Island states of Europe, Asia, America. List of island states of the world
Many countries, for example Spain, are not only the mainland, but also islands - in in this case, the famous Ibiza, Tenerife, Mallorca, etc. However, there are countries that are entirely located exclusively on islands. Currently, among the 194 independent states of the world, 47 are island states. In principle, Australia can also be counted among them. Although this country is located on a continent, it has no land borders, and this is typical for island states. Many of these countries can offer luxurious holiday conditions and magnificent views. 13 of the most beautiful island states in the world are presented to you.
Singapore
Singapore is one of the richest island countries in the world. The city-state is located on an island near south end The Malay Peninsula, whose area is only about 720 sq. km., making Singapore one of the smallest countries in South East Asia. The beauty of this country lies not so much in the natural formations, but in amazing buildings, unusual designs and Asian charm.
Jamaica
The name of this country and island comes from a corruption of the Indian word “haimaka”, which literally means “island of springs”. Indeed, the island has many small but very picturesque rivers and streams. And the island in the Caribbean Sea has wonderful hills, coral sand beaches, high mountains and dense forests occupying a fifth of the island. 
Seychelles
Seychelles is a beautiful archipelago of 115 islands in Indian Ocean with the most beautiful beaches and gorgeous exotic nature. It's no wonder that the Seychelles is so popular among tourists all over the world! 
Mauritius
The state of Mauritius is located in the Indian Ocean, in East Africa. The republic includes two large islands, Mauritius and Rodrigues, as well as the Cargados-Carajos archipelago, the Agalega Islands and many small islands. The nature of Mauritius is good: the shores are fringed with coral reefs, sugar cane plantations sway in picturesque valleys, plateaus and mountains are cut by hundreds of small rivers, waterfalls thunder in the jungle, and craters extinct volcanoes exude a thin smoke. 
Iceland
We are transported from the warm islands to the northern Atlantic islands. Iceland is an intriguing and fascinating country, and it is located on a large island of the same name and small islands around it. By the way, Iceland is the most big Island of volcanic origin, and some volcanoes periodically erupt lava, breaking through ice crusts. 
Japan
The fourth largest island state by area is one of the most distinctive countries in the world. Here the West meets the East, giving birth to an amazing culture. Japanese cities are entire multi-layered anthills, and Japanese nature, especially cherry blossoms, has inspired many poets and writers. Japan is covered with a dense network of short, deep rivers, there are many quiet lakes, and probably everyone has heard about Mount Fuji. 
Fiji
Amazing country in the southern part Pacific Ocean It is very popular among surfers all over the world for its gorgeous waves and luxurious beaches. Fiji is made up of 332 volcanic and coral islets covered with mangroves, humid tropical forests and savannas. 
Saint Lucia
This state is one of the smallest among the islands: its area is only 620 km². The island in the Caribbean was discovered by Columbus in 1502 on St. Lucia's Day - hence the name. True, the picturesque island was inhabited by warlike Carib Indians, so at first it was not possible to resettle Europeans there. Today, the official language of the state is English, although Patois is spoken among a significant part of the population. 
Palau
Palau is even smaller than Saint Lucia. This state is located in the east of the Philippines, in the waters of the Pacific Ocean, on a scattering of small atolls formed on the tops of underwater volcanoes. The underwater world off the coast of Palau is so good that it has even been declared an underwater wonder of the world; the gardens and forests of the islands are thickets of orchids and exotic flowers, and the lakes are home to millions of jellyfish. 
Madagascar
Let's jump from one of the smallest island states to the second largest - Madagascar. The island in the Indian Ocean, south of the African continent, is home to 5% of all animal and plant species on this planet, of which more than 80% are endemic. 
Cuba
A charming island with a famous history boasts white sandy beaches, blue waters and the best coral reefs in the world, and Cuban culture is amazingly interesting and colorful. Viva la Cuba! 
Kiribati
Most likely, you have never heard of this state. But in vain, because this is one of the most beautiful island countries in the world. The state located in the Pacific Ocean is located on 33 atolls, twenty of which are uninhabited. There are only 100 thousand people living in the entire country - Tungar and Banaba aborigines who speak their own language, Kiribati. 
Maldives
The area of this state is only 298 sq.m., but it is known throughout the world for its expensive exclusive resorts with a high level of service. Islands in the heart of the Indian Ocean are often chosen by newlyweds for honeymoon– it’s so romantic there! 
A country whose territory is entirely within an archipelago and is in no way connected to the mainland is called an “island state.” Of the 194 officially recognized countries in the world, 47 are considered such. They should be distinguished from coastal territories and political entities that generally do not have access to the sea. Most often, the island states of the world are located near the edges of the continents, but some, such as the archipelagos of Oceania, may be located at a sufficient distance from coastline. For ease of classification, countries are divided into groups. The main criterion for division is belonging to one or another part of the world or continent. Let's take a closer look at each of them.
Europe
2. Japan
The oldest East Asian state. Located on (the largest of them is Honshu, followed by Hokkaido, Shikoku and Kyushu) and the Ryukyu archipelagos (the largest large object- Okinawa) and Nampo. A dangerous seismic zone passes through the country. The capital Tokyo is located in the center of the island of Honshu.
3. Philippines
Often island states are located on archipelagos of the same name. The Republic of the Philippines is a clear confirmation of this. The capital of this country in Southeast Asia is the city of Manila on the island of Luzon. This state is considered one of the poorest in Asia.
4. Sri Lanka
Small South Asian state. The territory is located directly on the island of the same name, south of Hindustan. The capital is Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte. She is best known for her historical name- Ceylon has also been famous since ancient times for its unique varieties of mountain tea.
5. Republic of China
A partially recognized state located in Southeast Asia. Located on the island of Taiwan and several adjacent archipelagos, the capital is Taipei. A major commercial and economic area on the Asian coast.
6. East Timor
The state in the southern part of the Malay Archipelago occupies eastern part Timor and the small islands of Atauru and Jacu. Capital and The largest city- Dili.
7. Brunei
The state belongs to Southeast Asia. Located on which is part of the Bolshoi Sunda Archipelago. One of the smallest states in the Asian region and the whole world. The capital is a large and picturesque city With exotic name Bandar Seri Begawan, which is translated from the local language as “The City of His Lordship.”
8. Bahrain
A small island state, geographically located in South-West Asia, on the island of the same name in the Persian Gulf. It is very rich in oil and is one of the active members of OPEC. The capital and main economic center of the country is the city of Manama.
9. Singapore
This country belongs to the Southeast Asia region. It lies on the territory of 63 islands, the largest of which are Singapore, Ubin, and Sentosa. It is a free trade and economic zone in Asia. The capital is the city of the same name on the main island with an identical name.
10. Maldives
A state located on a group of atolls of the same name in South Asia. It is no secret to many that this is the most picturesque and attractive country for tourism in the world. The only city of Male is the capital and a major tourist center. Approximately 97% of the territory is occupied by water surface.
America
Almost all of the island states of America are located in the Atlantic Ocean and are washed by warm waters. Gulf of Mexico and restless Caribbean Sea. This part of the world is sometimes called the West Indies. In the past, these territories were under the rule of large European colonialists, but currently they have the status of independent countries.
The island states of this region are located on the territory of the Large (the largest is Cuba, followed by Haiti and Puerto Rico) and Small (Leeward and Windward) Antilles, Bahamas and other small archipelagos. The countries are distinguished by a special warm Caribbean climate and picturesque nature with lush reed thickets.
Island states of America: Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Bahamas, also Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Dominica, St. Lucia, along with Barbados, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and countries such as Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis.
Other island states
Besides listed countries, it is worth highlighting island and Oceania as a separate group. Independent African territories in the east include Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritius and Seychelles, and in the west - Sao Tome and Principe, Cape Verde. Basically, the territories of these countries are located on the archipelagos of the same name.
The islands are divided into Melanesia, Polynesia and Micronesia. But many of them are uninhabited or dependent territories. Independent Pacific Island Countries: Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu, Nauru, also New Zealand, Solomon islands, Fiji, Vanuatu, Kiribati, Tonga, Federated States Micronesia, Palau and, of course, the Marshall Islands.
The concept of an island state, descriptions of island states
Information about the concept of an island state, descriptions of island states
1.List of island states by area
2.Brief descriptions some island states
The island state is- a state located on one or several islands and not connected by any of its regions with the mainland. In this way, island states are distinguished from coastal or landlocked states. Currently, among the 194 independent states of the world, 47 are island states.
List of island states by area
No. State Area in km²
1 Indonesia 1,912,988
2 Madagascar 587.041
3 Papua New Guinea 462.840
4 Japan 377.837
5 Philippines 300,000
6 New Zealand 270.534
7 UK 242.910
8 Cuba 110.860
9 Iceland 103,000
10 Ireland 70.273
11 Sri Lanka 65,610
12 Dominican Republic 48.422
13 Taiwan 36.006
14 Haiti 27.750
15 Solomon Islands 27,556
16 Fiji 18.367
17 East Timor 14.409
18 Bahamas 13.939
19 Vanuatu 12.190
21 Cyprus 9.251
22 Brunei 5.765
23 Trinidad and Tobago 5.128
24 Cape Verde 4,033
25 Samoa 2.831
26 Mauritius 2,040
27 Comoros 1.862
28 Sao Tome and Principe 1.001
29 Kiribati 811
30 Tonga 748
31 Dominica 746
32 Bahrain 711
33 Micronesia 702
34 Singapore 683
36 Palau 508
37 Seychelles 454
38 Antigua and Barbuda 442
39 Barbados 430
41 Grenada 345
42 Malta 316
43 Maldives 298
45 Marshall Islands 181
46 Tuvalu 26
47 Nauru 21
Brief descriptions of some island states
Indonesia, official name- The Republic of Indonesia (Indian: Republik Indonesia) is the largest state in Southeast Asia and the 16th largest country in the world. Located on the islands of the Sunda archipelago and is the largest island nation in the world. With a population of about 230.5 million people, it ranks fourth in the world in terms of this indicator. It has a rich and controversial history.
Madagascar is a state in the western Indian Ocean, on the island of Madagascar and adjacent small islands off east coast Africa. Area - 587 thousand km², population - 18.4 million people. (2005, UN assessment). The capital is Antananarivo.
Japan is an island state in East Asia. Part of the territories, according to the official Japanese position, that are part of Japan (southern Kurile Islands) is de facto part of Russia, and is the subject of a territorial dispute. Japan is a member of the UN, G8 and APEC. In terms of GDP, Japan in 2008 ranked second in the world (first - the USA). Japan remains the only country in the world against which nuclear weapons have been used.
Great Britain is an island state in Western Europe, form of government - parliamentary monarchy. The capital is the city of London. The name of the country comes from English Great Britain. Britain - according to the ethnonym of the Briton tribe.
State on British Isles(Island of Great Britain and the north-eastern part of the island of Ireland, a large number of small islands and archipelagos, Channel Islands), washed by the Atlantic Ocean and its seas. Area: total - 244,820 km², land - 240,590 km², inland waters - 3,230 km². The most high peak- the city of Ben Nevis English Ben Nevis Gaelic Beinn Neibhis/ (1343 m) - located in the north of Scotland (Grampian Mountains), the lowest point is Fenland (−4 m).
In the north and west, mountainous terrain predominates - the North Scottish Highlands (up to 1343 m), the Pennine and Cambrian mountains; in the south and southeast there are hilly plains. The climate is temperate oceanic, humid. Average temperatures in January are from 3 to 7 °C, in July 11-17 °C; precipitation up to 3000 mm per year in the west and 600-750 mm in the southeast. Main rivers: Thames - 334 km, Severn - 310 km, Trent - 298 km, Mersey - 109 km, Clyde - 170 km. Largest lakes: Loch Ness (area 56 km²), Loch Neagh (area 396 km²). Forests (beech, oak, birch) occupy about 9% of the UK's territory.
New Zealand is a country in the southwest Pacific Ocean, located on two large islands (North Island and South Island) and a large number (approximately 700) adjacent smaller islands. The capital of the country is Wellington. New Zealand's population is approximately 4,284,000 (as of November 2008). The country is built on the principles of a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy and is one of the developed countries peace.
Island states and territories of the Caribbean
Cuba is one of the few socialist countries in the world. Cuba has deposits of non-ferrous metals (nickel, cobalt); sugar cane and tobacco leaves are grown. The climate in Cuba is tropical. Havana, the capital of Cuba, and its surroundings have magnificent beaches. Cuba has historical landmarks from the time of Spanish rule: an old fortress, the castle of the three kings, the monastery of San Francisco, etc. There are many caves on the island, the most interesting of which is near the city of Matan Das. The largest international resort in Cuba is Varadeiro. Tourists are eager to visit the house-museum of the writer Ernest Hemingway near Havana.
The island of Jamaica is located in the very center of the Caribbean Sea, 145 km south of Cuba. It is one of the largest Caribbean Islands. There are deposits of bauxite here, which are supplied mainly to the USA. Jamaica was once a famous pirate island, but nowadays it has become famous place recreation. The capital of Jamaica is Kingston. For a long time, the island was owned by the Spaniards, British, French, and Portuguese, who brought slaves from different countries. Over the centuries, these nations intermingled. As a result, Jamaicans combine the traditions of all nations in their mentality.
The island has many beautiful beaches, the recreation area near Montego Bay is especially popular. This resort area has a huge selection of hotels, restaurants, and shops. The underwater park attracts deep-sea diving enthusiasts. Golf courses are available. In the neighborhood of Montego Bay there are ancient plantation houses. Here you can see how tropical crops are cultivated. Famous resorts in Jamaica also include Negril, Ocho Rios, and Port Antonio. The climate on the island is tropical, trade wind.
North of Cuba, not far from the US coast, is an important tourist area- Bahamas. The capital of the archipelago is Nassau, a resort center located 16 km from international airport. One of the largest casinos operates here. The Coral World underwater observatory has recently opened. In the Bahamas there are National parks And history museums, where monuments of ancient Indian culture are exhibited.
The Dominican Republic is a country with a stable political and economic system, respected by the international community, attracting foreign investors, i.e. fortunately pleasant for tourism. The capital of the republic is Santa Domingo. This is a predominantly mountainous country. The mountains are covered with dense evergreen forests. The abundance of tropical fruits (coconuts, papayas, mangoes), fabulous sandy beaches, and the clear turquoise water of the Caribbean Sea attract more than 2 million tourists every year. It was from this island that Columbus began his discovery of America. Therefore, a grandiose memorial was built here in honor of Columbus - a monument and museum in the form of a truncated pyramid.
Barbados is an amazing combination of natural beauty and romance, relaxation and adventure. Tourism is one of the leading sectors of the economy. The country is known for its beaches of stunning pink sand. In the coastal strip there are huge accumulations of coral* reefs. The famous rum has been produced at Barba Dosa for over 300 years. In Bridgetown, the capital of the country, there are many architectural monuments, including a monument to Admiral Nelson. The island has national parks where, in conditions wildlife Unique species of tropical plants and animals have been preserved. Barbados has a well-developed hotel and tourism infrastructure. Luxury resorts located in the Lesser Antilles: Anguilla, Antigua, Aruba, Saint Lucia, Curaçao, etc.
Sources
http://ru.wikipedia.org/ Wikipedia - the free encyclopedia
http://lrcei.lviv.ua/ Ersey
Island states are those countries that have no land borders—their territories are bordered only by water bodies. There are quite a few such countries in the world, however, they differ significantly. There are also peninsular countries - those that are on peninsulas. There are countries that are rightfully considered mainland, but their capitals are located on an island or islands - for example, Equatorial Guinea and Denmark. There are island states in Asia, Europe, and other parts of the world.
Great Britain on the world map
Island mentality
The fundamentally different positions of island countries and continental ones are felt in everything, from everyday life to political worldviews. If we evaluate the practical way of life, the difference is obvious. Residents of the continent are accustomed to the fact that if there is a shortage of any resources - gold, oil, gas, timber, human resources - they can always be borrowed from their neighbors (both with and without their consent). Islanders think differently. All they have is an island. The smaller it is, the stronger the difference in mentalities is felt. Their world is more fragile, and at the same time more connected, related.
They say that every islander carries an island with him - in his soul and in his thoughts. This is partly true. Limited territories meant that there were virtually no widespread large dynasties on the islands that would rule and own the lands from generation to generation. The island has a more communal way of life, much of which depends on the collective subconscious.
Small island countries in the Caribbean
Many island countries are located in Caribbean, among them all famous countries and Cuba. Very interesting from a tourism point of view, and practically unclaimed by a wide flow of migrants.
Cuba remains one of the few socialist states. This country was once called the Island of Freedom, but today few people like the version of freedom that is adopted in Cuba. The quality of education here is frankly low, but the medicine is the best, as the Cubans say. Due to its territorial proximity, Cuba constantly sends its own doctors to third world countries.
Most of the local population works for the benefit of the state, officials earn about 20 dollars in one month, and children are given milk for free. At the same time, this closed country with an area of just over 100,000 km2. with its own way of life, which is difficult for a European or Russian to understand.
Among island states, New Zealand stands apart. Today it is called one of the most promising countries - it is attractive in terms of living standards, social development and economic situation. Incomes among the population are slightly lower than in Australia, Sweden and Canada, but New Zealand has the best environment. The distance from Europe and the continent played a role in the formation of society and way of life - everything here is not the same as in Europe. The environmental situation is more than favorable - not in vain New Zealand called the greenest country in the world.
The Philippines stands out very strongly among the island states. There are practically no direct flights with this state, and rare tourists travel to those parts. There are too many prejudices - bad beaches, long flights, lack of exotic things. The last one is most surprising.
In fact, historically, instead of preserving its own history and culture, the Philippines absorbed the traditions brought by foreigners, and the result was a symbiosis of several European countries. Of course, the jungle and palm trees create the feeling of a resort area, but there is no internal, genuine exoticism.
Davao is a city in the Philippines
Unique ceremonies and rituals have replaced traditional Catholic services, national clothes is not here and is unlikely to appear here; the entire population wears T-shirts and Bermuda shorts. Even in culinary tastes, Filipinos differ from other islanders - they mostly eat meat here. It will not be easy for raw foodists and vegans here - almost all local vegetables and fruits are brought from other countries, they are expensive and do not have bright flavors. And the local cuisine is based on meat-eaters.
Papua New Guinea is one of the most exotic islands
There are island countries in Oceania - the independent state of Papua New Guinea. Its coastline is washed by four seas, and land border only with Indonesia.
Unlike many island countries, Papua New Guinea carefully preserves its traditions - even those that seem very, very strange to people with big land. For example, for many decades, the ritual of burying the dead by smoking has been preserved, after which the mummy is hung in a cage on a rock - according to local traditions, all the dead become guardians of villages and tribes.
There is practically virgin jungle here, inhabited by various tribes of natives. More than a thousand tribes live here - they speak different languages and are not always able to understand each other.Indonesia
Indonesia occupies about 2,000,000 km2 - among the island countries it is the largest. This country is popular both among tourists and among travelers who like to spend the winter in warm climates. Here two oceans meet and exotic landscapes are everywhere; the local population sacredly preserves their own ancient traditions.
Bali island in Indonesia
On the other hand, Indonesia is located on many islands - they are exotic, remote from each other and most of them have not been trodden by humans. Stunning landscapes and impassable thickets, ancient civilizations. Indonesia, like other archipelagos, has its own charm - for example, there are more than 15,000 islands, large and small, of which about a thousand are permanently inhabited. Most of the territory is mountainous.
Tourists go to Indonesia in order to plunge into the atmosphere of Asia, explore its features, and also to fully enjoy Asian exoticism - extraordinary fauna and flora, stunning landscapes and unique culture.
Madagascar is considered to be another large island country. More than twenty different nationalities live here, the most ancient cults of ancestors are practiced, there are many protected areas and excellent tourist infrastructure, which never ceases to delight travelers.
Small island states
There are a large number of island states that are practically unknown to the general public. This list includes states such as:
Antigua and Barbuda is a place with fabulous nature, practically untouched by civilization, belongs to the archipelago of the Antilles (small) Islands.
- Aruba is a small Caribbean island dotted with sandy beaches and clear waters.
- The Bahamas, which attract underwater sports and fishing enthusiasts from all over the world.
- Barbados with its fine coral sand and stunning beaches.
- Bahrain is one of the most developed and progressive countries in the Gulf.
- Muslim Brunei, where the great Sultan lives.
- Vanuatu, which is called the land of happiness.
- Dominica and the Dominican Republic - tourists usually confuse them, and this is no wonder - they have similar names and a similar form of structure.
Island countries in Europe
Green, hilly Ireland, which for many centuries was famous for its natural resources. Plains strewn with clover, gloomy rocks and the ocean, which in these parts is very gentle. Ireland is part of Great Britain, as are England, Scotland and Wales.
Iceland, which is sometimes called the state of volcanoes, sheep and oceans. A small state whose population does not exceed that of a provincial state Russian city. Iceland is famous for its magical, amazing landscapes - and it's not just because of their undeniable beauty. Rivers and lakes, volcanoes and geysers, green hills and friendly people - that’s all that catches your eye at first glance.
Despite all its originality, Iceland is one of the most modern countries in terms of energy development. There are no thermal stations here, and almost every river has its own hydroelectric power station.
beautiful scenery of Iceland
Cozy Cyprus, which is located in the Mediterranean Sea and has become a favorite place to live for rich Europeans - people come here to spend their old age in style, enjoy the sea and excellent cuisine.
The island of Malta will surprise guests with the absence fresh water on the island - almost all the water necessary to support human life is obtained using desalination plants.
Another interesting state in Europe is Faroe islands. The harsh northern nature and beautiful mountain landscapes will not leave any of the travelers who have been there indifferent.
Faroe islands
28.06.2017When the conversation turns to travel, popular countries such as France, England, Italy or Greece come to mind first. However, unfortunately, few are familiar with the history and culture of less recognizable countries. Below is a ranking of the most unpopular destinations in tourism.
Tuvalu (1000 tourists)
It is surprising that the South Pacific paradise of Tuvalu, which is located in Polynesia, is completely unpopular among tourists. The turquoise waters with perfect beaches and pristine shores are amazing.
IN the state has a very low crime rate and There are no permanent armed forces, which is why the country’s budget does not include expenses for maintaining the army.
Kiribati (5,000 tourists per year)
The state of Kiribati, formerly known as the Gilbert Islands, is located in the center of the Pacific Ocean. It is isolated from the outside world: from almost all types of transport and communications.
Sao Tome and Principe (8000)
If you are in the mood for a calm and measured rest, a trip to one of the smallest countries in Africa, Sao Tome and Principe, will be a great decision. Tourists can admire whales and dolphins with their own eyes, as well as explore with scuba diving undersea world.
Comoros (15,000)
The islands in the Indian Ocean are located near Madagascar and are an ideal place to relax from problems and bustle. Tourists can visit places where lemurs live, explore the rich underwater world, and also admire volcanic landscapes.
Sierra Leone (24000)
The state is on the shore Atlantic Ocean and borders Liberia. The Ebola virus outbreak contributed significantly to the decline in tourism in 2015. Fortunately, after two years, tourists are gradually starting to return to the country. This is due to the fact that WHO declared the end of the epidemic.
Timor-Leste (60,000)
Holidays on the island of Timor-Leste are excellent suitable for tourists those who want privacy. Locals They organize excursions into the jungle, and in the eastern part of the island you can explore the village markets in the mountains. However, you should be careful, because the high crime rate is the main problem of the state.
Liechtenstein (61000)
The sixth largest country in the world is also one of the least visited. The state borders Austria in the east and Switzerland in the west. , moreover, it is considered the only country in the world that is entirely located in the Alps.
