Islands capture the imagination like few other geographic features. From the chilly, remote archipelagos of the north to sun-drenched tropical gems, islands shape the character of many nations. But which countries have the most islands?
Using the latest data, here is the definitive list of the top 30 countries by number of islands, counting down from number 30 all the way to the top. And we are not gonna lie, there are some doozies on this list.
30. Malaysia – 878 islands
Known for its stunning beaches and rich biodiversity, Malaysia’s islands sit mostly in the South China Sea and along its peninsular coasts.
29. Solomon Islands – 900 islands
A Pacific nation with nearly a thousand islands, the Solomon Islands are famed for WWII history and vibrant indigenous cultures.
28. Myanmar – 1,000 islands
Stretching along the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea, Myanmar’s islands offer unspoiled natural beauty and hidden temples.
27. United Kingdom – 1,000 islands
The UK’s islands range from Scotland’s rugged Outer Hebrides to tiny islets dotting the English Channel.
26. Marshall Islands – 1,156 islands
In the central Pacific, the Marshall Islands are coral atolls and volcanic islands, with deep cultural traditions and World War relics.
25. Maldives – 1,196 islands
Famous for luxury resorts and turquoise waters, the Maldives consists of low-lying coral atolls scattered across the Indian Ocean.
24. India – 1,200 islands
India’s island groups include the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago and the Lakshadweep islands, each rich in culture and natural splendor.
23. Croatia – 1,246 islands
The Adriatic Sea is home to Croatia’s island playground, ranging from tourist hotspots like Hvar to quiet, forested retreats.
22. Saudi Arabia – 1,285 islands
Mostly in the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia’s islands are less known but have unique ecosystems and history.
21. Papua New Guinea – 1,400 islands
Papua New Guinea’s islands are a vast mix of rainforests, coral reefs, and culturally diverse communities.
20. Denmark – 1,419 islands
From the large island of Zealand to countless smaller islets, Denmark’s islands are steeped in Viking history and modern charm.
19. Thailand – 1,430 islands
Thailand’s islands in the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand are legendary for beaches, nightlife, and natural beauty.
18. Estonia – 1,520 islands
The Baltic Sea’s quiet escape, Estonia’s islands are peaceful, with traditional villages and rich natural habitats.
17. Greece – 3,054 islands
Greece boasts thousands of islands scattered across the Aegean and Ionian Seas, famous for history, culture, and sun-drenched shores.
16. North Korea – 3,579 islands
Less explored internationally, North Korea’s islands are rugged and relatively untouched.
15. Vietnam – 4,000 islands
Vietnam’s islands in the Gulf of Tonkin and South China Sea offer a blend of natural beauty and historical sites.
14. Cuba – 4,195 islands
Cuba’s archipelago includes pristine keys and cays beyond the main island, rich in music, culture, and wildlife.
13. South Korea – 4,400 islands
South Korea’s southern coast is a maze of islands, from the popular Jeju to tiny fishing communities.
12. China – 5,000 islands
China’s coastline includes thousands of islands with strategic importance and rich ecosystems.
11. Chile – 5,000 islands
Chile’s southern archipelagos are wild and beautiful, perfect for adventurers seeking remote landscapes.
10. Philippines – 7,641 islands
One of the world’s largest archipelagos, the Philippines is known for its tropical islands and diverse cultures.
9. Australia – 8,222 islands
Australia’s islands stretch from coral reefs like the Great Barrier Reef to rugged southern coasts.
8. Russia – 12,000 islands
Russia’s islands cover vast territories from the Arctic Ocean to the Pacific, often remote and wild.
7. Japan – 14,125 islands
Japan’s islands range from densely populated urban hubs to serene countryside and subtropical isles.
6. Indonesia – 18,307 islands
Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago nation, offering unmatched diversity in culture, wildlife, and landscapes.
5. United States – 18,617 islands
The US boasts a huge variety of islands, from Alaska’s Aleutians to Florida’s Keys and Pacific atolls.
4. Finland – 40,000 islands
Finland’s islands cluster in the Baltic Sea and lake regions, known for peaceful wilderness and quaint villages.
3. Canada – 52,455 islands
Canada’s islands stretch across the Arctic, Atlantic, and Pacific coasts, mostly remote and sparsely populated.
2. Sweden – 221,831 islands
Sweden’s islands are vast in number, scattered mainly in the Baltic Sea and along the rugged coastline.
1. Norway – 239,057 islands
Topping the list, Norway has the most islands of any country. Its fjord-lined coast is famously dotted with islands of all sizes, from tiny rocky outcrops to large inhabited islands, shaped by glacial forces over millennia.
From Norway’s icy north to the tropical paradise of Indonesia, this list reveals just how diverse the world’s islands are, both in geography and culture. For island lovers, it’s a guide to the greatest island nations to explore.
And we even forgot Islandia.
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