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 | 4,884Â m (16,024Â ft) |
2. | Hawaii | United States | 4,207Â m (13,802Â ft) |
3. | Borneo | Malaysia | 4,095Â m (13,435Â ft) |
4. | Taiwan | Taiwan | 3,952Â m (12,966Â ft) |
5. | Sumatra | Indonesia | 3,805Â m (12,484Â ft) |
6. | Ross Island | Antarctica | 3,794Â m (12,448Â ft) |
7. | Honshū | Japan | 3,776 m (12,388 ft) |
8. | Lombok | Indonesia | 3,726Â m (12,224Â ft) |
9. | South Island | New Zealand | 3,724Â m (12,218Â ft) |
10. | Tenerife | Spain | 3,715Â m (12,188Â ft) |
11. | Greenland | Greenland | 3,694Â m (12,119Â ft) |
12. | Java | Indonesia | 3,676Â m (12,060Â ft) |
13. | Sulawesi | Indonesia | 3,478Â m (11,411Â ft) |
14. | Sicily | Italy | 3,329Â m (10,922Â ft) |
15. | Siple Island | Antarctica | 3,110Â m (10,200Â ft) |
16. | Hispaniola | Dominican Republic | 3,098Â m (10,164Â ft) |
17. | Réunion | France | 3,070 m (10,070 ft) |
18. | Maui | United States | 3,055Â m (10,023Â ft) |
19. | Bali | Indonesia | 3,031Â m (9,944Â ft) |
20. | Seramm | Indonesia | 3,027Â m (9,931Â ft) |
