A country located on 15,000 islands. Island countries of the world. What is an island state
The concept of an island state, descriptions of island states
Information about the concept of an island state, descriptions of island states
1.List of island states by area
2. Brief descriptions of some island states
The island state is- a state located on one or several islands and not connected by any of its regions with the mainland. In this way, island states are distinguished from coastal or landlocked states. Currently, among the 194 independent states of the world, 47 are island states.
List of island states by area
No. State Area in km²
1 Indonesia 1,912,988
2 Madagascar 587.041
3 Papua New Guinea 462.840
4 Japan 377.837
5 Philippines 300,000
6 New Zealand 270.534
7 UK 242.910
8 Cuba 110.860
9 Iceland 103,000
10 Ireland 70.273
11 Sri Lanka 65,610
12 Dominican Republic 48,422
13 Taiwan 36.006
14 Haiti 27.750
15 Solomon Islands 27,556
16 Fiji 18.367
17 East Timor 14.409
18 Bahamas 13,939
19 Vanuatu 12.190
21 Cyprus 9.251
22 Brunei 5.765
23 Trinidad and Tobago 5.128
24 Cape Verde 4,033
25 Samoa 2.831
26 Mauritius 2,040
27 Comoros 1,862
28 Sao Tome and Principe 1.001
29 Kiribati 811
30 Tonga 748
31 Dominica 746
32 Bahrain 711
33 Micronesia 702
34 Singapore 683
36 Palau 508
37 Seychelles 454
38 Antigua and Barbuda 442
39 Barbados 430
41 Grenada 345
42 Malta 316
43 Maldives 298
45 Marshall Islands 181
46 Tuvalu 26
47 Nauru 21
Brief descriptions of some island states
Indonesia, official name - Republic of Indonesia (Indian: Republik Indonesia) is the largest state in Southeast Asia and the 16th largest country in the world. Located on the islands of the Sunda archipelago and is the largest island nation in the world. With a population of about 230.5 million people, it ranks fourth in the world in terms of this indicator. It has a rich and controversial history.
Madagascar is a state in the western Indian Ocean, on the island of Madagascar and adjacent small islands off the east coast of Africa. Area - 587 thousand km², population - 18.4 million people. (2005, UN assessment). The capital is Antananarivo.
Japan is an island state in East Asia. Part of the territories, according to the official Japanese position, that are part of Japan (the southern Kuril Islands) are de facto part of Russia and are the subject of a territorial dispute. Japan is a member of the UN, G8 and APEC. In terms of GDP, Japan in 2008 ranked second in the world (first - the USA). Japan remains the only country in the world against which nuclear weapons have been used.
Great Britain is an island state in Western Europe, the form of government is a parliamentary monarchy. The capital is the city of London. The name of the country comes from the English Great Britain. Britain - according to the ethnonym of the Briton tribe.
A state in the British Isles (the island of Great Britain and the north-eastern part of the island of Ireland, a large number of small islands and archipelagos, the Channel Islands), washed by the Atlantic Ocean and its seas. Area: total - 244,820 km², land - 240,590 km², inland waters - 3,230 km². The highest peak - Ben Nevis English Ben Nevis Gaelic Beinn Neibhis / (1343 m) - is located in the north of Scotland (Grampian Mountains), the lowest point is Fenland (−4 m).
In the north and west, mountainous terrain predominates - the North Scottish Highlands (up to 1343 m), the Pennine and Cambrian mountains; in the south and southeast there are hilly plains. The climate is temperate oceanic, humid. Average temperatures in January are from 3 to 7 °C, in July 11-17 °C; precipitation up to 3000 mm per year in the west and 600-750 mm in the southeast. Main rivers: Thames - 334 km, Severn - 310 km, Trent - 298 km, Mersey - 109 km, Clyde - 170 km. The largest lakes: Loch Ness (area 56 km²), Loch Neagh (area 396 km²). Forests (beech, oak, birch) occupy about 9% of the UK's territory.
New Zealand is a country in the southwest Pacific Ocean, located on two large islands (North Island and South Island) and a large number (approximately 700) adjacent smaller islands. The capital of the country is Wellington. New Zealand has a population of approximately 4,284,000 (as of November 2008). The country is built on the principles of a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy and is among the developed countries of the world.
Island states and territories of the Caribbean
Cuba is one of the few socialist countries in the world. Cuba has deposits of non-ferrous metals (nickel, cobalt); sugar cane and tobacco leaves are grown. The climate in Cuba is tropical. Havana, the capital of Cuba, and its surroundings have magnificent beaches. Cuba has historical landmarks from the time of Spanish rule: an old fortress, the castle of the three kings, the monastery of San Francisco, etc. There are many caves on the island, the most interesting of which is near the city of Matan Das. The largest international resort in Cuba is Varadeiro. Tourists are eager to visit the house-museum of the writer Ernest Hemingway near Havana.
The island of Jamaica is located in the very center of the Caribbean Sea, 145 km south of Cuba. It is one of the largest Caribbean islands. There are deposits of bauxite here, which are supplied mainly to the USA. Jamaica was once a famous pirate island and has become a famous holiday destination these days. The capital of Jamaica is Kingston. For a long time, the island was owned by the Spaniards, British, French, and Portuguese, who brought slaves from different countries. Over the centuries, these nations intermingled. As a result, Jamaicans combine the traditions of all nations in their mentality.
The island has many beautiful beaches, the recreation area near Montego Bay is especially popular. This resort area has a huge selection of hotels, restaurants, and shops. The underwater park attracts deep-sea diving enthusiasts. Golf courses are available. In the neighborhood of Montego Bay there are ancient plantation houses. Here you can see how tropical crops are cultivated. Famous resorts in Jamaica also include Negril, Ocho Rios, and Port Antonio. The climate on the island is tropical, trade wind.
To the north of Cuba, not far from the US coast, is an important tourist area - the Bahamas. The capital of the archipelago is Nassau, a resort center located 16 km from the international airport. One of the largest casinos operates here. The Coral World underwater observatory has recently opened. The Bahamas has national parks and historical museums where monuments of ancient Indian culture are exhibited.
The Dominican Republic is a country with a stable political and economic system, respected by the international community, attracting foreign investors, i.e. fortunately pleasant for tourism. The capital of the republic is Santa Domingo. This is a predominantly mountainous country. The mountains are covered with dense evergreen forests. The abundance of tropical fruits (coconuts, papayas, mangoes), fabulous sandy beaches, and the clear turquoise water of the Caribbean Sea attract more than 2 million tourists every year. It was from this island that Columbus began his discovery of America. Therefore, a grandiose memorial was built here in honor of Columbus - a monument and museum in the form of a truncated pyramid.
Barbados is an amazing combination of natural beauty and romance, relaxation and adventure. Tourism is one of the leading sectors of the economy. The country is known for its beaches of stunning pink sand. In the coastal strip there are huge accumulations of coral* reefs. The famous rum has been produced at Barba Dosa for over 300 years. Bridgetown, the capital of the country, has many architectural monuments, including the monument to Admiral Nelson. The island has national parks where unique species of tropical plants and animals have been preserved in wild conditions. Barbados has a well-developed hotel and tourism infrastructure. Fashionable resorts are located in the Lesser Antilles: Anguilla, Antigua, Aruba, Saint Lucia, Curosao, etc.
Sources
http://ru.wikipedia.org/ Wikipedia - the free encyclopedia
http://lrcei.lviv.ua/ Ersey
Island states are those countries that have no land borders—their territories are bordered only by water bodies. There are quite a few such countries in the world, however, they differ significantly. There are also peninsular countries - those that are on peninsulas. There are countries that are rightfully considered mainland, but their capitals are located on an island or islands - for example, Equatorial Guinea and Denmark. There are island states in Asia, Europe, and other parts of the world.
Great Britain on the world map
Island mentality
The fundamentally different positions of island countries and continental ones are felt in everything, from everyday life to political worldviews. If we evaluate the practical way of life, the difference is obvious. Residents of the continent are accustomed to the fact that if there is a shortage of any resources - gold, oil, gas, timber, human resources - they can always be borrowed from their neighbors (both with and without their consent). Islanders think differently. All they have is an island. The smaller it is, the stronger the difference in mentalities is felt. Their world is more fragile, and at the same time more connected, related.
They say that every islander carries an island with him - in his soul and in his thoughts. This is partly true. Limited territories meant that there were virtually no widespread large dynasties on the islands that would rule and own the lands from generation to generation. The island has a more communal way of life, much of which depends on the collective subconscious.
Small island countries in the Caribbean
Many island countries are located in the 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 here is different from in Europe. The environmental situation is more than favorable - it’s not for nothing that New Zealand is called the greenest state in the world.
The Philippines stands out very strongly among the island states. There are practically no direct flights with this state, and rare tourists travel to those parts. There are too many prejudices - bad beaches, long flights, lack of exotic things. The last one is most surprising.
In fact, historically, instead of preserving its own history and culture, the Philippines absorbed the traditions brought by foreigners, and the result was a symbiosis of several European countries. Of course, the jungle and palm trees create the feeling of a resort area, but there is no internal, genuine exoticism.
Davao is a city in the Philippines
Unique ceremonies and rituals have replaced traditional Catholic services; national 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. And the local cuisine is based on meat-eaters.
Papua New Guinea is one of the most exotic islands
There are island countries in Oceania - the independent state of Papua New Guinea. Its coastline is washed by four seas, and its land border is only with Indonesia.
Unlike many island countries, Papua New Guinea carefully preserves its traditions - even those that seem very, very strange to people from the mainland. For example, for many decades, the ritual of burying the dead by smoking has been preserved, after which the mummy is hung in a cage on a rock - according to local traditions, all the dead become guardians of villages and tribes.
There is practically virgin jungle here, inhabited by various tribes of natives. More than a thousand tribes live here - they speak different languages and are not always able to understand each other.Indonesia
Indonesia occupies about 2,000,000 km2 - among the island countries it is the largest. This country is popular both among tourists and among travelers who like to spend the winter in warm climates. Here two oceans meet and exotic landscapes are everywhere; the local population sacredly preserves their own ancient traditions.
Bali island in Indonesia
On the other hand, Indonesia is located on many islands - they are exotic, remote from each other and for the most part they have not been trodden by humans. Stunning landscapes and impassable thickets, ancient civilizations. Indonesia, like other archipelagos, has its own charm - for example, there are more than 15,000 islands, large and small, of which about a thousand are permanently inhabited. Most of the territory is mountainous.
Tourists go to Indonesia in order to plunge into the atmosphere of Asia, explore its features, and also to fully enjoy Asian exoticism - extraordinary fauna and flora, stunning landscapes and unique culture.
Madagascar is considered to be another large island country. More than twenty different nationalities live here, ancient cults of ancestors are practiced, there are many protected areas and excellent tourist infrastructure, which never ceases to delight travelers.
Small island states
There are a large number of island states that are practically unknown to the general public. This list includes states such as:
Antigua and Barbuda is a place with fabulous nature, practically untouched by civilization, and 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 the Dominican Republic - tourists usually confuse them, and this is no wonder - they have similar names and a similar form of structure.
Island countries in Europe
Green, hilly Ireland, which has been famous for its natural resources for many centuries. 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 the population of a provincial Russian city. Iceland is famous for its magical, amazing landscapes - and it's not just because of their undeniable beauty. Rivers and lakes, volcanoes and geysers, green hills and friendly people - that’s all that catches your eye at first glance.
Despite all its originality, Iceland is one of the most modern countries in terms of energy development. There are no thermal stations here, and almost every river has its own hydroelectric power station.
beautiful scenery of Iceland
Cozy Cyprus, which is located in the Mediterranean Sea and has become a favorite place to live for rich Europeans - people come here to spend their old age in style, enjoy the sea and excellent cuisine.
The island of Malta will surprise guests with the lack of fresh water on the island - almost all the water necessary to support people’s lives is obtained using desalination plants.
Another interesting state in Europe is the Faroe Islands. The harsh northern nature and beautiful mountain landscapes will not leave any traveler who has been there indifferent.
Faroe islands
Here I will try to analyze all the island states of the tropical and equatorial climate through the eyes not of a tourist, but of a potential Robinson, but I will not choose any specific ones. I will not include island countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Japan, etc. on the list. Taiwan, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Caribbean countries, as well as states consisting of one inhabited island - due to my skepticism about Robinsonade on them. Why is it important to know the form of government in a state? Because some island states are overseas territories of other large countries such as Great Britain, France, New Zealand, USA, India. It follows that control in such countries is much more serious than in independent island states.
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Vanuatu
83 islands (mostly volcanic). Parliamentary republic. Languages: Bislama, English, French. Population 215 thousand people. For Russian citizens, visa-free entry for up to 30 days. Standard rules for entry. To import seeds, plants, fish, seafood, meat and dairy products (including frozen and canned) a permit from the Vanuatu Ministry of Agriculture is required. The climate is tropical, close to equatorial. Precipitation ranges from 2000 to 5000 mm per year, depending on the area. High humidity: from 70% in the dry season and up to 100% in the rainy season. The soils are favorable for planting and there is a variety of vegetation. A flight from Moscow to Port Vila costs about 38,000 rubles. Lack of large mammals. Presence of malaria.
The hut of one of the New Guinea tribes at an altitude of about 50 m.
Papua New Guinea
Consists of a large number of islands, many of which are uninhabited. A constitutional monarchy. Local languages and English. Population 6 million people. Russian citizens require a visa. The climate is tropical, humid. The area is covered. Presence of malaria and other diseases. Presence of large mammals.
Solomon islands
Island state. Consists of 992 volcanic (mostly) islands. A constitutional monarchy. English language. They are located in a seismically dangerous region where earthquakes often occur. Population 478 thousand people. A visa is required to enter. The climate is tropical, humid. The soil is favorable for vegetation.
Monoriki Island, the movie "Cast Away" was filmed here
Fiji
Consists of 332 islands of volcanic and coral origin. Republic. Languages English and local. Population 849 thousand people. For Russian citizens, visa-free entry for up to 4 months. The importation of vegetables, seeds, meat and dairy products requires special permission from the Fiji Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forests. The climate is tropical. The amount of precipitation is from 2000 to 5000 mm. Many islands have soil favorable for planting. Transit routes to other Oceanian countries pass through Fiji. The most visited island country of all. Air travel from Moscow to Nadi (Fiji) usually passes through Hong Kong or Seoul; a ticket costs approximately 32,000 rubles.
Flint
Kiribati
Consists of 33 atolls, 20 of which are uninhabited. Presidential republic. Language English, Kiribati. Population 98 thousand people. Russian citizens require a visa to enter. The climate is equatorial, oceanic. The hottest months are September-November, the coldest are January-March. The amount of precipitation varies from 800 to 4000 mm. The soil is not favorable for planting. Vegetation is sparse. A flight from Moscow will cost approximately 57,000 rubles.
Classic atoll landscape
Marshall Islands
Consists of 29 atolls and 5 islands. Republic. Languages Marshallese and English. Population 56 thousand people. Russian citizens require a visa. The climate is predominantly tropical, arid in the north and equatorial in the south. Precipitation ranges from 300 to 4300 mm. The soil is not suitable for farming.
Famous islets in Palau
Consists of 328 islands (mostly small coral). Presidential republic. Language English, Paluan. Population 20 thousand people. For Russian citizens, a visa is issued upon arrival (stamped into the passport) for a period of 30 days. Permission from the Palauan Ministry of Agriculture is required to import seeds, plants, meat and dairy products. The climate is tropical, with a rainy season from May to November. The flight will cost about 30,000 rubles.
Northern Mariana Islands
Consists of 14 volcanic islands. They are US territory. Languages English and local. Population 86 thousand people. Russian citizens require a US visa. The climate is tropical, trade wind-monsoon type. Dry season from December to June, rainy season from July to October. Typhoons occur from August to November. The soil is suitable for farming.
Pohnpei Island
Federated States of Micronesia
Consists of 607 small islands and atolls, of which 65 are inhabited. Republic, free association with the United States. English language. Population 107 thousand people. For citizens of the Russian Federation, visa-free entry for up to 30 days. The climate is equatorial. Precipitation ranges from 2250 mm to 3000-6000 mm. Typhoon season is from August to December. The soil is suitable for farming, but not everywhere.
Cook Islands
Consists of 15 islands and atolls, 3 of which are uninhabited. A constitutional monarchy. Free association with New Zealand. Languages local and English. Population 19 thousand people. For Russian citizens, visa-free entry for up to 31 days. The islands have a tropical maritime climate with a distinct rainy season from November to April and a dry season from May to October. The average annual precipitation is about 2000 mm. A flight from Moscow will cost approximately 40,000 rubles.
Savaii
Samoa
Consists of several islands. Parliamentary republic. Languages Samoan and English. Population 188 thousand people. For citizens of the Russian Federation, visa-free entry for up to 60 days. The climate is humid, tropical. The amount of precipitation on the plains is from 2000 mm and in the mountains up to 7000 mm per year. Relative humidity is 80%. A flight from Moscow will cost approximately 45,000 rubles.
The extinct volcano Kao, as seen from Tofua Island
Tonga
Consists of 172 islands and atolls. A constitutional monarchy. Languages Tongan, English. Population 120 thousand people. For citizens of the Russian Federation, a visa is issued upon arrival (stamp) for up to 31 days. The climate is tropical. The amount of precipitation is about 2500 mm. The soils on many islands are suitable for farming. The flight costs approximately 42,000 rubles.
Tuvalu
Consists of 5 atolls and 4 islands. Monarchy. Languages Tuvalu, English. Population 12 thousand people. For citizens of the Russian Federation, a visa is issued upon arrival for 1 month. The climate is tropical. The amount of precipitation is about 3000 mm per year. The wet season is from November to April, the dry season is from May to October. A flight from Moscow will cost approximately 44,000 rubles.
Bora Bora Island
French polynesia
Consists of a large number of islands and atolls. Overseas Society of France. Language French. Population 287 thousand people. Russian citizens need a French visa to enter. The climate is tropical. A flight from Moscow will cost about 50,000 rubles.
Philippines
Large island state. Consists of 7100 islands. Unitary presidential constitutional republic. Languages Pilipino, English. Population 101 million people. For Russian citizens, visa-free entry for a period of 21 days. The climate is tropical, monsoon. The northern regions of the country are often hit by typhoons and tsunamis are possible. The amount of precipitation per year ranges from 1000 to 4000 mm. The soil is suitable for farming. A flight from Moscow will cost approximately 16,000 rubles.