List of island countries


This is a list of island countries. An island is a landmass that is surrounded by water. Many island countries are spread over an archipelago, as is the case with the Federated States of Micronesia and Indonesia. Others consist of a single island, such as Nauru, or part of an island, such as Haiti. Although Australia is designated as a continent, it is often referred to as an island, as it has no land borders. Some declared island countries are not universally recognized as politically independent, such as Northern Cyprus. Some states, such as Taiwan, officially claim to hold continental territories but are de facto limited to control over islands. Indonesia is the world's largest island country by area, and by total number the islands ; it is also the world's most populous island country, with a population of 255,461,700.

Current

Sovereign states and states with limited recognition

Associated states, dependencies and other notable territories

Former nations