Education

Archipelagic states of the world. Which country has 474 islands?

November 17, 2015

There is such a thing as an “archipelago country”. What does it mean? What states can be classified as this type? And which country is located on 474 islands? The answers to all these interesting questions are in our article!

Archipelago as a geographical concept

If you look at the map Pacific Ocean, concentrating your attention on its southwestern part, you can see great amount islands of different sizes. Very often they are located in groups, forming so-called archipelagos.

The term itself is of ancient Greek origin and consists of two words: pelages - “sea” and arche - “old, ancient”. Initially, this term specifically designated a group of islands of Ancient Greece.

Islands within the same archipelago, as a rule, have a common genesis and are located on the same base (bottom). There are archipelagos of continental, volcanic and coral origin.

Archipelagic countries (list)

Each country has its own geographical location. Some states are located within the mainland, while other countries are located on islands.

Archipelagic countries refer to those states that occupy groups of islands located close to each other. Moreover, we are talking specifically about island groups. That is, for example, it is difficult to classify Croatia as this type, because its main part is located on the mainland.

All archipelagic countries are listed below:

• Great Britain;
• New Zealand;
• Indonesia;
• Kiribati;
• Comoros Islands;
• Bahamas;
• Marshall Islands;
• Solomon islands;
• Seychelles;
• Palau;
• Tuvalu;
• Tonga;
• Japan;
• Philippines;
• Denmark.

It is worth noting that most of the states from this list are located in South-East Asia and Oceania - the most “island” regions of the planet.

Which country has 474 islands?

As we see, in the modern world there are more than a dozen archipelagic states. In this list, one country is located on 474 islands. What is it called?

This country is Denmark. It is located in Northern Europe, just between the mainland and the Scandinavian Peninsula. Indeed, this country is located on 474 islands. All of them are characterized by lowland terrain and sandy soils. Only 70 of these islands are inhabited by people. The largest of them are Zealand, Bornholm, Lolland.

Denmark is one of the oldest powers in Europe. The Danish Kingdom was formed back in the tenth century. By the way, state flag Denmark is also the oldest in the world. The banner with a white cross on a red background has been known since the 13th century.

Modern Denmark is in the top ten of many world rankings. It's about on the level of education, health care, democracy, human development and GDP per capita. In addition, the Danes have been called the happiest nation in the world more than once.

We offer you a few more interesting facts about Denmark:

• in the capital of Denmark, Copenhagen, there is the famous Tivoli holiday park, which served as the prototype for the famous Disneyland;
• Denmark is the first European country to make same-sex marriage legal;
• Faroe islands, as is known, belong to Denmark. However, few people know that the Danish king won them at cards from the Norwegian monarch;
• Strøget Boulevard in the center of Copenhagen is the longest walking street in Europe;
• it was in Denmark that one of the most famous and recognizable writers on the planet, Hans Christian Andersen, lived and worked;
• Danes are forced to pay one of the highest personal car taxes in the world;
• Perhaps the most famous Danish product on the world market is the Lego children's construction set.

Finally...

Now you know which country is located on 474 islands. There are 15 archipelagic states in the world, which are located in different parts Sveta.

Source: fb.ru

Current

Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous

This is a list of the 15 smallest countries in the world. Countries that can be compared in size to small town. You can walk from end to end of almost every one of these countries in less than a day.

The most small state on the ground. The Vatican is located on the territory Eternal City Rome, on the hill of Monte Vaticano and has a state border length of only 3.2 km. In a few hours you can easily walk around the entire country. According to official data, the population of the Vatican is just over 800 people. Another 3,000 people are not citizens of the country, but come here to work every day.

The Vatican is one of the largest museums under open air. Here it is a real treasure trove works of art and architectural monuments, relics of Christianity and unique creations of great masters are stored. A huge number of believers and tourists visit the Vatican territory every day.

Second place in the list of micro states is occupied by the Principality of Monaco. Its territory is 1.95 square meters. km. The length of the state border with France is 4.4 km. The population density in Monaco, unlike the Vatican, is very high - the country is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Locals They are mainly engaged in servicing tourists, who are attracted here by magnificent beaches and a huge number of gaming establishments.

The Republic of Nauru is a dwarf state on the coral island of the same name in the western Pacific Ocean with an area of ​​21.3 km² and a population of 12 thousand people. Nauru is the smallest independent republic on Earth, the smallest island state, the smallest state outside Europe and the only republic in the world without an official capital.

Tuvalu is a dwarf Pacific state in Polynesia. The length of the coastal strip is 21 km. The state is located on 5 atolls and 4 islands of the Tuvalu archipelago. total area sushi - 26 km². The country's population is 14 thousand people. The islands gained independence in 1978 (before that the archipelago was a British colony).

The name of the country, translated from the Tuvaluan language, means “eight standing together” (referring to the eight traditionally inhabited islands of Tuvalu. The main problem of the islands is rising sea levels, which threatens the flooding of many of the islands, most of which are located no higher than 5 meters above sea level The country lives on the help of other countries, because it does not have its own natural resources.

5. San Marino

A European state surrounded on all sides by the territory of Italy. The name comes from the name of the Christian saint who founded the state. The country claims to be the oldest state in Europe. The area of ​​the state is 60.57 km². Almost 80% of the country's territory is occupied by mountains and rock formations. Population: 33 thousand people. San Marino is one of the few modern countries, with positive economic indicators. State revenues exceed expenses and the country has no external debt.

Another dwarf European state. The area of ​​the country is 160 km². The name of the country comes from the ruling dynasty of Liechtenstein. The Principality is located in the spurs of the Alps, the highest point is Mount Grauspitz (2599 m). One of the rivers flows through the western part of the country. largest rivers Western Europe- Rhine. The country's population is 38 thousand people.

Despite its size, Liechtenstein is a prosperous industrial country with a developed banking system. In addition, the Principality of Liechtenstein is included in the black list of “tax havens” - states where residents of other countries avoid taxation.

The Marshall Islands are a Pacific nation in Micronesia. The state is located on 29 atolls and 5 islands of the Marshall Islands archipelago. The length of the coastal strip is 370.4 km. The total land area is 181.3 km² and 11,673 km² are occupied by lagoons. The population of the Marshall Islands is 65 thousand people.

The maximum height above sea level is 10 meters. In the event of a significant rise in sea levels or global climate change, serious environmental consequences are inevitable on individual islands.

The Republic of the Marshall Islands does not have permanent armed forces. According to the agreement, the United States bears responsibility for the security and defense of the country. They have a responsibility to protect the Republic of the Marshall Islands and its citizens from outside attacks and threats.

Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis - a state in the eastern part Caribbean Sea, consisting of two islands - Saint Kitts and Nevis. Both islands are of volcanic origin and mountainous. The area of ​​the country is 261 km². Population - 53 thousand people. The total length of the coastline is 135 km.

The islands were discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, but the Spaniards did not colonize them. The struggle for possession of the islands was fought for a long time by Great Britain and France. In 1983, the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis gained independence.

The islands have rich tropical vegetation. Mountainous areas covered with thick tropical forests and orchards. Lianas, mangoes, breadfruit and cinnamon trees, tamarind, avocados, bananas, and papaya grow here. At the tops of the mountains, forests give way to meadows with equally abundant vegetation. The forests are home to numerous tropical birds and butterflies, and there are monkeys. Many seabirds, including pelicans, nest on the coast. The waters abound with fish.

The Republic of Maldives or simply the Maldives is a state in South Asia, located on a group of atolls in Indian Ocean, south of India. The state is a chain of 20 atolls consisting of 1192 coral islets. Population - about 330 thousand people. The total area is 90 thousand km², the land area is 298 km². The capital Male - the only city and port of the archipelago - is located on the atoll of the same name and is the smallest capital in the world. However, Male is home to a third of the country's total population.

The basis of the economy is serving tourists. Hot but comfortable weather all year round (air temperature from 24 to 30°) has made the Maldives a place of pilgrimage for tourists from all over the world. Fishing comes in second place.

The Republic of Malta is an island state in the Mediterranean Sea. The country consists of three inhabited islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino and many small and uninhabited ones. The territory of the state is 316 km². The population of Malta is 420 thousand people. The country bears the title of the least populated state in the European Union.

The main industry of Malta's economy is tourism. Most of the cultural and historical attractions are associated with the Knights of the Johannite Order (Order of Malta). Due to the great diversity of urban and natural landscapes Malta is popular place filming of feature films. Malta is the only country in Europe that does not have rivers, lakes or its own springs fresh water.

Grenada is an island state in the southeast Caribbean Sea, occupies the island of Grenada and the southern part of the Grenadines. Total area - 344 sq. km. Population: 110 thousand people.

The island of Grenada is of volcanic origin. In the center of the island there is a forested mountain range, overlooked by Mount St. Catherine (840 m), the highest point in the country. There are few rivers on the island, but there are many streams and springs. Grenada's economy is based on tourism as well as offshore financial businesses.

The song “Grenada”, written by M. Svetlov in 1926, as it turned out, has nothing to do with the state of Grenada.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is an independent state in the Caribbean. The territory consists of the island of Saint Vincent and 32 small islands of the Grenadines group. Area - 389 km². Population - 105 thousand people.

On the island of St. Vincent there is active volcano Soufriere. During our era alone, it has erupted at least 160 times. Last eruption it was in 1979. The island's beaches are covered with black volcanic sand; the exception is whites sandy beaches on the southern tip of the island.

Barbados is a small state in the West Indies, located on the island of the same name, which is shaped like a pear. The island has an area of ​​431 km² and is mostly flat with small hills in the middle. Population: 290 thousand people. Barbados is one of the leading developing countries in terms of living standards and literacy.

The basis of the economy is tourism. Many historical monuments, are associated with the rise of piracy in the Caribbean. Barbados is also famous for the production of the famous pirate rum. Approximately every 3 years the island finds itself in the hurricane zone and suffers greatly from the elements.

Antigua and Barbuda is a country in the West Indies located on three islands- Antigua, Barbuda and Redonda. The total territory is 442 km². Population 90 thousand people.

The main source of income is tourism. Antigua and Barbuda is ready to welcome tourists 365 days a year. Coastline Antigua forms many bays (essentially relict volcanic craters) and an extended strip of first-class beaches (it is believed that there are exactly 365 of them on the islands). There are both beaches with developed infrastructure, and completely wild, secluded corners.

The Republic of Seychelles is an island state in East Africa. Located in the western Indian Ocean, slightly south of the equator. The republic includes 115 islands, only 33 of them are inhabited. The islands cover an area of ​​455 square kilometers. The country's population is about 90 thousand people.

Main source of income Seychelles For a long time there was an export of cinnamon, coconut and vanilla. Since 1976, when Great Britain granted independence to the Seychelles, tourism has become the main source of income (up to 75% of foreign exchange earnings).

The fruit of the Seychelles palm, which grows only in the Seychelles, weighs 20 kg and is considered the largest fruit in the plant world.

The level of the world's oceans has constantly changed; nothing is constant. But recently, due to global warming, this process has become catastrophic for many coastal countries. Due to the melting of glaciers on the Earth's polar caps, sea levels are rising by an average of 4 mm per year. It would seem, what is 4 mm? In 10 years this is only 4 cm. Why such panic? But let's look at the issue more globally.

First, a little geometry. Let's consider ideal conditions: the shore of the island and the ocean floor are perfectly flat with a slope of 5 degrees, like a wave pool in a water park.

What happens if the water level is increased by 4 cm? The coastal strip will decrease by 47 cm! And in a hundred years, the sea level will increase by half a meter, and island and coastal countries will lose five meters of coastline. But these are all ideal “laboratory conditions”. In reality, things are much worse. For example highest point state of the Maldives - about two meters. This is the highest, basically all the islands in the Maldives have a height of 0.5 to 1 meter above sea level. The UN Commission on Climate Change, based on its research, predicts a rise in global sea levels of 58 cm by the end of the century. According to other calculations, for example, the National Oceanography Center in the UK, sea levels could rise by 2.5-5 meters within 300 years. And if large coastal states are threatened with partial flooding, then small island states are threatened with complete disappearance.

the site has selected five countries that are most at risk of extinction as world sea levels rise.

Maldives

This is a string of small islands formed from coral reefs with a maximum land level of 1-2 meters. If the sea level rises by 50 cm (in 100 years), most of the 1,192 islands of the Maldives could be flooded, and the population of 369 thousand people would lose their homes. And most importantly, the population will have nowhere to move, the country will simply disappear. Representatives Maldives The UN has always been one of the first to support any projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. They are one of the first to verify the UN Kyoto Protocol on climate change.

But according to various research institutes, it is no longer possible to stop rising sea levels. That is why the government of the Maldives has opened an account since 2008 to which part of the income from tourism will be transferred. These funds will be used to purchase land in Australia or India.

Tuvalu

Small state, located entirely on islands formed from coral reefs. The maximum height of the country is 5 m. It is located in the Pacific Ocean 1000 km north of Fiji. Like the Maldives, Tuvalu faces complete extinction in the next 200-300 years. The Tuvalu government is in talks with Australian authorities to secure a site for future relocation of residents. Considering that Australia has one of the lowest population densities, housing 10 thousand Tuvaluans will not be difficult, and it will obviously not be free of charge.

Marshall Islands

Located 500 km northwest of Tuvalu. Like its unfortunate neighbors, the Marshall Islands are threatened with complete flooding. Thousands of coral islands will be submerged within 300 years. More than 50 thousand people will be forced to search new country for life.

Nauru

This is a dwarf state on the coral island of the same name in the western Pacific Ocean with an area of ​​21.3 km² and a population of 10,261 people. Nauru was a little more lucky. The island is shaped like a chicken egg with a maximum height of 71 m (the height of Command Ridge) and the island is not in danger of being completely flooded. But 90% of arable land and 60% of habitable land will disappear. The country faces economic disaster in 200-300 years.

Kiribati

Pacific state located in Micronesia and Polynesia, one and a half thousand kilometers south of Hawaiian Islands. Kiribati consists of 33 small atolls, twenty of which are uninhabited. Most islands have maximum height 5-10 m above sea level and only Banaba Island has a height of 81 m, and is an elevated atoll in origin. However, it will not be possible to live on Banab, since the island was almost completely destroyed during the development of fertilizers (phosphorites). The island will be interesting only for environmentalists, because here you can see the consequences of the mining industry. Tourism is very developed in Kiribati; more than 20% of the country's GDP comes from this industry. But within 100 years, most of the tourism infrastructure will be flooded, which will lead to dire economic consequences. And in another 100 years, most of the islands of Kiribati will disappear. Like Tuvalu, Kiribati is in talks with Australia about relocating to the mainland.

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. Island states there are in Asia, and in Europe, and in 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 well-known 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, it is a 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 out. 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 is different here than 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 a feeling resort area, but there is no inner, genuine exoticism.

Davao is a city in the Philippines

Unique ceremonies and rituals have replaced traditional Catholic services; national clothing is not here and is unlikely to appear; 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. A local kitchen based on meat eaters.

Papua New Guinea is one of the most exotic islands

There are island countries and in Oceania - an independent state 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 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, local population sacredly preserves its 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, for the most part, no human has set foot on them. 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.

Another big one island country It is considered to be Madagascar. More than twenty different nationalities live here, ancient ancestor cults are practiced, there are many protected areas and excellent tourist infrastructure, which never ceases to delight travelers.

Small island states

Exists 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 country of happiness.
• Dominica and Dominican Republic- tourists usually confuse them, and this is no wonder - they have similar names and a similar form of device.

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 about their unconditional 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 lack of fresh water on the island - almost all the water necessary to support people’s lives is obtained using desalination plants.

One more most interesting state in Europe are the Faroe Islands. Harsh northern nature and the most beautiful mountain landscapes will not leave any of the travelers who have been there indifferent.

Faroe islands

On September 19, the smallest state in the Western Hemisphere, Saint Kitts and Nevis, celebrates its 30th anniversary of independence. For this date, we have compiled a selection of five tiny island states that, despite their size, have something to show tourists.

It is a state of just 261 square kilometers that supports itself through sugar cane farming and tourism. Every year about 250 thousand tourists set foot on the shores of the islands of St. Kitts and Nevis. Despite the fact that only about 50 thousand people live in the country. Mostly citizens of the United States go to the islands, but during the holiday season you can meet Europeans and even Russians here. Most of the population of this tiny state works in the service sector.

A small island state with an area of ​​316 square kilometers is nestled in the waters Mediterranean Sea. Translated from the ancient Phoenician dialect, the name Malta means nothing more than a refuge or harbor. The island received this name because it was at the intersection of trade routes from Asia to European countries, carrying out the important function of a transshipment point for sea caravans. Today Malta is home to about half a million people, it is a highly developed country, a member of the EU. Interesting architecture, many ancient monuments and a high level of service attract hundreds of thousands of tourists to Malta every year.

The Republic of Maldives is the smallest country in Asia. The area of ​​this island state in the Indian Ocean is about 300 square kilometers, the population is just over half a million inhabitants. The most important economic sectors Maldives - tourism and service sector. This is due to the stunning beauty of nature, amazing animal world, sandy beaches and best hotels. This favorite place summer holiday for millions of tourists every year.

The area of ​​the state of Tuvalu in Oceania is only about 26 square kilometers. This country is at the top of the list of not only the smallest, but also the poorest states in the world. First of all, such a sad economic situation has developed due to the unprofitable geographical location. The country's economy is poorly developed; the population mainly lives from agriculture and fishing. Tuvalu is visited by several thousand tourists annually, although this figure could be increased by an order of magnitude with proper funding for the tourism sector.

The smallest independent state on Earth and the smallest state outside the borders of Europe. Its area is only 21 square kilometers. Nauru in the eighties was the richest state due to the fact that there was active production of phosphates. But this also turned the beautiful coral island into a desert scorched like the surface of Mars. After the depletion of the mines, times of political instability began, and at the moment the state lives exclusively on Australian aid and on the maintenance of refugees who want to move to Australia (this is sponsored by Australia itself). Of course, this place deserves the attention of tourists, but it is quite difficult to obtain a visa due to environmental problems associated with phosphate mining in the past.