10

Most Populated Islands in the World

Although it would be nearly impossible to give an accurate count of all the world’s islands (simply because there are too many to count and too many variations on what defines an island), scientists estimated that there are about 11,000 permanently inhabited islands in the planet’s lakes, oceans, and seas. These islands are home to over 730 million people — nearly 10% of the world’s population — but even then, questions remain. For example, some might argue Australia is an island, since it is a body of land surrounded on all sides by water, but most others argue it is a continent. (To avoid confusion, Australia is not included on this list.) Wondering which islands are home to the most people? Here are the world’s 10 most populated islands.

10

Sri Lanka

Aerial view of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Credit: Madrugada Verde/ Shutterstock

Estimated population: 22 million

Separated from the southern tip of India by the Palk Strait, Sri Lanka is roughly the size of West Virginia, but much more densely populated. Much of the population is concentrated in the southern part of the island, where the country’s largest city and industrial center, Colombo, is located. These flat coastal areas give rise to the Central Highlands, a region of stunning mountains and land ridges recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rivers crisscross the island, providing a rich soil system for evergreen forests and terraced paddy fields. A variety of religions and cultural traditions coexist in Sri Lanka, with literature, art, and dance all dating back more than 2,500 years.

9

Hispaniola

Cana umbrella on white beach in Hispaniola lagoon.
Credit: Aleks Khan/ Shutterstock

Estimated population: 22 million

The Caribbean island of Hispaniola is the second-largest in the region by area (after Cuba) but home to the largest population, with over 20 million people calling the island home. Part of the Greater Antilles, it is divided into two countries: Haiti covers the western part of Hispaniola, while the eastern two-thirds comprise the Dominican Republic. The island was a key strategic spot for the Spanish during the colonial era. Today, much of the original forest has been removed to make room for cultivation of coffee, rice, tobacco, and cacao. The Dominican Republic also has a thriving tourist industry, while Haiti is home to a number of colonial landmarks.

8

Taiwan

Temple at Jiufen Old Street in Taipei, Taiwan.
Credit: f11photo/ Shutterstock

Estimated population: 24 million

The island of Taiwan has a land area of about 14,000 square miles, but almost 24 million people are packed into that space, making it one of the most densely populated places on Earth. While Taiwan is widely known for its manufacturing industries, the country also has much to offer tourists, including the National Palace Museum and its permanent collection of more than 650,000 ancient Chinese artifacts. The 89th-floor observation deck of Taipei 101 (once the tallest building in the world) offers gorgeous views of the Taipei skyline. And you won’t go hungry when exploring the capital: There are night markets galore, with plenty of opportunities to try Taiwan’s beloved dumplings.

7

Mindanao, The Philippines

Fishing village with wooden houses on stilts in the Mindanao, Philippines.
Credit: Alex Traveler/ Shutterstock

Estimated population: 26 million

Mindanao is the second-most populous island in the Philippines, but despite the island being home to over 26 million people, it’s still possible to find secluded spots away from the crowds. Mount Apo, the country’s highest peak at 9,692 feet above sea level, is technically still an active volcano, although, like most throughout the archipelago, it hasn’t erupted in many years. There are beach resorts around the island, and water sports such as scuba diving and surfing are a big attraction. One added bonus is the climate: May is the warmest month with an average temperature of 83 degrees Fahrenheit, but even the coolest month, January, enjoys an average of 78 degrees Fahrenheit.

6

Madagascar

Beautiful Baobab trees at sunset at the avenue of the baobabs in Madagascar.
Credit: Framalicious/ Shutterstock

Estimated population: 28 million

The fourth-largest island in the world by area, Madagascar brings together both African and South Asian cultures. Although it lies just 250 miles off the coast of Mozambique, much of the population is culturally closer to the former French colonies of western Africa. A major attraction of Madagascar is its wildlife. The island's geographic isolation means that 90% of species here are endemic, including 40 species of lemurs and multiple varieties of birds, butterflies, and chameleons. In terms of island culture, the Zafimaniry community has earned a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its decorative woodcraft tradition.

5

Sumatra, Indonesia

A view of the countryside in Sumatra, Indonesia.
Credit: milosk50/ Shutterstock

Estimated population: 50 million

Sumatra is the second-largest and the second-most populated island in the Asian nation of Indonesia. Although you certainly won’t be exploring the island alone, Sumatra has much to offer visitors who want to get off the beaten path. Large expanses of the island’s rainforests remain unspoiled. On the southern part of the island, Sembilang National Park is home to several endangered species, including the Sumatran tiger and the siamang, a black-furred gibbon primate, as well as elephants, bears, leopards, and more than 213 species of birds.

4

Luzon, Philippines

Village in Cordillera mountains, Luzon, Philippines.
Credit: joyfull/ Shutterstock

Estimated population: 53 million

The Philippines consists of more than 7,000 islands, but even so, more than half of the nation’s population lives on Luzon. The capital city, Manila, is a bustling hub of culture and shopping. Spanish colonial architecture lines the streets, and the city is also home to one of the world’s oldest Chinatowns. In the north, Balbalasang Balbalan National Park is a biodiverse forest park, protected by local elders. Luzon is also rich in natural resources: Iron, copper, gold, and manganese are all mined here, while coconuts, rice, sugar, mangoes, and bananas are key agricultural crops.

3

Great Britain

The great bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London.
Credit: David Steele/ Shutterstock

Estimated population: 65 million

Great Britain is an island consisting of the countries of England, Scotland, and Wales. Together with Northern Ireland and various other island communities off the coast, it makes up the United Kingdom. The U.K. capital, London, is located here, as are Edinburgh and Cardiff, the Scottish and Welsh capitals. With a rich history stretching back more than 5,000 years, the island has plenty to explore. Popular tourist destinations include Stonehenge, castles, and the island’s many coastal resorts. Further north, the more rugged terrain is suitable for climbing and other outdoor adventures.

2

Honshu, Japan

Mount Fuji and fog at sunrise from Lake Kawaguchi.
Credit: BAMBELL/ Shutterstock

Estimated population: 104 million

Honshu, Japan’s largest island, is also the second-most populous island in the world. Many of the country’s biggest cities — including Tokyo (the world’s most populous city), Yokohama, Osaka, and Kyoto — are found on Honshu, and are all extremely densely populated. The island’s highest mountain, Mount Fuji, is a treasured national symbol, while Biwa, Japan’s largest lake and a popular tourist resort, is also located on Honshu. Like the rest of Japan, Honshu offers a fascinating mix of the ultramodern and the traditional — even among the bright lights of Tokyo’s business district, you can easily turn a corner to find a Shinto shrine.

1

Java, Indonesia

A view of a volcano at sunrise in Tengger Semeru National Park in east Java, Indonesia.
Credit: lkunl/ Shutterstock

Estimated population: 156 million

Java tops the list as the world’s most populous island. Although it is not the largest island in Indonesia by area, it is where more than half of the country’s population lives. Located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Java is home to many volcanoes, including Mount Semeru, the highest peak on the island. The large number of volcanoes makes for rich, fertile soil, and dense rainforests and bamboo woodlands cover much of the island.. The population density on the island is an average of 2,600 people per square mile, but don’t let this fool you: While the cities are growing rapidly, much of Java’s population is still very rural.

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