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Results (84 islands)

NameLocationNumber of Islands (approx.)Island DetailsType of IslandsSurface Area (km²)TerrainHighest Elevation (m)Highest Elevation (name)Isolation IndexClimate Risk Index Rank (1993-2012)Mean Sea Level Trends (mm/year)Mean Sea Level (meta)Population (total)Census Year [Population (total)]Population Density (p/km²)Census Year [Population Density (p/km²)]Population Growth (annual %)Census Year [Population Growth (annual %)]GDP (per capita in current US$)Census Year (GDP)Dominant Economic SectorsHDICensus Year (HDI)AdministrationMiscellaneous
American Samoa Pacific 7* oceanic, coral, volcanic* 200.00* five volcanic islands with rugged peaks and limited coastal plains, two coral atolls (Rose Island, Swains Island) 964.0* Lata Mountain* 31* 95 2.07* Time span: 1948-2006; Completeness: ??%; Station ID: 539* 68,420* 2010* 342.1* 2010* 1.633* 2010* 8,000* 2007* fish processing, fishing* 0.000 2010 dependent (territory of the US)* Pago Pago has one of the best natural deepwater harbors in the South Pacific Ocean, sheltered by shape from rough seas and protected by peripheral mountains from high winds; strategic location in the South Pacific Ocean*
Amrum North Sea 1* Belongs to the German island group Nordfriesische Inseln* continental 19.90* flat, partly forested moraine in the east, sand dunes and beaches at the west coast* 32.0* A Siatler* 11* 32* 0.00 2,241* 2010* 110.0* 2010* 0.000 0.000 dependent (autonomous parliamentary democracy, but part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands) located in the German Wadden Sea
Anguilla Caribbean 1* main island+ approx. 21 uninhabited islands* oceanic, coral 91.00* flat and low-lying island of coral and limestone* 65.0* Crocus Hill* 48* 65* 0.00 14,764* 2010* 144.7* 2010* 2.146* 2012* 12,200* 2008* offshore banking, tourism* 0.000* 2010* dependent (territory of the UK)* Frequent hurricanes and other tropical storms (July to October)*
Antigua and Barbuda Caribbean 2* 2 main islands + approx. 35 smaller islands* oceanic, coral, volcanic 440.00* mostly low-lying limestone and coral islands, with some higher volcanic areas* 402.0* Boggy Peak* 41* 43* 0.00 88,710* 2010* 201.6* 2010* 1.029* 2010* 13,006* 2010* tourism* 0.761* 2010* independent (constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of government and a Commonwealth realm)* 1. Antigua has a deeply indented shoreline with many natural harbors and beaches; Barbuda has a large western harbor. 2. water management - a major concern because of limited natural freshwater resources - is further hampered by the clearing of trees to increase crop production, causing rainfall to run off quickly*
Aruba Caribbean 1* - continental, volcanic 180.00* flat with a few hills; scant vegetation* 188.0* Ceru Jamanota* 18* 70* 0.00 107,488* 2010* 597.2* 2010* 0.818* 2010* 25,300* 2011* offshore banking, tourism* 0.000* 2010* dependent (autonomous parliamentary democracy, but part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)* Unlike much of the Caribbean region, Aruba has a dry climate and an arid, cactus-strewn landscape*
Bahamas Atlantic 700* 30 inhabitated islands + approx. 670 uninhabitated islands (+ approx. 2000 coral reefs)* coral 13,880.00* long, flat coral formations with some low rounded hills* 63.0* Mount Alvernia on Cat Island* 39* 36* 0.00 342,877* 2010* 34.3* 2010* 1.327* 2010* 22,665* 2010* offshore banking, tourism* 0.791* 2010* independent (constitutional parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm)* strategic location adjacent to US and Cuba; extensive island chain of which 30 are inhabited*
Bahrain Indian Ocean 33* - continental, volcanic 760.00* mostly low desert plain rising gently to low central escarpment* 122.0* Jabal ad Dukhan* 13* 129* 0.00 1,261,835* 2010* 1,660.3* 2010* 7.592* 2010* 18,184* 2010* oil* 0.794* 2010* independent (constitutional monarchy)* Desertification resulting from the degradation of limited arable land, periods of drought, and dust storms; coastal degradation (damage to coastlines, coral reefs, and sea vegetation) resulting from oil spills and other discharges from large tankers, oil refineries, and distribution stations; lack of freshwater resources (groundwater and seawater are the only sources for all water needs)*
Barbados Caribbean 1* main island + 1 uninhabited island* oceanic, volcanic 430.00* relatively flat; rises gently to central highland region* 336.0* Mount Hillaby* 46* 154* 0.00 273,331* 2010* 635.7* 2010* 0.213* 2010* 15,035* 2010* tourism* 0.823* 2010* independent (parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm)* Barbados is the wealthiest and most developed country in the Eastern Caribbean and enjoys one of the highest per capita incomes in Latin America*
Belize Caribbean 30* mainland area + several hundred islands and reefs* continental, coral 22,970.00* flat, swampy coastal plain; low mountains in south* 1,160.0* Doyle's Delight* 22* 0.00 344,700* 2010* 15.1* 2010* 3.393* 2010* 4,057* 2010* tourism* 0.700* 2010* independent (constitutional parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm)* Only country in Central America without a coastline on the North Pacific Ocean*
Bermuda Atlantic* 138* main island (Grand Bermuda) + 19 other inhabited islands* oceanic, coral* 50.00* low hills separated by fertile depressions* 76.0* Town Hill* 91* * 2.04* Time span: 1932-2006; Completeness: ??%; Station ID: 2695540* 65,124* 2010* 1,302.5* 2010* -0.780* 2010* 88,207* 2010* offshore banking, tourism* 0.981* 2008* dependent (overseas territory of the UK)* Bermuda was first settled in 1609 by shipwrecked English colonists headed for Virginia. Vacationing to the island to escape North American winters first developed in Victorian times. Tourism continues to be important to the island's economy, although international business has overtaken it in recent years. Bermuda has also developed into a highly successful offshore financial center. A referendum on independence from the UK was soundly defeated in 1995.*
British Virgin Islands Caribbean 16* 16 inhabited + 20 uninhabited islands* coral, volcanic* 151.00* coral islands relatively flat; volcanic islands steep, hilly* 521.0* Mount Sage* 40* 65* 1.61* Time span: 1975-2012; Completeness: ??%; Station ID: 1393* 31,912* 2012* 153.9* 2010* 2.443* 2012* 42,300* 2010* tourism* 0.000* 2010* dependent (overseas territory of the UK; internal self-governing)* strong ties to nearby US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico*
Brunei Pacific* 11* sovereign state located on the north coast of the island of Borneo + approx. 10 smaller islands* continental* 5,770.00* flat coastal plain rises to mountains in east; hilly lowland in west* 1,850.0* Bukit Pagon* 170* 0.00 400,569* 2010* 76.0* 2010* 1.552* 2010* 30,880* 2010* gas, oil* 0.854* 2010* independent (constitutional sultanate (locally known as Malay Islamic Monarchy))* Close to vital sea lanes through South China Sea linking Indian and Pacific Oceans; two parts physically separated by Malaysia; almost an enclave within Malaysia*
Cape Verde Atlantic 9* 9 inhabited + 6 uninhabited islands* volcanic 4,300.00* steep, rugged, rocky, volcanic* 2,829.0* Mount Fogo* 55* 155* 0.00 495,999* 2010* 123.1* 2010* 0.887* 2010* 3,345* 2010* remittances, tourism* 0.581* 2010* independent (republic)* Cape Verde's expatriate population is greater than its domestic one*
Cayman Islands Caribbean* 3* three-island group (Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, Little Cayman)* oceanic, coral* 264.00* low-lying limestone base surrounded by coral reefs* 43.0* The Bluff - on Cayman Brac* 49* * 0.00 55,509* 2010* 231.3* 2010* 2.248* 2010* offshore banking, offshore financial services* 0.983* 2008* dependent (overseas territory of the UK)* no natural freshwater resources; drinking water supplies must be met by rainwater catchments*
Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Pacific 14* - oceanic, coral, volcanic 464.00* southern islands are limestone with level terraces and fringing coral reefs; northern islands are volcanic* 965.0* unnamed - on Agrihan* 78* 31* 0.00 51,170* 2012* 131.0* 2010* -0.960* 2013* 13,600* 2010* tourism* 0.000* 2010* dependent (commonwealth; self-governing with locally elected governor, lieutenant governor, and legislature)* Active volcanoes on Pagan and Agrihan*
Comoros Indian Ocean 3* 3 main islands + 7 smaller islands* oceanic, volcanic 1,860.00* volcanic islands, interiors vary from steep mountains to low hills* 2,360.0* Karthala* 49* 131* 0.00 734,750* 2010* 395.0* 2010* 2.617* 2010* 740* 2010* agriculture* 0.426* 2010* independent (republic)* Comoros has endured more than 20 coups or attempted coups since gaining independence from France in 1975; One of the world's poorest countries*
Cook Islands Pacific 15* - oceanic, coral, volcanic 236.00* low coral atolls in north; volcanic, hilly islands in south* 652.0* Te Manga* 106* 2.40* Time span: 1977-2010; Completeness: 93%; Station ID: 1450* 10,447* 2010* 86.0* 2010* -3.136* 2013* 12,212* 2010* agriculture, tourism* 0.000* 2010* dependent (autonomous parliamentary democracy, but part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)* The northern Cook Islands are seven low-lying, sparsely populated, coral atolls; the southern Cook Islands, where most of the population lives, consist of eight elevated, fertile, volcanic isles, including the largest, Rarotonga, at 67 sq km*
Cuba Caribbean 2* Cuba + Isla de la Juventud +approx. 1000 smaller islands* continental, coral 109,890.00* mostly flat to rolling plains, with rugged hills and mountains in the southeast* 2,005.0* Pico Turquino* 33* 46* 0.00 11,257,979* 2010* 105.8* 2010* -0.041* 2010* 10,200* 2010* sugar, tourism, services, tobbaco* 0.775* 2010* independent (socialist state)* Largest country in Caribbean and westernmost island of the Greater Antilles*
Curaçao Caribbean 1* 1 main island + 1 uninhabitated island* continental 444.00* generally low, hilly terrain* 372.0* Mt. Christoffel* 22* 70* 0.00 146,836* 2013* 336.0* 2010* 0.000 2010 15,000* 2004* offshore financial services, tourism, petroleum refining* 0.000* 2010* dependent (autonomous parliamentary democracy, but part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)* In referenda in 2005 and 2009, the citizens of Curacao voted to become a self-governing country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The change in status became effective in October 2010 with the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles.*
Dominica Caribbean 1* - volcanic 750.00* rugged mountains of volcanic origin* 1,447.0* Morne Diablotins* 41* 40* 0.00 67,757* 2010* 90.3* 2010* -0.243* 2010* 6,964* 2010* offshore banking, tourism, offshore medical education* 0.743* 2010* independent (member of the Commonwealth of Nations - parliamentary democracy)* Some 3000 Carib Indians still living on Dominica are the only pre-Columbian population remaining in the eastern Caribbean.*
Dominican Republic Caribbean 1* eastern part of Hispaniola + 9 uninhabited islands* continental 48,670.00* rugged highlands and mountains with fertile valleys interspersed* 3,175.0* Pico Duarte* 43* 8* 0.00 9,927,320* 2010* 205.4* 2010* 1.323* 2010* 5,195* 2010* remittances, telecommunications, tourism* 0.697* 2010* independent (republic)* Shares island of Hispaniola with Haiti*
Federated State of Micronesia Pacific 607* four major island groups* oceanic, coral, volcanic 700.00* islands vary geologically from high mountainous islands to low, coral atolls; volcanic outcroppings on Pohnpei, Kosrae, and Chuuk* 791.0* Dolohmwar - on Pohnpei* 108* 3.87* Time span: 1974-2011; Completeness: 96%; Station ID: 1370 & 1925* 111,064* 2010* 158.7* 2010* 0.350* 2010* 2,648* 2010* leasing of fishing rights, tourism, US-aid* 0.639* 2010* independent (constitutional government in free association with the US)* Present concerns include large-scale unemployment, overfishing, and overdependence on US aid.*
Fehmarn Baltic Sea 1* Third largest island of Germany located between the Bay of Kiel in the West and the Bay of Mecklenburg* continental* 185.00* Mostly flat, partly undulating interior; low dunes, beach lakes and sand spits at the north coast; Cliffed coast in the East* 27.2* Hinrichsberg * 3* 32* 0.00 12* 2012* 67.0* 2012* 0.000 tourism* 0.000 dependent (territory of Germany)*
Fiji Pacific 332* - oceanic, coral, volcanic 18,270.00* mostly mountains of volcanic origin* 1,324.0* Tomanivi - on Viti Levu* 88* 27* 6.30* Time span: 1972-2011; Completeness: 91%; Station ID: 1327* 860,623* 2010* 47.1* 2010* 0.969* 2010* 3,687* 2010* tourism* 0.699* 2010* independent (republic)* Coup culture: Three coups since independence in 1970 - Fiji, endowed with forest, mineral, and fish resources, is one of the most developed of the Pacific island economies though still with a large subsistence sector.*
Föhr North Sea 1* Belongs to the German island group Nordfriesische Inseln* continental 79.00* low-lying, flat plains; sheltered by the islands Sylt and Amrum * 13.0* unnamed 5* 32* 0.00 8,593* 2011 104.0 2011 0.000 agriculture, tourism 0.000 dependent (territory of Germany) Second largest German north sea island; located in the German Wadden Sea
French Polynesia Pacific 118* five major island groups: Archipel Des Tuamotu, Iles Gambier, Iles Marquises, Iles Tubuai, Society Islands* oceanic, coral, volcanic 4,000.00* mixture of rugged high islands and low islands with reefs* 2,241.0* Mont Orohena - on Tahitit* 102* 24* 2.54* Time span: 1975-2009; Completeness: 95%; Station ID: 1397* 270,764* 2010* 74.0* 2010* 1.144* 2010* 22,000* 2006* tourism, french military* 0.895* 2010* dependent (overseas lands of France)* The French annexed various Polynesian island groups during the 19th century. In September 1995, France stirred up widespread protests by resuming nuclear testing on the Mururoa atoll after a three-year moratorium. The tests were halted in January 1996. In recent years, French Polynesia's autonomy has been considerably expanded.*
Grenada Caribbean 1* main island + 21 smaller islands* oceanic, volcanic 340.00* volcanic in origin with central mountains 840.0* Mount Saint Catherine* 34* 15* 0.00 104,487* 2010* 307.3* 2010* 0.374* 2010* 7,500* 2010* tourism* 0.768* 2010* independent (parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm)* The administration of the islands of the Grenadines group is divided between Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada*
Gröde North Sea 1* Hallig (flat marsh island with man-made dwelling mounds); belongs to the German island group Nordfriesische Inseln* continental 2.50* low-lying, flat plain which is flooded by the sea during storm surges; houses on man-made dwelling mounds* 4.3* Kirchwarft 32* 0.00 11* 2012* 4.0* 2012* 0.000 agriculture, tourism 0.000 dependent (autonomous parliamentary democracy, but part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands) Smalles independent municipality of Germany
Guadeloupe Caribbean* 9* 2 main islands (Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre) + approx. 7 smaller islands* oceanic, coral, volcanic* 1,702.00* Basse-Terre is volcanic in origin with interior mountains; Grande-Terre is low limestone formation; most of the seven other islands are volcanic in origin* 1,467.0* La Soufrière* 33* 0.00 404,635* 2011* 248.5* 2011* 0.850* 2011* tourism* 0.839* 2008* dependent (overseas lands of France)*
Guam Pacific 1* - oceanic, coral, volcanic 540.00* volcanic origin, surrounded by coral reefs; relatively flat coralline limestone plateau (source of most fresh water), with steep coastal cliffs and narrow coastal plains in north, low hills in center, mountains in south* 406.0* Mount Lamlam* 86* 31* 0.00 179,896* 2010* 333.1* 2010* 1.224* 2010* 28,700* 2010* tourism, US national defense spending* 0.000* 2010* dependent (unincorporated territory of the US)* The military installation on the island is one of the most strategically important US bases in the Pacific - largest and southernmost island in the Mariana Islands archipelago*
Guinea-Bissau Atlantic 95* mainland area+ approx. 95 smaller islands* continental 36,130.00* mostly low coastal plain rising to savanna in east (mainland area)* 300.0* unnamed - eastern part of mainland area* 153* 0.00 1,515,224* 2010* 53.9* 2010* 2.074* 2010* 551* 2010* drug trafficking, fishing* 0.361* 2010* independent (republic)* One of the poorest countries in the world*
Guyana Caribbean 20* mainland area + approx. 20 delta islands* continental, delta islands 214,970.00* mostly rolling highlands; low coastal plain; savanna in south* 2,835.0* Mount Roraima* 102* 0.00 754,493* 2010* 3.8* 2010* 0.196* 2010* 2,994* 2010* bauxite, gold, rice, sugar* 0.628* 2010* independent (republic)* The third-smallest country in South America after Suriname and Uruguay; substantial portions of its western and eastern territories are claimed by Venezuela and Suriname respectively*
Habel North Sea 1* Hallig (flat marsh island with man-made dwelling mound); belongs to the German island group Nordfriesische Inseln* continental 0.07* low-lying, flat plain which is flooded by the sea during storm surges; one building on man-made dwelling mound* 3.0* Norderwarft 32* 0.00 * 2012* 0.0 2012 0.000 0.000 dependent (territory of Germany) Smallest Hallig of the German Wadden Sea
Haiti Caribbean 1* western one-third of Hispaniola + approx. 25 smaller islands* continental 27,750.00* mostly rough and mountainous* 2,680.0* Chaine de la Selle* 43* 3* 0.00 9,993,247* 2010* 362.6* 2010* 1.299* 2010* 664* 2010* agriculture, timber, tourism* 0.450* 2010* independent (republic)* A massive magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti in January 2010 with an epicenter about 25 km (15 mi) west of the capital, Port-au-Prince. Estimates are that over 300,000 people were killed and some 1.5 million left homeless. The earthquake was assessed as the worst in this region over the last 200 years -Poverty, corruption, vulnerability to natural disasters, and low levels of education for much of the population are among Haiti's most serious impediments to economic growth*
Helgoland North Sea 2* main island + smaller island (Helgoland-Düne)* continental 1.70* commonly divided into the Unterland at sea level, the Oberland consisitng of a plateau (which drops to the sea 50 metres high in the north, west and southwest) and the Mittelland between them; small sandy beaches in the north and the south* 61.0* Lange Anna 32* 0.00 1,370* 2012* 806.0* 2012* 0.000 agriculture, tourism 0.000 dependent (territory of Germany) Germany's only deep-sea island
Hooge North Sea 1* Hallig (flat marsh island with man-made dwelling mound); belongs to the German island group Nordfriesische Inseln* continental 5.90* low-lying, flat plain surrounded by a low stone rampart; houses on ten man-made dwelling mounds* 5.0* Hansawarft 32* 0.00 107* 2013* 19.0* 2012* 0.000 tourism 0.000 dependent (territory of Germany) Second largest Hallig of the German Wadden Sea
Iceland Atlantic* 44 main island + approx. 43 smaller islands oceanic, volcanic* 103,000.00* mostly plateau interspersed with mountain peaks, icefields; coast deeply indented by bays and fiords* 2,110.0* Hvannadalshnukur* 65* 119* 2.33* Time span: 1956-2011; Completeness: 97%; Station ID: 010-001* 318,041* 2010* 3.2* 2010* 0.000* 2010* 39,507* 2010* alumina, fishing, tourism* 0.901* 2010* independent (constitutional democracy)* strategic location between Greenland and Europe; westernmost European country; Reykjavik is the northernmost national capital in the world; more land covered by glaciers than in all of continental Europe*
Jamaica Caribbean 1* main island + approx. 15 smaller islands* continental 10,990.00* mostly mountains, with narrow, discontinuous coastal plain* 2,256.0* Blue Mountain Peak* 50* 52* 0.00 2,702,300* 2010* 249.5* 2010* 0.248* 2010* 4,964* 2010* bauxite, remittances, tourism* 0.727* 2010* independent (constitutional parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm)* Strategic location between Cayman Trench and Jamaica Channel, the main sea lanes for the Panama Canal*
Kiribati Pacific 33* 33 attols* oceanic, coral 810.00* mostly low-lying coral atolls surrounded by extensive reefs* 81.0* unnamed - on Banaba* 87* 116* 0.58* Time span: 1949-2007; Completeness: 84%; Station ID: 575 & 1329* 99,546* 2010* 122.9* 2010* 1.538* 2010* 1,423* 2010* copra, international aid, tourism* 0.628* 2010* independent (republic)* 21 of the 33 islands are inhabited; Banaba (Ocean Island) in Kiribati is one of the three great phosphate rock islands in the Pacific Ocean; low level of some of the islands make them sensitive to changes in sea level*
La Désirade Caribbean 1 La Désirade is located in the East of the Guadeloupe island group in the Lesser Antilles.* oceanic, coral, volcanic* 22.30* Raised coral limestone island with a central plateau in the interior and a rugged coastline dominated by tuff and basalt formations.* 273.0* Grande-Montagne* -99 24* -99.00 - 1,579* 2010* 70.8* 2010* -1.583* 2010* 19,810* 2012* tourism* 0.882* 2010* dependent (overseas lands of France)* According to current knowledge planet Earth is about 4.6 billion years old. But the visible surface of the Earth is comparatively young and continuously in motion, so that current topography is only ever a snapshot. Unsurprisingly, some islands are relatively old in Earth terms, whilst the birth of others, mostly in volcanic island regions such as Iceland or Tonga, can be witnessed live and in colour. La Désirade is a silent witness of the formation of an entire tectonic plate. The Caribbean Plate initially formed about 150 million years ago through hotspot volcanism on the Pacific sea floor and subsequently moved east over thousands of kilometres – into the Atlantic Ocean which was only just emerging then. The plate reached its current position about 100 million years ago where it represents the foundation of an entire island region. Bizarre tuff and basalt formations along the rugged coast of the island are indicative of this history. Special forms of pillow lava point to the island’s underwater origins at a depth of 3,000 to 4,000 m; marine microfossils are evidence of its long plate-tectonic journey. Humans first settled on La Désirade around 5,000 years ago. In the middle of the last millennium, the island, which is only 22 km² in size, was the desired anchoring point for European conquerors after their long and uncertain journey across the Atlantic. The indigenous population fought valiantly to prevent a European takeover, but the military forces of the colonisers were vastly superior. The last indigenous residents were eventually deported to a neighbouring island, and a plantation-based economy was introduced, typical at the time for the entire region. Although the first European visitor sailed under the Spanish flag, today’s 1,500 residents mostly speak French and earn their living from agriculture, fishing and a little tourism. Above all, though, the island has remained a Mecca for geologists from all over the world.*
Langeneß North Sea 1* Hallig (flat marsh island with man-made dwelling mound); belongs to the German island group Nordfriesische Inseln* continental 11.57* low-lying, flat plain which is flooded by the sea during storm surges; houses on 18 man-made dwelling mounds* 3.0 - 32* 0.00 135* 2013* 12.0* 2012* 0.000 agriculture, tourism 0.000 dependent (territory of Germany) Largest Hallig of the German Wadden Sea
Maldives Indian Ocean 1,190* grouped into 26 atolls incl. 200 inhabited islands, plus 80 islands with tourist resorts* coral 300.00* flat, with white sandy beaches* 2.4* unnamed on Viligili* 57* 177* 0.00 315,885* 2010* 1,053.0* 2010* 1.321* 2010* 6,570* 2010* tourism* 0.683* 2010* independent (republic)* Low elevation of islands makes them sensitive to sea level rise*
Marshall Islands Pacific 1,225* 2 archipelagic island chains of 29 atolls + 5 single islands* oceanic, coral 180.00* low coral limestone and sand islands* 10.0* unnamed on Likiep* 88* 3.60* Time span: 1968-2011; Completeness: 94%; Station ID: 1217 & 1838* 54,038* 2010* 300.2* 2010* 1.195* 2010* 3,015* 2010* lease payments for the use of Kwajalein Atoll as a US-military base, US-aid* 0.000 2010* independent (constitutional government in free association with the US)* The islands of Bikini and Enewetak are former US nuclear test sites; Kwajalein atoll, famous as a World War II battleground, surrounds the world's largest lagoon and is used as a US missile test range; the island city of Ebeye is the second largest settlement in the Marshall Islands, after the capital of Majuro, and one of the most densely populated locations in the Pacific*
Martinique Caribbean* 1* oceanic, volcanic* 1,128.00* Martinique is very mountainous due to its volcanic geological formations; indented coastline* 1,397.0* Mont Pelée* 42* 0.00 392,291* 2011* 347.8* 2011* -0.400* 2011* bananas, rum, tourism* 0.904* 2008* dependent (overseas lands of France)* In the north, the mountain range is dominated by the Pitons du Carbet (1,207 m) and Mont Pelée (1,397 m), an active volcano that is one of the most highly monitored volcanoes in the world. On the rest of the island, small mountains known as “mornes” rise up to 505 m (Mount Vauclin), with the Lamentin plain at the centre.*
Mauritius Indian Ocean 43* - volcanic 2,040.00* small coastal plain rising to discontinuous mountains encircling central plateau* 828.0* Mont Piton* 87* 75* 3.51* Time span: 1942-2011 Completeness: ??%; Station ID: 930* 3,721,978* 2010* 631.0* 2010* 0.461* 2010* 7,577* 2010* finacial services, sugar, textiles, tourism* 0.732* 2010* independent (republic)* The main island, from which the country derives its name, is of volcanic origin and is almost entirely surrounded by coral reefs*
Montserrat Caribbean 1* - oceanic, volcanic 102.00* mostly mountainous, with small coastal lowland* 930.0* English's Crater* 39* 65* 0.00 5,189* 2013* 58.2* 2010* 0.480* 2013* 8,500* 2006* tourism* 0.000* 2010* dependent (overseas territory of the UK)* Much of this island was devastated and two-thirds of the population fled abroad because of the eruption of the Soufriere Hills Volcano that began on 18 July 1995. Montserrat has endured volcanic activity since, with the last eruption occurring in July 2003.*
Nauru Pacific 1* - oceanic, coral 21.00* sandy beach rises to fertile ring around raised coral reefs with phosphate plateau in center* 61.0* unnamed* 97* 0.00 9,434* 2013* 488.3* 2010* 0.580* 2013* 5,000* 2005* international aid, phosphates* 0.000* 2010* independent (republic)* Nauru is one of the three great phosphate rock islands in the Pacific Ocean - the others are Banaba (Ocean Island) in Kiribati and Makatea in French Polynesia; only 53 km south of Equator*
New Caledonia Pacific 29* main island + 28 larger islands + several hundred smaller islands* continental, coral, volcanic 18,580.00* coastal plains with interior mountains* 1,628.0* Mont Panie* 88* 24* -1.85* Time span: 1970-2011; Completeness: 60%; Station ID: 852 & 2134* 247,000* 2010* 13.5* 2010* 0.577* 2010* 37,700* 2008* nickel, tourism* 0.000* 2010* dependent (territorial collectivity of France since 1998)* Consists of the main island of New Caledonia (one of the largest in the Pacific Ocean), the archipelago of Iles Loyaute, and numerous small, sparsely populated islands and atolls*
Niue Pacific 1* - oceanic, coral 260.00* steep limestone cliffs along coast, central plateau* 68.0* unnamed* 97* 0.00 1,229* 2013* 4.8* 2010* -0.030* 2010* 5,800* 2003* food industry, sale of postage stamps, tourism* 0.000* 2010* Independent (self-governing in free association with New Zealand since 1974; Niue fully responsible for internal affairs; New Zealand retains responsibility for external affairs and defense)* one of world's largest coral islands*
Norderoog North Sea 1* Hallig (flat marsh island with man-made dwelling mound); belongs to the German island group Nordfriesische Inseln* continental 0.08* low-lying, flat plain which is flooded by the sea during storm surge* 1.0 - 32* 0.00 1* 2013* 0.0 2012 0.000 no economic activity 0.000 dependent (territory of Germany) Today Norderoog is the only Hallig of the German Wadden Sea without a Warft and just temporary inhabitaded by an bird warden
Nordstrandischmoor North Sea 1* Hallig (flat marsh island with man-made dwelling mound); belongs to the German island group Nordfriesische Inseln* continental 1.90* low-lying, flat plain which is flooded by the sea during storm surges; houses on man-made dwelling mounds* 3.0* Neuwarft 32* 0.00 27* 2012* 0.0 2012 0.000 tourism 0.000 dependent (territory of Germany) Nordstrandischmoor ist connected to the mainland by a little railway dam
Oland North Sea 1* Hallig (flat marsh island with man-made dwelling mound); belongs to the German island group Nordfriesische Inseln* continental 2.01* low-lying, flat plain which is flooded by the sea during storm surges; houses on one man-made dwelling mound* 3.0 Olandwarft 32* 0.00 30* 2013* 0.0 2012 0.000 tourism 0.000 dependent (territory of Germany) Oland was already mentioned as an island in 1231and is therefore probably the oldest Hallig of the German Wadden Sea
Palau Pacific 356* six island groups* oceanic, coral 460.00* varying geologically from the high, mountainous main island of Babelthuap to low, coral islands usually fringed by large barrier reefs* 242.0* Mount Ngerchelchuus - on Babelthuap* 81* 1.73* Time span: 1969-2009; Completeness: 94%; Station ID: 1252* 20,472* 2010* 44.5* 2010* 0.617* 2010* 7,627* 2010* fishing, tourism 0.779* 2010* independent (constitutional government in free association with the US)* westernmost archipelago in the Caroline chain*
Papua New Guinea Pacific 1,000* eastern part of New Guinea + several groups of islands + single islands* continental, coral, volcanic 462,840.00* mostly mountains with coastal lowlands and rolling foothills* 4,509.0* Mount Wilhelm* 37* 51* -2.59* Time span: 1966-1997; Completeness: 83%; Station ID: 1164* 6,858,266* 2010* 15.1* 2010* 2.285* 2010* 1,382* 2010* copper, gas, gold, oil* 0.458* 2010* independent (constitutional parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm)* Shares island of New Guinea with Indonesia; one of world's largest swamps along southwest coast; Environment - current issues: rain forest subject to deforestation as a result of growing commercial demand for tropical timber; pollution from mining projects; severe drought*
Pellworm North Sea 1* belongs to the German island group Nordfriesische Inseln* continental 34.30* low-lying, flat plains; no beaches; completely diked* 8.0* dike around the island, unnamed* 32* 0.00 1,177* 2012* 31.0* 2012 0.000 agriculture, tourism, power generation by wind power stations 0.000 dependent (territory of Germany) located in the German Wadden Sea
Puerto Rico Caribbean 9* main island + 8 smaller islands* continental 8,870.00* mostly mountains with coastal plain belt in north; mountains precipitous to sea on west coast; sandy beaches along most coastal areas* 1,338.0* Cerro de Punta* 46* 31* 1.65* Time span: 1962-2006; Completeness: 90%; Station ID: 1001* 3,721,978* 2010* 419.6* 2010* -0.494* 2010* 25,863* 2010* fish processing, mechanical engineering, pharmacy, rum, textiles, tourism* 0.000* 2010* dependent (unincorporated, organized territory of the US with commonwealth status; policy relations between Puerto Rico and the US conducted under the jurisdiction of the Office of the President)* Important location along the Mona Passage - a key shipping lane to the Panama Canal; San Juan is one of the biggest and best natural harbors in the Caribbean; many small rivers and high central mountains ensure land is well watered; south coast relatively dry; fertile coastal plain belt in north*
Réunion* Indian Ocean* 1* - oceanic, volcanic* 2,500.00* mostly rugged and mountainous; fertile lowlands along coast* 3,070.0* Piton des Neiges* 73* 0.00 - 821,136* 2010* 336.3* 2010* 0.584* 2010* 17,700* 2010* agriculture, sugar, services* 0.000 dependent (overseas lands of France)*
Rügen Baltic Sea 1* Germany's largest island by area.* continental* 973.00* Flat plains in the southern heartland and smooth hills in the northern and eastern heartland of the island; the partly steep coast is highly fragmented by several Boddens and Bays* 161.0* Piekberg* 3* 32* 0.00 70,000* 2006* 83.0* 2006* 0.000 tourism* 0.000 dependent (territory of Germany)* Rügen is connected to the mainland of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern by the 2.8 km long Strelasund Crossing.*
Saint Kitts and Nevis Caribbean 2* 2 inhabitated islands + 1uninhabitated islet * oceanic, volcanic 260.00* volcanic with mountainous interiors* 1,156.0* Mount Liamuiga* 41* 47* 0.00 52,402* 2010* 201.5* 2010* 1.248* 2010* 12,847* 2010* tourism* 0.745* 2010* independent (parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm)* With coastlines in the shape of a baseball bat and ball, the two volcanic islands are separated by a 3-km-wide channel called The Narrows; on the southern tip of long, baseball bat-shaped Saint Kitts lies the Great Salt Pond; Nevis Peak sits in the center of its almost circular namesake island and its ball shape complements that of its sister island*
Saint Lucia Caribbean 1* main island + approx. 5 uninhabitated islets* oceanic, volcanic 620.00* volcanic and mountainous with some broad, fertile valleys* 950.0* Mount Gimie* 41* 45* 0.00 174,000* 2010* 285.2* 2010* 0.941* 2010* 6,947* 2010* offshore banking, tourism* 0.723* 2010* independent (parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm)* The twin Pitons (Gros Piton and Petit Piton), striking cone-shaped peaks south of Soufriere, are one of the scenic natural highlights of the Caribbean*
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Caribbean 32* main island + 31 smaller islands* oceanic, volcanic 390.00* volcanic and mountainous* 1,234.0* La Soufriere* 37* 80* 0.00 109,333* 2010* 280.3* 2010* 0.059* 2010* 6,172* 2010* bananas, construction, remittances, tourism* 0.731* 2010* independent (parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm)* 1. Soufriere volcano on the island of Saint Vincent is a constant threat 2. The administration of the islands of the Grenadines group is divided between Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada*
Samoa Pacific 10* 2 main islands + 2 smaller inhabitated islands + six uninhabitated islands* oceanic, volcanic 2,840.00* two main islands (Savaii, Upolu) and several smaller islands and uninhabited islets; narrow coastal plain with volcanic, rocky, rugged mountains in interior* 1,857.0* Mount Silisili* 87* 71* 0.00 183,081* 2010* 64.7* 2010* 0.372* 2010* 3,388* 2010* automotive components, beer, copra, remittances, tourism* 0.699* 2010* independent (parliamentary democracy including traditional Samoan structures)* Occupies an almost central position within Polynesia*
São Tomé und Príncipe Atlantic 3* main island + 2 smaller islands* volcanic 964.00* volcanic and mountainous* 2,024.0* Pico de Sao Tome* 39* 178* 0.00 186,817* 2013* 700.5* 2008* 1.940* 2013* 2,300* 2013* cocoa* 0.520* 2010* independent (republic)* The two main islands form part of a chain of extinct volcanoes and both are mountainous*
Sarichef Island Arctic Ocean 1 Part of a 100 km-long system of flat barrier islands along the Chukchi Sea-facing coast of Alaska.* continental 7.20* Long and narrow coastal island with low-lying, flat and barren terrain.* 6.0* - -99 31* -99.00 - 607* 2014* 84.3* 2014* 1.675* 2014* 10,487* 2010* fishing* 0.910* 2010* dependent (territory of the US)* Global climate change is doubtlessly one of the most debated issues of our time. Apart from other impacts, the IPCC and other institutions are forecasting sea level rise that could massively threaten populations in coastal areas. Small islands are particularly vulnerable on account of their geographical specificities, such as their small size, long coastlines, particularly sensitive ecosystems, and issues surrounding food security and freshwater supply. Moreover, small island societies usually lack the necessary financial means to effectively protect themselves from the impacts of sea level rise and extreme weather events. So far, the public discourse surrounding the impacts of climate change on small islands has almost exclusively focused on warm coral islands and atolls in the tropics, such as Tuvalu or the Maldives. Sarichef Island highlights the fact that cold islands can be just as badly affected by climate change as their warmer cousins. The ssland is only seven kilometres in length and part of a 100 km-long system of barrier islands. It is situated on the Bering Strait which for a long time separated two rivalling superpowers; the International Date Line still runs through it. The island was given its current name by the Baltic-German explorer Otto von Kotzebue; he named it after his Vice Admiral in 1816 and claimed it for the Russian Tsar. At that time, the island had already been inhabited for about 200 years by the Iñupiat who had a settlement there and almost exclusively subsisted on whaling, fishing and sealing. Already then, the flat island was potentially highly vulnerable to storm surges and extreme weather events. But the sea ice, present nearly all year round, acted as a powerful protective shield against the surging waves. Additionally, the houses of the indigenous population were erected on permafrost soil which is not susceptible to erosion. Today, this natural defence has all but disappeared. In northern climes global warming is making itself felt at double the global average. As a consequence, more and more sea ice is melting, affording less and less protection to the island from storm surges. Moreover, the permafrost is thawing, rendering the coastline highly susceptible to erosion which is in turn exacerbated by rising sea levels. Despite artificial coastal defences the island is therefore losing 3.3 metres of land a year, and many houses and roads have already been washed away. There is mounting evidence that the island will become uninhabitable in only a few decades’ time. For this reason, the majority of the 600 inhabitants voted to move their village to the nearby mainland in a 2016 referendum. At this stage, however, it is entirely unclear how this will be financed: The responsible authorities have made available a meagre $8 million out of the $200 million needed, so it is unlikely that the resettlement will take place any time soon. The heated debate surrounding the future of the small island society shows that the devastating effects of climate change have firmly arrived in the northern hemisphere.*
Seychelles Indian Ocean 116* 2 groups of islands: Inner Islands and Outer Islands; 41 granitic and about 75 coralline islands* continental, coral 460.00* Mahe Group is granitic, narrow coastal strip, rocky, hilly; others are coral, flat, elevated reefs* 905.0* Morne Seychellois* 77* 168* 0.00 86,525* 2010* 188.1* 2010* -0.889* 2010* 11,130* 2010* fishing, tourism* 0.799* 2010* independent (republic)* The smallest country in Africa*
Singapore Pacific, Indian Ocean 59* main island + 58 smaller islands* continental 710.00* lowland; gently undulating central plateau contains water catchment area and nature preserve* 166.0* Bukit Timah* 3* 174* 0.00 5,076,700* 2010* 7,252.4* 2010* 1.771* 2010* 41,987* 2010* exports, finacial sector* 0.892* 2010* independent (parliamentary republic)* Focal point for Southeast Asian sea routes*
Sint Maarten Caribbean 1* southern part of St.Martin + 4 uninhabitated rocks* oceanic, volcanic 34.00* low, hilly terrain, volcanic origin* 386.0* Mount Flagstaff* 42* 70* 0.00 39,689* 2013* 0.0 2010 1.510* 2013* 15,400* 2008* tourism* 0.000* 2010* dependent (constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands; full autonomy in internal affairs granted in 2010; Dutch Government responsible for defense and foreign affairs)* In a 2000 referendum, the citizens of Sint Maarten voted to become a self-governing country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The change in status became effective in October of 2010 with the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles. the northern border is shared with the French overseas collectivity of Saint Martin; together, these two entities make up the smallest landmass in the world shared by two self-governing states*
Solomon Islands Pacific 998* 6 main islands + 992 smaller islands and attols* oceanic, coral, volcanic 28,900.00* mostly rugged mountains with some low coral atolls* 2,310.0* Mount Popomanaseu* 75* 91* 2.80* Time span: 1974-2011; Completeness: 98%; Station ID: 1373 & 1861* 538,148* 2010* 19.2* 2010* 2.640* 2010* 1,261* 2010* bauxite, copper, fishing, gold, zinc* 0.522* 2010* independent (parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm)* Ethnic violence, government malfeasance, and endemic crime have undermined stability and civil society. In June 2003, then Prime Minister Sir Allan KEMAKEZA sought the assistance of Australia in reestablishing law and order; the following month, an Australian-led multinational force arrived to restore peace and disarm ethnic militias. The Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) has generally been effective in restoring law and order and rebuilding government institutions.*
Süderoog North Sea 1* Hallig (flat marsh island with man-made dwelling mound); belongs to the German island group Nordfriesische Inseln* continental 0.62* low-lying, flat plain which is flooded by the sea during storm surges; house on man-made dwelling mound* 3.0 - 32* 0.00 2* 2013* 3.0 2013 0.000 no economic activity 0.000 dependent (territory of Germany) -
Südfall North Sea 1* Hallig (flat marsh island with man-made dwelling mound); belongs to the German island group Nordfriesische Inseln* continental 0.56* low-lying, flat plain which is flooded by the sea during storm surges; one man-made dwelling mound* 3.0 - 32* 0.00 2* 2013* 3.0 2013 0.000 no economic activity 0.000 dependent (territory of Germany) Until 1953 Südfall was private property and the residence of the countess Diana von Reventlow-Criminil
Suriname Atlantic * mainland area* continental 163,820.00* mostly rolling hills; narrow coastal plain with swamps* 1,230.0* unnamed* 160* 0.00 524,636* 2010* 3.4* 2010* 0.914* 2010* 8,292* 2010* alumina, gold, oil* 0.679* 2010* independent (constitutional democracy)* smallest independent country on South American continent; mostly tropical rain forest; great diversity of flora and fauna that, for the most part, is increasingly threatened by new development; relatively small population, mostly along the coast*
Sylt North Sea 1* belongs to the German island group Nordfriesische Inseln; connected with mainland by the Hindenburgdamm* continental 89.50* low-lying, flat plains in the interior; sandy beaches and sand dunes at the west coast and in the north* 53.0* Uwe-Düne* 8* 32* 0.00 20,852* 2010* 210.0* 2010* 0.000 tourism 0.000 dependent (territory of Germany) Largest German north sea island; German Wadden Sea between the east coast of Sylt and the mainland
Ternate Pacific 1 belongs to the Malaku Islands in eastern Indonesia* oceanic, volcanic 112.30* The topography of the island is dominated by a central stratovolcano surrounded by manly flat and fertile coastal areas which are protected by an almost closed belt of coral reefs.* 1,715.0* Gamalama* -99 72* -99.00 - 176,000* 2010* 1,667.0* 2010* -99.000* 2010* 8,900* 2010* agriculture, fishing, tourism* 0.620* 2010* dependent (territory of Indonesia)* Numerous islands could be chosen to exemplify the topic of islands as outposts of globalisation. Ternate impressively demonstrates how the interaction of historical, political and geographical forces can turn islands into central nodes of power, pawns in the game or else peripheries of global events. Centuries before the term ‘globalisation’ first found mention in scientific publications, international connections developed within various realms of human existence. The so-called transatlantic trade triangle not only enabled the exchange of resources between three global regions (mostly precious metals, sugar, arms and slaves), but also led to fundamental shifts within societies, political power structures and ecologies. In the Caribbean, multi-cultural population structures developed as a result of indigenous, European and African influence; in Europe, new crops began to arrive that nobody had ever heard of before. In a nutshell, globalisation began long before it became known as such. Islands have always played an important role in this global exchange as “outposts of globalisation”. Ternate can confidently be termed a hub of the early global economy. For a long time it even held a worldwide monopoly on certain agricultural products. European and Chinese economic interests met here, and the island also witnessed a form of cultural expansion when a Muslim Sultanate became established as early as the 13th century, about 10,000 km away from Mecca. Although the volcanic island steeply rises from the sea, its area of merely 112 km² makes it tiny compared to its neighbours. It takes a leisurely 45 minutes to do a full circle on the coastal ring road. Nevertheless, for a long period the island was a centre of economic, political and cultural power. It played a central part in establishing the Muslim faith in the eastern part of what is now the world’s largest Muslim country. Clever diplomacy also enabled the island to stand up to foreign political interests whilst benefitting from a considerable share in the global spice trade. For nearby China, Ternate was an outpost of the world of spices and of the Chinese trading empire. The Portuguese Francisco Serrão was the first European to arrive here in 1513. Eight years later the legendary explorer Ferdinand Magellan briefly stopped over on the island during his circumnavigation. Although the ruling Sultan allowed the construction of a Portuguese fort as a regional trading base and military stronghold, he did not cede any territorial authority to the Europeans. The two leading maritime powers of the time, Spain and Portugal, competed for the trading monopoly with the countries just discovered far from home. Local power elites made clever use of this conflict of interest. From 1529 onwards neither party was tolerated any longer by the Sultanates, giving room to the rise of another significant actor in the early global economy: The Dutch East India Company. The Dutch, however, went home every year, returning with fresh troops only the following year. The Spanish made use of their absence by repeatedly spreading out on the island. According to legend, a local Chinese merchant defused tensions between the European powers by cleverly dividing the island, giving the North to the red-heads and the South to the white-necks. In the early 17th century the Dutch ousted the Sultan’s family from power and began the large-scale cultivation of cloves with the intention of creating a monopoly. At that time, the islands had already become known in Europe as the “Spice Islands”. The name of Ternate would have been known to overseas traders around the world. Today only few people have even heard of the archipelago. With its economic decline in the 19th century the island too lost its significance. During the Second World War it was occupied by Japan; after decolonisation it became part of the largest island state of the world, sealing its fate as a peripheral outpost of the world. Volcanologists still appreciate the island as its central volcano, rising a proud 1,715 metres above sea level, is one of the most active in the region. With a total of 176,000 inhabitants (2010) the island is also relatively densely populated.*
Timor-Leste Pacific 3* eastern part of Timor + 2 smaller islands* volcanic 14,870.00* mountainous* 2,963.0* Foho Tatamailau* 32* 176* 0.00 1,142,502* 2010* 76.8* 2010* 2.880* 2010* 766* 2010* agriculture, timber* 0.565* 2010* independent (republic)* East Timor became the first new sovereign state of the 21st century on May 20, 2002.*
Tiran & Sanafir Indian Ocean 2 Two uninhabited and sandy desert islands in the Straits of Tiran which separate the Gulf of Aqaba from the Red Sea.* continental 97.60* mountainous dry desert* 524.0* Dschabal Tīrān on Tiran* 7* 121* -99.00 - * 2010* 0.0* 2010* -99.000 2010 -99 2010 tourism* 0.803* 2010* dependent (territory of Saudi Arabia) Two desolate mounds of sand or key geopolitical nodes? Approaching the Tiran and Sanafir in a boat without any prior knowledge, it is hard to imagine that the two bare and dusty elevations whose arid surfaces resemble an inhospitable moon landscape could hold any political significance at all. A brief look through the history books, however, quickly reveals the enormous geostrategic relevance of the two neighbouring islands. In 1956 the two islands were occupied by the troops of Israel – a state that had only existed for eight years by then. The purpose was to secure the supply of oil for its European allies. Relations between the states involved in this conflict (Suez War) remained tense and escalated eleven years later into the Six-Day War. Once again, the casus belli for the military conflict was the occupation of the two islands – this time by the troops of Egypt, cutting off its regional arch enemy’s access to the Indian Ocean. The world had become divided into blocks by then, and both blocks held their breath. The closure of the strait between the two islands was regarded as a clear breach of the 1958 UNCLOS convention which granted freedom of navigation to all nations of the world. In later decades all went quiet on the two islands. They are still not inhabited by civilians, but 1,900 soldiers and twelve multinational peace keepers and the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) are stationed there. In April 2016 the islands suddenly leapt back to international attention when Egypt made to give them to Saudi Arabia as a sort of diplomatic gift. The islands are likely to remain a talking point. Despite the continuing territorial uncertainties, there are plans to link the two islands with a bridge spanning 32 km, creating another land link between Africa and Asia. The associated road and rail links will also run across Tiran. It is questionable whether the regional powers will really warm to this gigantic construction project which will yet again shift the geopolitical architecture of the wider region. *
Tonga Pacific 169* archipelago of 169 islands (36 inhabited)* oceanic, coral, volcanic 750.00* most islands have limestone base formed from uplifted coral formation; others have limestone overlying volcanic base* 1,003.0* unnamed on Kao Island* 103* 50* 0.00 104,058* 2010* 144.5* 2010* 0.519* 2010* 3,544* 2010* remittances, tourism* 0.709* 2010* independent (constitutional monarchy)* Tonga - unique among Pacific nations - never completely lost its indigenous governance. Today, Tonga remains the only monarchy in the Pacific; frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity on Fonuafo'ou*
Trinidad & Tobago Caribbean 2* - continental 5,130.00* mostly plains with some hills and low mountains* 940.0* El Cerro del Aripo* 15* 158* 0.00 1,341,465* 2010* 261.5* 2010* 0.382* 2010* 15,614* 2010* gas, oil* 0.758* 2010* independent (parliamentary democracy)* Pitch Lake, on Trinidad's southwestern coast, is the world's largest natural reservoir of asphalt*
Turks and Caicos Islands Atlantic* 40* 8 inhabited islands + approx. 32 uninhabited islands grouped into 2 archipelagos* coral* 950.00* low, flat limestone; extensive marshes and mangrove swamps* 48.0* Flamingo Hill* 41* * 0.00 30,993* 2010* 32.6* 2010* 2.436* 2010* 29,100* 2007* offshore financial services, tourism* 0.873* 2008* dependent (overseas territory of the UK)* destination and transit point for illegal Haitian immigrants bound for the Turks and Caicos Islands, The Bahamas, and the US*
Tuvalu Pacific 9* island group consisting of nine coral atolls* oceanic, coral 30.00* low-lying and narrow coral atolls* 5.0* unnamed* 82* 3.74* Time span: 1977-2011; Completeness: 96%; Station ID: 1452 & 1839* 9,827* 2010* 327.6* 2010* 0.214* 2010* 3,238* 2010* copra, fishing, leasing of its ".tv" Internet domain name, remittances* 0.000* 2010* independent (parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm)* One of the smallest and most remote countries on Earth; six of the nine coral atolls - Nanumea, Nui, Vaitupu, Nukufetau, Funafuti, and Nukulaelae - have lagoons open to the ocean; Nanumaya and Niutao have landlocked lagoons; Niulakita does not have a lagoon*
U.S. Virgin Islands Caribbean 34* 3 main islands +31 smaller islands* coral, volcanic 350.00* mostly hilly to rugged and mountainous with little level land* 474.0* Crown Mountain* 31* 1.74* Time span: 1977-2006; Completeness: 80%; Station ID: 1447* 109,750* 2010* 313.6* 2010* -0.054* 2010* 14,500* 2004* tourism* 0.000* 2010* dependent (territory of the US)* Important location along the Anegada Passage - a key shipping lane for the Panama Canal; Saint Thomas has one of the best natural deepwater harbors in the Caribbean*
Usedom Baltic Sea 1* The majority of the island belongs to Germany, a smaller part in the East of the island belongs to Poland. However, the surface area of the German part of Usedom makes it to the second largest island of the country. * continental* 445.00* Partly flat, partly steep coastline* 69.0* Golm* 32* 0.00 76,500 2010 172.0 2010 0.000 tourism* 0.000 dependent (territory of Germany and Poland)*
Vanuatu Pacific 83* 65 inhabited* oceanic, volcanic 12,190.00* mostly mountainous islands of volcanic origin; narrow coastal plains* 1,877.0* Tabwemasan - on Espiritu Santo* 62* 141* 0.00 239,651* 2010* 19.7* 2010* 2.476* 2010* 2,833* 2010* agriculture, fishing, offshore financial services, tourism* 0.623* 2010* independent (parliamentary republic)* A Y-shaped chain of four main islands and 80 smaller islands; several of the islands have active volcanoes and there are several underwater volcanoes as well; More than 100 spoken local languages*
Venice (centro storico) Mediterranean Sea 118* flat and densely populated marsh islands in the Venetian Lagoon of Italy* continental 7.06* Highly urbanised and compact conglomerate of 118 flat and fortified islands which are linked to each other by numerous bridges (centro storico).* 1.0* - -99 21* -99.00 - 60,233* 2009* 8,531.6* 2009* -3.354* 2010* 35,260* 2007* tourism* 0.872* 2010* dependent (territory of Italy)* The repeated invasion of mounted armies drove an increasing number of mainland inhabitants to the coast and the offshore saltmarsh islands for protection. A solid foundation for one of the fastest growing and most densely settled urban spaces of its time was created by ramming thousands of wooden pillars into the boggy, uninhabitable ground. Up to this day this island space extends over an incredible 118 small islands that are linked to each other by numerous bridges. A bird’s eye view of the city centre of Venice gives the impression of a single large island bisected by an s-shaped canal. Due to its favourable location between two global empires, the island city quickly advanced to one of the world’s most significant trading centres. From the late 7th century onwards it was the heart of an independent republic that maintained an extensive colonial empire and numerous trade posts in many areas of the then known world. The legendary wealth of its inhabitants was not only due to trade and significant geopolitical influence, but also to ship building which resembled modern assembly line production long before the industrial age on account of a high degree of systematization. With the discovery of the New World global trade increasingly shifted westwards. Venice gradually lost its significance, and the republic abruptly dissolved in 1797 when it was occupied by an important warlord. In its heyday the island city developed a rich cultural life; this and its unique visual appear-ance attracted artists and intellectuals from all over the world. Venice repeatedly became the setting for world-renowned literature and it is still a favoured location for film shoots. Its global fame has turned the urban island conglomerate into one of the most visited cities ever, regularly overburdening the local infrastructure, leading to serious processes of social change and also causing environmental problems. Rising sea levels, however, pose a much greater challenge to the island city today. The sea is gnawing away at the city’s foundations, squares and streets are flooded ever more frequently, and many basements of the once magnificent houses have become uninhabitable already. Still, the city is resisting the forces of nature. A huge and very expensive flood protection system, consisting of enor-mous hydraulic tide gates, is to stop the town from drowning.*
Viti Levu Pacific* 1* largest island of the Republic of Fiji* oceanic, coral* 10,388.00* Mainly flat coasts and a rugged, mountainous interior of volcanic origin. The island is divided into roughly equal halves by a north-south mountain range. The eastern side of the island experiences high rates of precipitation, while the western side is noticeably drier. The distribution of rainfall is the determining factor in the country’s vegetation. Dense forests and coastal mangrove swamps are found in the east and grasslands, with coconut palms on the coasts, in the west. Large parts of the island’s coastline is naturally protected by coral reefs.* 1,324.0* Mount Tomanivi* 83* 27* 6.30* Time span: 1972-2011; Completeness: 95%; Station ID: 742-012* 580,000* 2010* 55.8* 2010* -99.000* 2010* 3,687* 2010* agriculture, cocoa, copra, fishing, remittances, timber, tourism* 0.699* 2010* dependent (territory of Fiji) Viti Levu has by far the largest land mass of the 332 islands that make up Fiji. Europeans have known about the islands since the 17th century, but its inhabitants, variously feared as cannibals or glorified as “noble savages”, did not lose their political independence until 1874 to the British crown. After a short period the new colonial power established the same sugar cane economy that had become such a success story on other islands under Crown rule, helping to sweeten the tea that people back home in British towns and cities had grown so very fond of. The warm humid climate of Viti Levu was perfectly suited for growing sugar cane, so large parts of the wooded island were cleared to create huge sugar cane plantations. There was just one small problem: The indigenous population, stripped of its political freedom, refused to work on the white settler’s plantations. As a result, between 1879 and 1916 the British brought around 61,000 Indian contract workers to the island to do the hard labour in the fields. Most of these economic migrants had come to stay, and so Hindu temples soon characterised many coastal settlements. From the mid-20th century onwards the descendants of the Indian workers represented the majority of the population, leading to increasing ethnic tensions with the indigenous population who saw the privileged position they had enjoyed under the British increasing threatened. When the archipelago gained its independence in 1970, a constitution was drawn up that structurally disadvantaged the Indian population, triggering an ongoing phase of political unrest. Between 1987 and 2006 alone four coups took place, and international media repeatedly reported on the scenario of a “failed state”. Exclusion from the British Commonwealth and low world market prices for sugar put huge pressure on the local economy, leading to a mass exodus of the politically suppressed but economically dominant Indian population. Today tourism has replaced sugar as the most important economic factor. Suva on the southeast coast of Viti Levu is Fiji's political and administrative capital as well as the largest and most cosmopolitan city in the southern Pacific Ocean (total urban population 2007: 330,000).*