Top 10 List | Top Ten Lists

Islands are at times divided between countries and nations. Some live peacefully, others have fought bloodily to get what is theirs. Here is just 1 list of Top 10 largest islands divided between 2 or more nation-states.

1. New Guinea

Sharing Countries: Indonesia/Papua New Guinea

Area: 785, 753 Km2

Description: This is the second largest island and is located in the southwest Pacific Ocean. Anthropologically New Guinea is a part of Melanesia. Politically, the western half of this island is divided into 2 provinces: Papua and West Papua (both Indonesian territories). The eastern half is its own country, Papua New Guinea.

2. Borneo:

Sharing Countries: Indonesia/Malaysia/Brunei

Area: 748, 168 km2

Description: This is the third largest island in the world and is near Java Island, Indonesia. 3 countries currently have a claim to the island. Here one can find the oldest rainforests in the world.

Malaysia-26%

Brunei: 1%

Indonesia: 73%

3. Cuba:

Sharing Countries: Cuba, USA

Area: 110, 861 km2

Description: The Island consists of one main island and several smaller islands. During the Spanish-American War, Spain relinquished its territories to the latter. Then territories included

Puerto Rico, Cuba Philippines and Guam in the Treaty of Paris in 1898. When taking office, Theodore Roosevelt abandoned the treaty and gave Cuba its independence in 1902. The loophole allowed US to retain rights to intervene in Cuban Affairs and allowed US to lease Guantanamo Bay from Cuba (Platt Agreement).

4. Ireland:

Sharing Countries: Ireland/UK

Area: 81,638.1 km2

Description: This is the third largest island in Europe and 20th largest in the world. The Island is split politically between Great Britain (North Ireland) and the Republic of Ireland.

5. Hispaniola

Sharing Countries: Dominican Republic/Haiti

Area: 81, 638 km2

Description: This is a major island in the Caribbean. It recently made news in January of 2010 with a deadly earthquake in Haiti. The Dominican Republic side was unaffected. Both countries are different as Dominicans speak Spanish and Haitians speak French and Creole.

These Island countries have some of the richest biodiversities and five are among the 17 UN declared Mega-diverse countries.

1. Republic of Indonesia

The country consists of 17,508 of which about 6,000 are inhabited. It covers an area of 1,919,440 km sq. (735,355 sq miles) and is the 16^th largest country in the world. It is also the 4^th most populous nation with around 230 million people. It has more than 150 active volcanoes, including the infamous Krakatoa and Tambora.

2. Republic of Madagascar

Situated in the Indian Ocean near Southeast Africa, the country covers a region of 587,041 km sq (226,597 sq miles). It has very rich bio-diversity with more than 5% of the world’s plant and animal species which includes the famous lemur.

3. Independent State of Papua New Guinea

The country has a total area of 462,840 km sq (178,703 sq miles). It has over 850 indigenous languages and is one of the most rural nations in the world. It is a realm of the royal family of England and the Queen Elizabeth II is also the Queen of Papua New Guinea.

4. Japan

The ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ is made up of four large islands accounting for 97% of its land area and 6,848 other smaller islands. It covers an area of 377,944 km sq (145,925 sq miles). It is a major economic power and home to the beautiful dormant volcano, Mount Fuji. It is the 10^th most populous country with more than 127 million people.

5. Malaysia

The country has a total landmass of 329,845 km sq (127,354 sq miles). After gaining independence in 1957, the country has seen a tumultuous history. The country is a famous tourist destination and very rich in natural resources. It is one of the top producers of natural rubber and oil.

The popularity of island getaways has tremendously increased over the years. The sun kissed beaches and numerous outdoor activities are ideal for travel enthusiasts. Some of the famous islands include the Hawaiian Islands and some Asia-Pacific ones. This is a list of top 10 popular islands.

1. Maui islands (Hawaii, U.S)

Maui, voted as the Best Pacific Island, is home to the effervescent Hawaiian aloha spirit. It is a tropical haven and a classic honeymooning spot. Maui’s exotic and dreamy romantic air is a heavenly experience for tourists. Haleakala National Park, Pipivai Trail and Waimoku Falls are attractive options in Maui.

2. Bali (Indonesia)

Bali is perfect for adventure enthusiasts. This picturesque island is the best culmination of modern tourism facilities and deeply rooted Hindu culture. Bali offers an inexpensive holiday to all and sundry. You can experience a plethora of spiritual and physical attractions here. The Elephant Safari park, White water rafting on the Ayung River and Reef cruise to Lembongan Island is a must for travelers. Markets of Kuta and Sanur of Nusa Dua are shoppers’ paradise.

3. Galapagos Islands (Equador)

This charming land was voted as the Best Scuba Diving vacation in 2001-2002. Galapagos is a UNESCO world heritage site .It is home to a few of the rarest and most spectacular flora and fauna of the world. For those who enjoy water sports, scuba diving and snorkeling here will prove to be unforgettable experiences. A trip to Charles Darwin Research Station, Darwin Bay and Sierra Negra Volcano are utopic experiences.

4. Cape Breton Island (Canada)

Cape Breton Island was voted the Most Beautiful Island. This is Canada’s top golf destination. Some of the popular pastimes in its sprawling hotels are hiking, summer day camps, boat tours and horse back riding. A visit to Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Amoeba Sailing Tours and Cheticamp Whale Cruisers feature on the itinerary of visitors here.

5. Kauai (Hawaii, U.S)

The Garden island of Kauai is ideal for those who wish to view pure, lush landscape devoid of vast urban settlements and high rises. Wings over Kauai gives travelers an aerial tour of Kauai. The cascading waterfalls, rugged cliffs of Na Pali coast, Waimea Canyon-the Grand Canyon of the Pacific represent nature’s unadulterated beauty.

There are several ways in which the rich and famous like to flaunt their wealth. Some buy private yachts worth millions while others spend millions on a piece of art. Owning private islands is a popular status symbol and many celebrities seem to own their own secret domains across the seas. This list covers the top 10 celebrity private islands across the world.

1. Necker Island, Caribbean Sea – Sir Richard Branson

Bought for an estimated 180,000 pounds in 1979, this island is owned by Britain’s most flamboyant business tycoon. The island has pristine bays, clear sands and beautiful corals to provide the best private getaway possible. Surprisingly, one can rent this place for a whopping $15000 for a day. Recently, Google co-founder Larry Page’s wedding nuptials took place here.

2. Mago Island, Fiji – Mel Gibson

Living in the Fijian islands is a dream for anyone and Mel Gibson bought his for 15 million dollars. With a total acreage of 5400 acres, this is one the largest private islands owned by a celebrity. The actor chose this because it is totally uninhabited and away from civilization.

3. Musha Cay, Bahamas – David Copperfield

Famed magician David Copperfield’s islands in the Bahamas have long been on the lists of the best celebrity islands. With a total cost of $50 million, these four islands have an overwhelming free spirited beauty.

4. Little Halls Pond Cay, Bahamas  – Johnny Depp

Soon after filming the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’  franchise, Depp wanted his own private retreat which he finally bought in Little Halls Pond Cay in the Bahamas. A private harbor, six clear beaches, a palm lined lagoon and a relatively cheaper cost of $3.5 million, Depp could not have got a better island.

5. Blackadore Cay, Belize – Leonardo DiCaprio

With plans to convert this 202 acre long beautiful island into an eco-friendly resort, Leonardo is doing his bit for the environment and living a luxurious life as well. Located near the Great Barrier Reef, this Belizean island is well-connected to the world as well (a major drawback with other secluded islands).