient cedar trees and mystical forests.
  • Tanegashima is where Japan launches space rockets — blending nature and technology.
  • 8. United States – 18,617 Islands

    The United States encompasses a wide variety of islands across the Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic Oceans, as well as inland waterways. From Hawaii’s volcanic chain to the rocky isles of Maine and the barrier islands of the Gulf, each region offers distinct climates and ecosystems. Alaska alone has thousands of islands, some remote and frozen. U.S. islands reflect the country's geographic diversity, cultural breadth, and ecological richness.

    Top 10 Largest Islands in United States:

  • Hawaii (Big Island) features active volcanoes, black sand beaches, and dramatic lava fields.
  • Kodiak Island is a wilderness haven in Alaska known for giant brown bears.
  • Puerto Rico is a Caribbean territory full of Spanish colonial charm and tropical flair.
  • Prince of Wales Island has dense forests and is part of the stunning Alaska Panhandle.
  • Chichagof Island is known for its high bear population and rugged wilderness.
  • St. Lawrence Island sits in the Bering Sea, home to Yupik communities.
  • Admiralty Island is mostly protected wilderness and home to more bears than people.
  • Long Island is a bustling suburb of NYC with beaches, wineries, and surfing.
  • Maui boasts waterfalls, volcanic peaks, and some of Hawaii’s best beaches.
  • Oahu is where you’ll find Honolulu, Waikiki, and famous surf breaks like the North Shore.
  • 9. Chile – 43,421 Islands

    Chile’s islands stretch along its long Pacific coastline and deep into the fjords of Patagonia. From the isolated Juan Fernández Islands to the mythic Chiloé, each carries its own legends and landscapes. The southern regions are home to icy, rugged archipelagos shaped by glaciers and wind. Chilean islands often feel timeless, shrouded in mystery and natural power, and are some of the most remote and windswept in the Southern Hemisphere.

    Top 10 Largest Islands in Chile:

    • Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego is windswept and wild, shared with Argentina.
    • Isla Riesco lies in Patagonia with glaciers, forests, and raw scenery.
    • Wellington Island is heavily fjorded and a true explorer’s paradise.
    • Chiloé Island has colorful wooden churches and mystical folklore.
    • Isla Madre de Dios is home to limestone caves and extreme weather.
    • Navarino Island features Puerto Williams, the world’s southernmost town.
    • Santa Inés Island is glacial and rugged, set in the icy south.
    • Hoste Island is remote, hauntingly beautiful, and barely touched by humans.
    • Clarence Island offers mountains, mist, and deep southern silence.
    • Desolación Island lives up to its name with wild coasts and windswept terrain.

    10. Philippines – 7,641 Islands

    The Philippines is a sprawling tropical archipelago, with islands scattered across turquoise seas and ringed by coral reefs. Each island offers a different slice of life—from bustling cities and colonial towns to quiet fishing villages and untouched jungles. The geography includes mountains, volcanoes, white-sand beaches, and mangrove forests. Deeply shaped by history and nature, the islands form a diverse and vibrant tapestry that defines the country’s cultural and natural identity.

    Top 10 Largest Islands in Philippines:

    • Luzon is the largest and most populous, home to Manila and mountain escapes.
    • Mindanao blends tropical coastlines with lush highlands and diverse cultures.
    • Samar has rugged forests, caves, and untouched coastal beauty.
    • Negros is a mix of volcanoes, sugar plantations, and marine life.
    • Palawan is a paradise of limestone cliffs, lagoons, and hidden beaches.
    • Panay is home to lively cities and Boracay, one of the country’s most famous islands.
    • Mindoro features diving spots and mountainous interiors full of biodiversity.
    • Leyte is known for World War II history and natural hot springs.
    • Cebu combines urban energy with beach resorts and whale shark encounters.
    • Bohol is famous for its Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, and white-sand shores.

    Who knew the world had so many islands hiding in plain sight? From Sweden’s jaw-dropping total to Indonesia’s tropical maze, these countries are an island lover’s dream come true. Whether you’re planning a laid-back escape or plotting a wild adventure across archipelagos, one thing’s clear — there’s a lot of island magic out there.


    Posted 
    Jul 8, 2025
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