Any piece of the landmass that is surrounded by water bodies, is called an island or isle. Therefore, an island is smaller than a continent and surrounded entirely by water. Although most islands are formed naturally, others are artificial islands, constructed by people. Islands occur in rivers and lakes, although the largest islands are found in oceans or seas. These islands vary in sizes, shapes, flora, fauna, climate, and geography. Figuring out the exact number of islands on Earth can be a difficult process, because not all islands have been discovered. This article ranks islands by their highest points of elevation.
Here are the top 20 highest islands in the world.
| Rank | Island | Country | Height |
| 1. | New Guinea | Indonesia | 4,884 m (16,024 ft) |
| 2. | Hawaii | United States | 4,207 m (13,802 ft) |
| 3. | Borneo | Malaysia | 4,095 m (13,435 ft) |
| 4. | Taiwan | Taiwan | 3,952 m (12,966 ft) |
| 5. | Sumatra | Indonesia | 3,805 m (12,484 ft) |
| 6. | Ross Island | Antarctica | 3,794 m (12,448 ft) |
| 7. | Honshū | Japan | 3,776 m (12,388 ft) |
| 8. | Lombok | Indonesia | 3,726 m (12,224 ft) |
| 9. | South Island | New Zealand | 3,724 m (12,218 ft) |
| 10. | Tenerife | Spain | 3,715 m (12,188 ft) |
| 11. | Greenland | Greenland | 3,694 m (12,119 ft) |
| 12. | Java | Indonesia | 3,676 m (12,060 ft) |
| 13. | Sulawesi | Indonesia | 3,478 m (11,411 ft) |
| 14. | Sicily | Italy | 3,329 m (10,922 ft) |
| 15. | Siple Island | Antarctica | 3,110 m (10,200 ft) |
| 16. | Hispaniola | Dominican Republic | 3,098 m (10,164 ft) |
| 17. | Réunion | France | 3,070 m (10,070 ft) |
| 18. | Maui | United States | 3,055 m (10,023 ft) |
| 19. | Bali | Indonesia | 3,031 m (9,944 ft) |
| 20. | Seramm | Indonesia | 3,027 m (9,931 ft) |
