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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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.
More from
Islands Discoveries
Category
The Best Islands for Remote Work
