The archipelago with an area of ​​300 km was inhabited by representatives. The World Archipelago in Dubai. Archipelagos located along the coast of Europe -

Work on the World Islands began in 2003 on the initiative of the Emir of Dubai, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, also known for other ambitious projects (for example, the famous Parus Hotel). The idea to create an artificial archipelago appeared after it became clear that coastline Persian Gulf there is not enough for everyone who wants to buy a piece of land near the water. The first sign was Palm Jumeirah - the same “palm tree” that today is one of the symbols. Almost immediately after it, 4 kilometers from the coast, the Nakheel company began to build The World(World).

Unlike Palm Jumeirah, the World Islands do not have a land connection with the mainland, so all building materials were delivered here only by water and air. Sand to create islands with an area of ​​14 to 83 thousand m2 was taken from the bottom of the Persian Gulf, and to prevent it from being washed away, a system of breakwaters was built around it.

Material for the construction of the islands was taken from the bottom of the Persian Gulf Photo of the period of construction of one of the islands

Initially, it was planned to create 7 “continents,” but since few people could afford such large areas of land, they decided to divide them into dozens of islands that could be purchased by private individuals. The very first appeared in 2004, it was called “Dubai”. By 2006, the Mir archipelago was almost ready, and two years later, about 70% of the territories were bought up by private investors.

However, the construction boom on The World Islands did not last long. In 2008, a large-scale financial crisis began, the consequences of which are still visible today. Construction sites were frozen, and projects to create hotels and luxury resorts were partially implemented only on the island of Lebanon. The situation only picked up steam in 2018, when Kleindienst decided to modernize part of the archipelago by adding facilities with artificial snow and ice. But the future will tell how successful these plans will be.

How to get to the World Archipelago in Dubai

It is almost impossible to get to the World Islands without being the owner of one of them. Even boat trips in this place are prohibited, except for a transfer to Lebanon, where the Royal Island beach club is located. A boat departs every hour from Fishing Harbor 1. For the excursion, you need to purchase a ticket that includes a boat ride and a visit to the club itself.

The exact address: La Rambla boulevard, building 19.

How to get there from Dubai Airport:

    Option 1

    Metro: From the stop at terminal 3, take the red line to Business Bay station in 27 minutes.

    Bus: at the metro station, change to bus number 9 and go to Al Arouba Street 1, the journey takes 10 minutes.

    On foot: walk 1 km.

    Option 2

    Bus: From the stop at terminal 1, take bus No. 32C to Satwa Roundabout 1, the journey takes 28 minutes.

    Bus: change to route No. 88 and drive to Suhail Bin Jumaa Masjid for 23 minutes.

    On foot: walk 1 km.

How to get there from Al Maktoum Airport:

    Option 1

    Bus: Take route No. F55 to the Ibn Battuta stop, the journey takes 37 minutes.

    Metro: From Ibn Battuta station, travel to Business Bay in 25 minutes.

    Bus: Route No. 9 gets to Al Arouba Street 1 in 10 minutes.

    On foot: walk 1 km.

    Option 2

    Bus: take route No. F55 to the Ibn Battuta stop in 37 minutes.

    Bus: change to route No. 8 and go to Rashid Al Hadees Masjid 2, the journey takes 1.5 hours.

The World Archipelago in Dubai on the map

What to see

The world's largest artificial archipelago, "Mir", occupies an area of ​​about 55 km 2, on which some islands are collected in groups, while others are located at a distance from each other. It was originally planned that this place would become a “resort for the elite” - filled with luxury villas, hotels and beach clubs for the most famous and rich people in the world. Several companies, having bought part of the islands, actually tried to implement such projects.

5-star hotels and a whole group of luxury villas were built on the island of Aquitainia, and Isla Moda was planned to be entirely dedicated to fashion. In addition to the resort infrastructure, they wanted to open boutiques of the most famous brands, a hotel designed by Karl Lagerfeld and several venues for fashion shows. On the 19 islands of “Australia” and “New Zealand”, Kuwaiti investors were going to put into operation the huge Oceana complex. As part of such a resort, the construction of residential buildings on the coast and on stilts, spa hotels with swimming pools and private villas began. However, all these projects “froze” at various stages of implementation.

At the same time, part of the territory of the Mir archipelago remained non-commercial. For example, the island of “Ethiopia” was bought by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie at a time when they were still married, “Antarctica” belongs to Michael Schumacher, and “Great Britain” belongs to billionaire Richard Branson. Most The Rossiya group was bought by Russian businessmen, with the exception of St. Petersburg, which is owned by the Kleindienst Group.

But the high cost of development on the islands, which are connected to the mainland only by air and water, led to the fact that only “Lebanon” was able to be opened to the general public. There is a beach club “The Royal Island”, which includes:

  • Huge swimming pool;
  • Volleyball court;
  • Two beaches with panoramic views;
  • Bar for parties and discos;
  • Mediterranean restaurant.

There are also rooms for relaxation, but they are only available during the day - when the beach club is open. Therefore, only day trips, during which you can sunbathe, swim in the pool or go on a short boat trip around the area. One of the advantages of such excursions is the small number of people; on some days the club’s visitors can easily be counted on the fingers of one hand.

Opening hours and ticket prices

Beach club “The Royal Island” on the island of “Lebanon” is open:

  • Every day from 11:00 to 18:00.

Ticket price including boat travel:

  • For adults - 300 AED ( ~6,393 rub. );
  • For children under 10 years old - 150 AED ( ~3,197 rub. ).
  • The largest artificial archipelago was planned to be made even larger - with the help of new islands they wanted to turn it into “The Universe” (The Universe project).
  • You can purchase one of the islands directly from the developer company only by personal invitation, which is sent by the most famous people peace.
  • During construction, coral reefs were moved to new locations. It is planned that they will be gradually populated by aquatic inhabitants, so that in a few years this formation will look completely natural.
  • In order to avoid stagnation of water in the straits, there is a forced circulation system - special blades on the breakwaters create artificial currents.
  • Construction is currently underway on the island of Sweden ski resort. There are already completed facilities in which closed presentations were held.

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Solovki is a canvas woven from spiritual strength and physical weakness, human joy and universal grief, willpower and betrayal, beautiful lies and ugly truth, the hiss of the surf and unique sunsets, silvery fish and the rustle of wings. It is stitched with heather roots and the rays of the sun, covered with snow and illuminated by the northern lights, flavored with blood, vodka and rain. The Solovki rinse in the White Sea winds, shimmering with all the colors of life, and rustle their stories to everyone who wants to hear them.

The Solovetsky Archipelago (Solovki) is located in the Onega Bay, 164 kilometers from the conventional line of the Arctic Circle. The archipelago consists of six large and about 260 small islands. Bolshoi Square Solovetsky Island- 221.8 km2, and the area of ​​the entire archipelago exceeds 300 km2. The highest point is Mount Verbokolskaya (88.2 m) at .


photo: Kirill Ponomarev

The geographical location of the archipelago has determined the emergence of its own microclimate: cherry trees bloom (but do not bear fruit) on the islands, cedar pines, maples, and hazel trees grow. Most of the archipelago is covered with coniferous and deciduous forests, but some areas are tundra and forest-tundra. The glacier played an important role in the formation of the archipelago. There are more than 600 fresh lakes in Solovki, which are home to perch, roach, pike, burbot, and trout. In the forests you can find white hare, fox, and squirrel. In rare years when the White Sea freezes, reindeer and elk come to visit. Among the marine animals are seals, beluga whales, bearded seals, and harp seals. The sea is home to catfish, lumpfish, flounder, cod, navaga and Solovetsky herring. The coastal strip of the archipelago is unusually rich in algae plantations - seaweed (kelp), fucus and ahnfeltia, from which agar-agar is extracted.


photo: Kirill Ponomarev

The history of the development of the Solovetsky archipelago goes back about 7,000 years. Ancient sites, mounds and seids were discovered here. The most mysterious monuments are the sanctuaries of the 3rd-2nd millennium BC, which include the famous. The main historical and architectural monuments of the archipelago are associated with the history of an influential spiritual monastery and the northernmost medieval fortress in the world. , reflected in the waters of the Holy Lake or the Bay of Prosperity, is one of the most popular and beloved views by tourists. During Soviet times, the first camp in the USSR was located on the archipelago special purpose, which marked the beginning of Stalin's Gulag. More than 1,000,000 prisoners passed through and their branches on the mainland.

Today the territory of the Solovetsky archipelago and the adjacent water area is a nature reserve. In 1992, the historical and architectural ensemble of the Solovetsky Monastery was included in the list World Heritage UNESCO, and in 1995 classified as a particularly valuable natural and historical heritage site in Russia.

text: based on materials from the guidebook “History of the Solovetsky Archipelago”, author Oleg Kodola

photo in the top block: Svetlana Ladkina, Anna Khazova, Igor Pavlov, Lyudmila Gagarinova, Evgeny Kondratyev, Nikolay Kvartnikov, Kirill Ponomarev


photo: Natalya Bochkareva

10

  • Square: 316 km 2
  • Population: 429,344 people
  • Density: 1432 people/km 2
  • Motto:"Valor and constancy"
  • Form of government: Parliamentary republic, democracy
  • Capital: Valletta

The Republic of Malta is an island state in the Mediterranean Sea. The name comes from the ancient Phoenician malat (“harbour”, “shelter”).

In 1964, Malta gained independence from Great Britain, and in 1974 a republic was proclaimed, but until 1979, when the last British naval base in Malta was liquidated, the British Queen was still considered the head of state.

The territory of Malta is represented by the Maltese archipelago, consisting mainly of the islands of Malta and Gozo. It also includes uninhabited islands St. Paul and Filfla, the sparsely populated island of Comino, as well as tiny Cominotto and Filfoletta. The length of Malta is 27 km, the width is 15 km (less than the diameter of the Moscow ring road highway). Gozo is half the size, and Comino is only 2 km long. Malta is the only country in Europe that does not have permanent rivers or natural lakes.

9


  • Square: 300 km 2
  • Population: 341,256 people
  • Density: 1,359 people/km 2
  • Form of government: Presidential republic
  • Capital: Male

The Republic of Maldives is a South Asian country and is located on a group of atolls consisting of 1,192 coral islets in the Indian Ocean south of India.

The islands do not rise much above sea level: the most high point archipelago - on the southern Addu (Sienu) atoll - 2.4 m. Thanks to this, the Maldives are known as the lowest located state.

The total area is 90 thousand km², the land area is 298 km 2. The capital Male, the only city and port of the archipelago, is located on the atoll of the same name.

As for tourism, it is worth noting that all the main beauties of the Maldives are located below sea level, but there are no special attractions on land. There is an unremarkable capital, Male, many similar uninhabited islands where people like to have picnics, as well as a kind of “action” - a fishing excursion. Perhaps the only notable overwater excursion is the “Photo Flight”, a seaplane flight over the islands. Other popular excursions are a yacht cruise or a submarine dive. The most common way of spending time among tourists in the Maldives is diving, since there are coral reefs near every island. In addition, windsurfing, catamaran, water skiing, snorkeling, beach volleyball, tennis, billiards, squash and darts.

8


  • Square: 261 km 2
  • Population: 51,538 people
  • Density: 164 people/km 2
  • Motto:“The state comes before personal interests”
  • Form of government: Parliamentary monarchy
  • Capital: Buster

Island state in the Caribbean Sea. Includes 2 islands - Saint Christopher, also known as Saint Kitts (Saint Kitts, St. Kitts), and Nevis, from the ridge of the Lesser Antilles. Both islands are of volcanic origin, mountainous. The total length of the coastline is 135 km.

Saint Kitts and Nevis is the smallest country in the Western Hemisphere, both in terms of area and population.

It is a member of the British Commonwealth, headed by the Queen of Great Britain.

Two traditional industries of St. Kitts and Nevis - Agriculture and tourism. The main agricultural crop is sugar cane (one third of cultivated land). On the island of Nevis, cotton, coconut palms, and pineapples are grown. Coffee trees, bananas, peanuts, yams, and rice are also cultivated. Livestock farming is developed - goats and sheep are raised. Fishing is also one of the traditional industries. However, agricultural production provides no more than half of domestic food needs.

7


  • Square: 181 km 2
  • Population: 53,158 people
  • Density: 293.7 people/km 2
  • Motto:"Achievement through common effort, Marshallese"
  • Form of government: Republic
  • Capital: Majuro

The Micronesian nation of the Marshall Islands is a cluster of atolls and islands located in the Pacific Ocean just north of the equator.

The Marshall Islands are named after British Captain John Marshall (also known as William Marshall), who, along with fellow Captain Thomas Gilbert, are named after neighboring islands Gilbert, explored the archipelago in 1788 while transporting prisoners to New South Wales.

The land area of ​​the Marshall Islands is only 181.3 km2, while the area occupied by lagoons is 11,673 km2. The country is located on 29 atolls and 5 outlying islands, which are divided into two groups: 18 islands in the Ralik chain (translated from Marshallese as “sunset”) and 16 islands in the Ratak chain (or Radak; translated from Marshallese as “sunrise”). . Both chains are approximately 250 km apart and stretch from northwest to southeast for approximately 1200 km. The most important islands are the Kwajalein and Majuro atolls. The largest island of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Kwajalein is also the atoll with the largest lagoon in the world.

6

  • Square: 160 km 2
  • Population: 37,313 people
  • Density: 229.56 people/km 2
  • Motto:"For God, Prince and Fatherland"
  • Form of government: nominally constitutional monarchy
  • Capital: Vaduz

Principality of Liechtenstein - dwarf state in Central Europe. Liechtenstein borders Austria in the east and Switzerland in the west, its territory is completely surrounded by the territories of these states.

The Principality is located in the spurs of the Alps, the highest point is Mount Grauspitz (2,599 m). One of the largest rivers flows through the western part of the country Western Europe- Rhine.

The Principality of Liechtenstein is a constitutional monarchy. The head of state is the prince. Legislative power belongs to the prince and the Landtag (parliament), Executive branch endowed with a government that is elected by the Landtag for its term of office and approved by the prince. The majority of the population speaks the Alemannic dialect of German.

This beautiful fairy-tale country, despite its very small size, is famous for its ancient history and rich cultural heritage. Picturesque natural landscapes, magnificent medieval architecture and, of course, fashionable ski resort famous all over the world.

The heart of Liechtenstein and its “pearl” is capital Vaduz. This is where most of the country's attractions are concentrated. Business card Not only the city, but the entire state is the magnificent princely castle of Vaduz. The beautiful architectural structure rises on a hill and can be seen from anywhere in the city.

5


  • Square: 61 km 2
  • Population: 32,742 people
  • Density: 520 people/km 2
  • Motto:"Freedom"
  • Form of government: parliamentary republic
  • Capital:

San Marino is located in Southern Europe, surrounded on all sides by Italian territory. Within its current borders, San Marino is the oldest state in Europe. The country is located on the southwestern slope of the triceps mountain range Monte Titano (738 m above sea level), rising above the hilly plain of the Apennine foothills.

The legendary foundation of San Marino dates back to the beginning of the 4th century. According to legend, in 301, a member of one of the first Christian communities from the island of Rab in the Adriatic Sea (the territory of modern Croatia), stonecutter Marino and his friends found refuge in the Apennines, on the top of Monte Titano. He opened quarries in the mountain, and then, seeking solitude, built himself a small cell on its top and retired from the world. The glory of his holy life attracted crowds of pilgrims to him, and soon a small monastery was formed near his cell. This monastery, named after its founder, Saint Marinus, undoubtedly existed already at the end of the 6th century and lived an independent life, not politically dependent on any of its neighbors.

San Marino has a republican form of government. The heads of state are two captain-regents appointed by the Great General Council.

Inbound tourism plays a significant role in the country's economy; up to 2 million people are involved in the tourism industry in the state every year, and more than 3 million tourists visit the country every year.

4


  • Square: 26 km 2
  • Population: 10,782 people
  • Density: 431.00 people/km 2
  • Motto:"Tuvalu - for Almighty God"
  • Form of government: monarchy
  • Capital: Funafuti

Tuvalu is a tiny state in Oceania with a population of about 11,000 people. Planes from Fiji fly here twice a week and almost certainly, in 50 years, this state will be under water, and now there is a targeted resettlement of local residents to other states, such as Fiji, New Zealand and Australia.

This Pacific nation is located in Polynesia and was called Ellis Islands until 1975. Modern name translated from the Tuvaluan language means “eight standing together” (referring to the eight traditionally inhabited islands of Tuvalu; the ninth - Niulakita - was settled relatively recently). The European discoverer of the islands, Alvaro Mendaña de Neira, named the archipelago the "Lagoon Islands", and in 1819 they received the name "Ellis Islands", which was used throughout almost the entire colonial era

Tuvalu is a collection of atolls and islands located in the Pacific Ocean just south of the equator. The land area of ​​Tuvalu is only 26 km 2, while the area occupied by lagoons is more than 494 km 2. The country is located on 5 atolls (Nanumea, Nui, Nukulaelae, Nukufetau, Funafuti), 3 low-lying coral islands (Nanumanga, Niulakita, Niutao) and one atoll/reef island (Vaitupu), stretching from northwest to southeast for 595 km .

A significant part of the population of Tuvalu lives in the capital and only city of the country, Funafuti - 47%.

3


  • Square: 21 km 2
  • Population: 9,488 people
  • Density: 473.43 people/km 2
  • Motto:"God's will comes first"
  • Form of government: parliamentary republic
  • Capital: There is no official capital; unofficial - the city of Yaren.

The Republic of Nauru is a dwarf state on the eponymous coral island in the western part Pacific Ocean. The origin of the word "Nauru" is unknown. As now, the Nauruans in the distant past called the island "Naoero".

There is no official capital or cities on the island. The presidential residence is located in Meneng District, while government offices and parliament are located in Yaren District. The entire population of the island lives along the coast, as well as around Lake Buada.

2

  • Square: 2.02 km 2
  • Population: 30,508 people
  • Density: 18,679 people/km 2
  • Motto:"God willing"
  • Form of government: dualistic constitutional monarchy
  • Capital:

A dwarf state associated with France, located in southern Europe on the coast of the Ligurian Sea near the French Cote d'Azur 20 km northeast of Nice; on land it borders with France. It is one of the smallest and most densely populated countries in the world. The Principality is widely known for its casino in Monte Carlo and the stage of the Formula 1 championship held here - the Monaco Grand Prix. The length of the coastline is 4.1 km, the length of land borders is 4.4 km. Over the past 20 years, the country's territory has increased by almost 40 hectares due to the drainage of marine areas.

The first people built their settlements on the territory of Monaco in the 10th century BC. e., they were Phoenicians. Much later the Greeks and Monoiki joined.

The history of modern Monaco begins in 1215 with the founding of a colony of the Genoese Republic on the territory of the principality and the construction of a fortress.

As of 2014, the population of Monaco is 37,800 people, but it is worth noting that most of the full citizens of the state are Monegasques. They are exempt from taxes and have the right to settle in the area of ​​the old city.

The economy of Monaco is developing mainly due to tourism, gambling, the construction of new residences, as well as due to media coverage of the life of the princely family.

1


  • Square: 0.44 km 2
  • Population: 842 people
  • Density: 1900 people/km 2
  • Form of government: absolute theocratic monarchy
  • Capital:

And, undoubtedly, the title of the most small state in the world belongs to the Vatican. Vatican City is a dwarf enclave state (the smallest officially recognized state in the world) within the territory of Rome, associated with Italy. The Vatican's status in international law is an auxiliary sovereign territory of the Holy See, the seat of the highest spiritual leadership of the Roman Catholic Church.

Diplomatic missions of foreign countries are accredited to the Holy See, not to the Vatican City State. Foreign embassies and missions accredited to the Holy See, due to the small territory of the Vatican, are located in Rome (including the Italian embassy, ​​which is thus located in its own capital.

In antiquity, the territory of the Vatican (lat. ager vaticanus) was not inhabited, since in Ancient Rome this place was considered holy. Emperor Claudius held circus games at this place. In 326, after the advent of Christianity, the Basilica of Constantine was erected over the supposed tomb of St. Peter, and from then on the site began to be inhabited.

The Vatican is a theocratic state ruled by the Holy See. The sovereign of the Holy See, in whose hands the absolute legislative, executive and judicial powers are concentrated, is the Pope, elected by the cardinals for a life term. After the death or abdication of the Pope and during the conclave until the enthronement of the new Pope, his duties (with significant restrictions) are performed by the Camerlengo.

The Vatican has a non-profit planned economy. Sources of income are primarily donations from Catholics around the world. Part of the funds comes from tourism (sale of postage stamps, Vatican euro coins, souvenirs, fees for visiting museums). The majority of the workforce (museum staff, gardeners, janitors, etc.) are Italian citizens.

The Vatican budget is US$310 million.

The Vatican has its own bank, better known as the Institute of Religious Affairs.

Incredible facts

It is incredibly difficult to calculate the total number of islands on our planet.

Every year new islands appear in the world, but the largest islands still remain in their places.

Here you can learn about both the world's largest islands and the largest island states ah and even the largest lake islands.

NOTE: Australia is still considered more of a continent than an island, but if we consider it an island, then it is the most big Island on Earth, with an area of ​​7,618,493 sq. km.

1. Greenland Island

On our planet the most big island Greenland says. Its local name is Kalallit-Nunaat. The area of ​​the island is 2,166,086 square meters. km.


Population (2016): 57,728 people.

Highest point: Gunbjorn (3,700 meters).

Region: Greenland.

A country: Denmark.

Facts about Greenland


* The capital of Greenland, Nuuk, is the smallest capital city in the world. Its population is only 15,105 people (as of July 2009).

* It is believed that Greenland was inhabited in prehistoric times by various Paleo-Eskimo groups. However archaeological research show that the Inuit settled here around 2500 BC.

* The first Europeans arrived here in 985. They were Norwegians and Icelanders. They were called the Norwegian Greenlanders.

You can find out the most interesting things about the beautiful island of Greenland just below or by clicking HERE .

2. Island of New Guinea

Area – 785,753 sq. km.



Highest point: 4884 meters.

Population (2010): 9,500,000 people.

Countries: Indonesia, Papua New Guinea.

Facts about New Guinea


Mount Bagan - active volcano. Height 1730.

* West Side The islands of New Guinea are located in Indonesia, and its eastern part is in the territory of the state of Papua New Guinea.

* New Guinea is the largest island divided between countries.

* 11,000 plant species live here, 600 rare species birds, more than 400 species of amphibians, more than 450 species of butterflies, and approximately 100 species of mammals.


* In ancient times, this island was connected to the Australian continent.

* New Guinea was discovered for Europe in the 16th century by Spanish and Portuguese sailors.

* The island received its name from the Spanish navigator Inigo Ortiz de Retes. When he arrived on the island in 1545, it seemed to him that the local people were very similar to the aborigines who live in African Guinea.

3. Borneo Island

Area - 748,168 sq. km.



Archipelago: Malay Archipelago.

A country: Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia.

Highest point: Mount Kinabalu, 4095 meters.

Population (2010): 19,800,000 people.

Facts about Borneo Island


* On this island grows the world's largest flower - Rafflesia, the smell of which, according to local residents, is similar to the smell of a decomposing corpse.

* Borneo has a tropical forest that is more than 130 million years old. It is home to many species of rare animals: the Sumatran rhinoceros, Asian elephant, Bornean clouded leopard and others.

4. Madagascar Island

Area - 587,713 sq. km.



A country: Madagascar.

Highest point: 2961 meters.

Population (2008): 20,042,552 people.

Facts about Madagascar


* Millions of years ago, Madagascar was part of the same land, Gondwana, and about 60 million years ago, this island was the first to separate from the mainland and thereby became the first island on our planet.

* The first people came to Madagascar about 2000 years ago.

* The first European to notice this island was the Portuguese navigator Diego Diaz. This happened at the beginning of the 16th century, and after that Madagascar became one of the most important trading points on the way to India.


* Malagasy, French and English are spoken on the island.

* Since the island is rich in iron and aluminum, it was nicknamed the Great Red Island.

* The country of Madagascar ranks first in the cultivation and export of vanilla.

5. Baffin Island

Area - 503,944 sq. km.



A country: Canada.

Region: Nunavut.

Highest point: 2147 meters.

Population (2007): 11,000 people.

Facts about Baffin Island


* Baffin Island is a very cold and virtually uninhabited place.

* Thor Peak, named after the Norse god, can be found here. It is worth noting that Thor Peak is the highest cliff on our planet.

* Baffin Island was named after the famous British explorer William Baffin, who first described the island in 1616. It is believed that Baffin is its discoverer.

* More than half of the island's territory is located beyond the Arctic Circle. For this reason, there are polar days and nights here.

6. Sumatra Island

Area - 443,066 sq. km.



A country: Indonesia.

Highest point: 3800 meters.

Population (2010): 50,600,000 people.

Facts about Sumatra


* The island is home to the Toba volcano, which is believed to have caused the last ice age. About 70,000 years ago, this volcano exploded and released thousands of cubic kilometers of ash into the air, obscuring the rays of the Sun for many years. Today, in the caldera of the Toba volcano there is a beautiful lake of the same name, and in its center there is another island - Samosir, inside which there is also a lake - Sidokhni.


* Scientists believe that the eruption of the Krakatoa volcano on the island led to the formation of a strait between the islands of Sumatra and Java. In 1883, the volcano exploded and, together with the island on which it was located, they sank to the bottom of the sea. Today, in its place a new mountain has formed - Anak-Krakatoa ("Child of Krakatoa"), which grows 7 meters every year.

* Batak tribes still live on the island. Before the adoption of Christianity, these tribes were cannibals.


* The most expensive coffee in the world, Kopi Luwak, is grown here in Sumatra. The fact is that there is only one animal on the island - the kopi luwak, which loves coffee berries. Of course, he chooses only the best berries. They are not completely digested by kopi-luwak. Locals they are collected, washed and roasted to create coffee.

7. Honshu Island

Area - 225,800 sq. km.



A country: Japan.

Highest point: 3776 meters.

Population (2010): 100,000,000 people.

Facts about Honshu Island


* On the island of Honshu there is Mount Fuji - the symbol of the land of the rising sun.


* Earthquakes are common here as Honshu is located at the intersection of 3 formation plates.

* The largest Japanese cities in Japan are also located here - Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Kyoto.

8. UK Island

Area - 229,957 sq. km.



Archipelago:British Isles.

A country: Great Britain.

Regions: England, Scotland, Wales.

Highest point: 1,344 meters.

Population (2011): 61,371,315 people.

Facts about Great Britain


* Great Britain is also called Albion, as it was previously known as the land of albinos. The Romans called the British Isles with the word “Britain” (lat. Britannia), which is where the name of this island came from. But they decided to add “Great” to the word “Britain” so that the country would be listed as a political unit. Today we have the island of Britain and a geopolitical unit called Great Britain.

* The Prime Meridian intersects the axis of the Greenwich Observatory located in London.

* Since the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a single state, then any person living on its territory can be called “British”, even if he is from Scotland or Northern Ireland.

9. Victoria Island

Area - 220,548 sq. km.



A country: Canada

Regions: Nunavut, Northwest Territories

Highest point: 665 meters

Population (2001): 1707 people.

Facts about Victoria Island


* Thomas Simpson was the first to discover this island in 1838. The British explorer decided to name the island after Queen of England Victoria, who was also Queen of Canada from 1867 to 1901.

* Here is the largest island within an island within an island.

10. Ellesmere Island

Area - 183,965 sq. km.



A country: Canada

Region: Nunavut.

Highest point: 2616 meters

Population (2006): 146 people.

Facts about Ellesmere Island


* Island decorated big mountains and ice fields. Ellesmere is the highest mountain part of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago.

* The island has been shrouded in ice since the last ice age, but only 1/3 of its territory is covered by glaciers.

10 largest island states in the world

1. Indonesia - 1,912,988 sq. km.

2. Madagascar - 587,041 sq. km.

3. Papua New Guinea - 462,840 sq. km.

4. Japan - 377,837 sq. km.

5. Philippines - 300,000 sq. km.

6. New Zealand - 270,534 sq. km.

7. UK - 242,910 sq. km.


8. Cuba - 110,860 sq. km.

9. Iceland - 103,000 sq. km.

10. Ireland - 70,273 sq. km.

10 largest volcanic islands

These islands were formed as a result of volcanic eruptions at the bottom of the sea.

1. Sumatra, Indonesia - 473,481 sq. km.



2. Honshu, Japan - 225,800 sq. km.



3. Java, Indonesia - 138,794 sq. km.



4. Northern, New Zealand - 111,583 sq. km.



5. Luzon, Philippines – 109,965 sq. km.



6. Iceland – 103,000 sq. km.



7. Mindanao, Philippines – 97,530 sq. km.



8. Hokkaido, Japan – 78,719 sq. km.



9. New Britain, Papua New Guinea – 35,145 sq. km.



10. Halmahera, Indonesia – 18,040 sq. km.



10 largest lake islands

1. Manitoulin, Lake Huron, Canada - 2,766 sq. km.



2. René-Levasseur, Manicouagan Reservoir, Quebec, Canada – 2,000 sq. km.



3. Olkhon, Lake Baikal, Russia - 730 sq. km.



4. Isle Royale, Lake Superior, Michigan, USA - 541 sq. km.



5. Ukerewe, Lake Victoria, Tanzania - 530 sq. km.