The smallest countries in the world by area. The smallest countries in the world by area Archipelago with an area of ​​300 square kilometers

Solovki is a canvas woven of spiritual strength and bodily weakness, human joy and universal grief, willpower and betrayals, beautiful lies and ugly truth, the hiss of the surf and unique sunsets, silvery fish and the rustle of wings. It is stitched with heather roots and sunbeams, covered with snow and flashed northern lights flavored with blood, vodka and rain. The Solovki rushes on the White Sea winds, shimmering with all the colors of life, and rustling their stories to everyone who wants to hear them.

The Solovetsky Archipelago (Solovki) is located in the Onega Bay, 164 kilometers from the conventional line of the Arctic Circle. The archipelago consists of six large and about 260 small islands... The area of ​​the Big Solovetsky Island is 221.8 km2, and the area of ​​the entire archipelago exceeds 300 km2. The highest point is Mount Verbokolskaya (88.2 m).

photo: Kirill Ponomarev

The geographical location of the archipelago led to the emergence of its own microclimate: cherry blossoms (but does not bear fruit) on the islands, cedar pines, maples, and hazel trees grow. Most of the archipelago is covered with coniferous and deciduous forests, but some areas are tundra and forest-tundra. The glacier played an important role in the formation of the archipelago. There are more than 600 freshwater lakes on Solovki, where perch, roach, pike, burbot and trout are found. In the forests, you can find a white hare, a fox, a squirrel. In rare years, when the White Sea freezes over, reindeer and elk come in. Sea animals include seal, beluga whale, sea hare, harp seal. The sea is home to catfish, pinagor, flounder, cod, navaga and Solovetsky herring. The coastal strip of the archipelago is unusually rich in algae plantations - seaweed (kelp), fucus and anfelcia, from which agar-agar is extracted.

photo: Kirill Ponomarev

The history of the development of the Solovetsky archipelago is about 7000 years old. Ancient sites, burial mounds and seids were discovered here. The most mysterious monuments are the sanctuaries of the III-II millennium BC, including the famous ones. The main historical and architectural monuments of the archipelago are associated with the history of an influential spiritual monastery and the northernmost medieval fortress the world. , reflected in the waters of the Holy Lake or the Bay of Wellbeing, is one of the most popular and loved by tourists. In Soviet times, the first special purpose camp in the USSR was located on the archipelago, which marked the beginning of the Stalinist gulag. More than 1,000,000 prisoners have passed through their branches on the mainland.

Today the territory of the Solovetsky archipelago and the adjacent water area are a nature reserve. In 1992, the historical and architectural ensemble Solovetsky Monastery included in the list World heritage UNESCO, and in 1995 it was classified as one of the most valuable natural and historical heritage sites in Russia.

text: based on the materials of the guidebook "History of the Solovetsky Archipelago", author Oleg Kodola

photo in the upper block: Svetlana Ladkina, Anna Khazova, Igor Pavlov, Lyudmila Gagarinova, Evgeny Kondratyev, Nikolay Kvartnikov, Kirill Ponomarev

photo: Natalia Bochkareva

10

• Square: 316 km 2
• Population: 429 344 people
• Density: 1432 people / km 2
• Motto:"By virtue and constancy"
• Form of government: Parliamentary republic, democracy
• Capital: Valletta

Republic of Malta - Island state in the Mediterranean. The name comes from the ancient Phoenician malat ("harbor", "refuge").

In 1964, Malta gained independence from Great Britain, and since 1974 a republic was proclaimed, but until 1979, when the last British naval base was liquidated in Malta, the British queen was still considered the head of state.

The territory of Malta is represented by the Maltese archipelago, consisting mainly of the islands of Malta and Gozo. It also includes the uninhabited islands of St. Paul and Filfla, the sparsely populated island of Comino, and the tiny Cominotto and Filfoletta. The length of Malta is 27 km, the width is 15 km (less than the diameter of the Moscow ring road). Gozo is half the size and Comino is only 2 km long. Malta is the only country in Europe that lacks permanent rivers and natural lakes.

9

• Square: 300 km 2
• Population: 341 256 people
• Density: 1 359 people / km 2
• Form of government: Presidential republic
• Capital: Male

The Republic of Maldives belongs to the states of South Asia and is located on a group of atolls, consisting of 1,192 coral islets, in the Iidian Ocean to the south of India.

The islets rise slightly above the ocean level: the most high point archipelago - on the southern Atoll of Addu (Siena) - 2.4 m. Thanks to this, the Maldives are known as the lowest located state.

The total area is 90 thousand km², the land area is 298 km 2. The capital Male - the only city and port of the archipelago - is located on the atoll of the same name.

As for tourism, it is worth noting that all the main beauties of the Maldives are located below sea level, while on land there are no special attractions. There is the unremarkable capital of Male, many similar uninhabited islands where people like to have picnics, as well as a kind of "action" - a fishing excursion. Perhaps the only remarkable surface excursion is the "Photo-flight", a flight over the islands by seaplane. Other popular excursions are yacht cruises or submarine dives. The most common way of spending time among tourists in the Maldives is diving, since there are coral reefs near every island. Also popular are windsurfing, catamaran, water skiing, snorkelling, beach volleyball, tennis, billiards, squash and darts.

8

• Square: 261 km 2
• Population: 51 538 people
• Density: 164 people / km 2
• Motto:"The state is above personal interests"
• Form of government: Parliamentary monarchy
• Capital: Buster

An island nation in the Caribbean. Includes 2 islands - Saint Christopher, aka Saint Kitts (Saint Kitts, St. Kitts), and Nevis (Nevis), from the Lesser Antilles ridge. Both islands are of volcanic origin, mountainous. Total length coastline- 135 km.

Saint Kitts and Nevis is the smallest state in the Western Hemisphere, both in area and in population.

She is a member of the British Commonwealth, headed by the Queen of Great Britain.

The two traditional industries of Saint Kitts and Nevis are agriculture and tourism. The main agricultural crop is sugar cane (one third of the cultivated land). Cotton is grown on the island of Nevis, coconut palm, pineapples. The coffee tree, bananas, peanuts, yams, and rice are also cultivated. Livestock raising is developed - goats and sheep are raised. Fishing is also a traditional craft. However, agricultural production provides no more than half of the domestic food needs.

7

• Square: 181 km 2
• Population: 53 158 people
• Density: 293.7 people / km 2
• Motto:"Reaching Through Common Effort, Marshallian"
• Form of government: Republic
• Capital: Majuro

The Micronesian state of the Marshall Islands is a cluster of atolls and islands located in the Pacific Ocean just north of the equator.

The Marshall Islands are named after British Captain John Marshall (also known as William Marshall), who, along with fellow Captain Thomas Gilbert, after whom the neighboring Gilbert Islands are named, explored the archipelago in 1788 while transporting prisoners to New South Wales.

The land area of ​​the Marshall Islands is only 181.3 km 2, while the area occupied by lagoons is 11 673 km 2. The country is located on 29 atolls and 5 outlying islands, which are divided into two groups: 18 islands in the Ralik chain (translated from the Marshallian language as “sunset”) and 16 islands in the Ratak chain (or Radak; translated from the Marshallian language as “sunrise”) ... Both chains are about 250 km apart and stretch from northwest to southeast for about 1200 km. The most important islands are the Kwajalein and Majuro atolls. The largest island in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Kwajalein is also an atoll with the largest lagoon in the world.

6

• Square: 160 km 2
• Population: 37 313 people
• Density: 229.56 people / km 2
• Motto:"For God, Prince and Fatherland"
• Form of government: nominally constitutional monarchy
• Capital: Vaduz

The Principality of Liechtenstein is a dwarf state in Central Europe. Liechtenstein borders with Austria in the east and Switzerland in the west, its territory is completely surrounded by the territories of these states.

The principality is located in the spurs of the Alps, the highest point is Mount Graushpitz (2,599 m). One of the largest rivers in Western Europe, the Rhine, flows through the western part of the country.

The Principality of Liechtenstein is a constitutional monarchy. The head of state is the prince. Legislative power belongs to the prince and the Landtag (parliament), executive power is vested in the government, which is elected by the Landtag for the term of his office and approved by the prince. The majority of the population speaks the Alemannic dialect of the German language.

This beautiful fairyland, despite its very small size, is famous for its ancient history and rich cultural heritage... Picturesque natural landscapes, magnificent medieval architecture and, of course, fashionable ski resort famous all over the world.

The heart of Liechtenstein and its "pearl" is the capital Vaduz. It is here that most of the country's attractions are concentrated. Business card not only the city, but the entire state is the magnificent princely castle of Vaduz. A wonderful architectural structure rises on a hill and can be seen from anywhere in the city.

5

• Square: 61 km 2
• Population: 32 742 people
• Density: 520 people / km 2
• Motto:"Freedom"
• Form of government: parliamentary republic
• Capital:

San Marino is located in southern Europe, surrounded on all sides by the territory of Italy. Within its current borders, San Marino is the oldest state in Europe. The country is located on the southwestern slope of the three-headed mountain range Monte Titano (738 m above sea level), towering above the hilly plain of the foothills of the Apennines.

The legendary foundation of San Marino dates back to the early 4th century. According to legend, in 301, a member of one of the first Christian communities from the island of Rab in the Adriatic Sea (the territory of modern Croatia), the stonecutter Marino and his friends found refuge in the Apennines, on the top of Monte Titano. He opened quarries in the mountain, and then, seeking solitude, he built himself a small cell on its top and withdrew from the world. The glory of his holy life attracted crowds of pilgrims to him, and soon a small monastery was formed near his cell. This monastery, named after its founder, Saint Marina, undoubtedly existed already at the end of the 6th century and lived an independent life, politically independent of any of its neighbors.

San Marino has a republican form of government. The heads of state are two captain-regents appointed by the Grand General Council.

Inbound tourism plays a significant role in the country's economy; up to 2 million people are involved in the tourism industry on the territory of the state annually, and more than 3 million tourists visit the country every year.

4

• Square: 26 km 2
• Population: 10 782 people
• Density: 431,00 people / km 2
• Motto: Tuvalu for Almighty God
• Form of government: monarchy
• Capital: Funafuti

Tuvalu is a tiny state in Oceania with a population of about 11,000. Airplanes from Fiji arrive here 2 times a week and almost certainly, in 50 years, this state will be under water, and now there is a purposeful resettlement of local residents to other states, such as Fiji. New Zealand and Australia.

This Pacific state is located in Polynesia and until 1975 was called the Ellis Islands. Modern name translated from the Tuvalu language means "eight standing together" (meaning the eight traditionally inhabited islands of Tuvalu; the ninth - Niulakita - was inhabited relatively recently). The European discoverer of the islands, Alvaro Mendanha de Neira, called the archipelago "Lagoon Islands", and in 1819 it was named "Ellis Islands", which was used for almost the entire colonial era

Tuvalu is a cluster of atolls and islands located in the Pacific Ocean just south of the equator. Tuvalu's land area is only 26 km 2, while the area occupied by lagoons is more than 494 km 2. The country is located on 5 atolls (Nanumea, Nui, Nukulaelae, Nukufetau, Funafuti), 3 low-lying coral islands (Nanumanga, Niulakita, Niutao) and one atoll / reef island (Vaitupu), stretching from northwest to southeast for 595 km ...

A significant part of Tuvalu's population lives in the capital and only city of the country, Funafuti, - 47%.

3

• Square: 21 km 2
• Population: 9 488 people
• Density: 473.43 people / km 2
• Motto:"God's will comes first"
• Form of government: parliamentary republic
• Capital: There is no official capital; unofficial - the city of Yaren.

The Republic of Nauru is a dwarf state on the coral island of the same name in the western part of the Pacific Ocean. The origin of the word "Nauru" is not exactly known. As it is now, the Nauruans in the distant past called the island "Naoero".

There is no official capital or cities on the island. The seat of the president is in Meneng County, while government offices and parliament are in Yaren County. The entire population of the island lives along the coast, as well as around Lake Bouada.

2

• Square: 2.02 km 2
• Population: 30 508 people
• Density: 18 679 people / km 2
• Motto:"With God's help"
• Form of government: dualistic constitutional monarchy
• Capital:

A dwarf state associated with France, located in southern Europe on the coast of the Ligurian Sea near the French French Riviera 20 km northeast of Nice; on land it borders on France. It is one of the smallest and most populous countries in the world. The principality is widely known for its casinos in Monte Carlo and the stage of the Formula 1 championship held here - the Monaco Grand Prix. The length of the coastline is 4.1 km, the length of the land borders is 4.4 km. Over the past 20 years, the country's territory has increased by almost 40 hectares due to the drainage of marine areas.

The first people built their settlements on the territory of Monaco in the X century BC. e., these were the Phoenicians. The Greeks and Monoiks joined much later.

The history of modern Monaco begins in 1215 with the founding of a colony of the Republic of Genoa on the territory of the principality and the construction of a fortress.

As of 2014, the population of Monaco is 37,800 people, but it is worth noting that most of the full citizens of the state are Monegasques. They are exempt from taxes and have the right to settle in the area of ​​the old city.

The economy of Monaco is developing mainly due to tourism, gambling, the construction of new residences, as well as due to media funds covering the life of the princely family.

1

• Square: 0.44 km 2
• Population: 842 people
• Density: 1900 people / km 2
• Form of government: absolute theocratic monarchy
• Capital:

And, undoubtedly, the title of the smallest state in the world belongs to the Vatican. The Vatican is a dwarf enclave state (the smallest officially recognized state in the world) within the territory of Rome, associated with Italy. The status of the Vatican in international law is an auxiliary sovereign territory of the Holy See, the seat of the highest spiritual leadership of the Roman Catholic Church.

Foreign diplomatic missions are accredited to the Holy See, not to the Vatican city-state. Foreign embassies and missions accredited to the Holy See, due to the small territory of the Vatican, are located in Rome (including the Italian embassy, ​​which is thus located in its own capital.

In antiquity, the territory of the Vatican (lat.ager vaticanus) was not inhabited, since in Ancient rome this place was considered sacred. Emperor Claudius held circus games at this place. In 326, after the arrival of Christianity, the Basilica of Constantine was erected over the supposed tomb of St. Peter, and since then this place has been inhabited.

The Vatican is a theocratic state ruled by the Holy See. The sovereign of the Holy See, in whose hands the absolute legislative, executive and judicial powers are concentrated, is the Pope, who is elected by the cardinals for a life term. After the death or abdication of the Pope and during the conclave until the enthronement of the new Pope, his duties (with significant restrictions) are performed by the Camelengo.

The Vatican has a non-profit planned economy. The sources of income are primarily donations from Catholics around the world. Some of the funds are tourism (sale of postage stamps, Vatican euro coins, souvenirs, museum visits). Most of the workforce (museum attendants, gardeners, janitors, etc.) is made up of Italian citizens.

The Vatican's budget is $ 310 million.

The Vatican has its own bank, better known as the Institute for Religious Affairs.

Work on the World Islands began in 2003 at the initiative of the Dubai Emir, Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, who is also known for other ambitious projects (for example, the famous Parus Hotel). The idea to create an artificial archipelago appeared after it became clear that the coastline of the Persian Gulf was not enough for everyone who wants to buy a piece of land near the water. The first swallow was Palm Jumeirah - the very "palm" that today is one of the symbols. Almost after her, in 4 kilometers from the coast, the Nakheel company began to build The world(Peace).

Unlike Palm Jumeirah, the World Islands do not have a land connection with the mainland, so all building materials were delivered here only by water and air. Sand to create islands with an area of ​​14 to 83 thousand m 2 was taken from the bottom of the Persian Gulf, and so that it would not be washed out, a system of breakwaters was built around.

The material for the construction of the islands was taken from the bottom of the Persian Gulf Photo of the period of construction of one of the islands

Initially, it was planned to create 7 "continents", but since very few people could afford such large areas of land, they decided to divide them into dozens of islands that could be purchased by private individuals. The very first appeared in 2004, it was named "Dubai". By 2006, the Mir archipelago was almost ready, and two years later, about 70% of the territories were bought up by private investors.

However, the construction boom on the islands of The World did not last long. In 2008, a large-scale financial crisis began, the consequences of which are still noticeable. Construction sites were frozen, and projects for the creation of hotels and luxury resorts were partially realized only on the Lebanon islet. The situation revived only in 2018, when the Kleindienst company decided to modernize part of the archipelago, adding objects with artificial snow and ice. But how far these plans will be realized - the future will show.

How to get to the Mir archipelago in Dubai

It is almost impossible to get to the World Islands without being the owner of one of them. Even boat trips are prohibited in this place, except for the transfer to "Lebanon", where the beach club "The Royal Island" is located. To him every hour a boat leaves from Fishing Harbor 1. For an excursion, you need to purchase a ticket that includes a boat trip and a visit to the club itself.

The exact address: Boulevard La Rambla, building 19.

How to get from Dubai airport:

Option 1

Underground: from the stop at Terminal 3, take the red line to Business Bay Station for 27 minutes.

Bus: at the metro station, change to bus number 9 and go to Al Arouba Street 1, it will take 10 minutes.

On foot: walk 1 km.

Option 2

Bus: from the stop at Terminal 1, take bus # 32C to Satwa Roundabout 1, the journey takes 28 minutes.

Bus: change to route 88 and go to Suhail Bin Jumaa Masjid for 23 minutes.

On foot: walk 1 km.

How to get from Al Maktoum airport:

Option 1

Bus: by route No. F55 go to the Ibn Battuta stop, on the way 37 minutes.

Underground: from Ibn Battuta Station, drive to Business Bay in 25 minutes.

Bus: take route 9 to get to Al Arouba Street 1 in 10 minutes.

On foot: walk 1 km.

Option 2

Bus: take route F55 to get to the Ibn Battuta stop in 37 minutes.

Bus: change to route number 8 and go to Rashid Al Hadees Masjid 2, on the way for 1.5 hours.

Archipelago "Mir" in Dubai on the map

What to see

The world's largest artificial archipelago "Mir" occupies an area of ​​about 55 km 2, on which some islands are collected in groups, while others are located at a distance from each other. It was originally planned that this place will become a "resort for the elite" - filled with luxury villas, hotels and beach clubs for the most famous and wealthy people in the world. Several companies, having bought out part of the islands, actually tried to implement such projects.

On the island of Aquitainia, 5-star hotels and a whole group of luxury villas were being built, while Isla Moda was planning to devote entirely to fashion. In addition to the resort infrastructure, they wanted to open boutiques of the most famous brands, a hotel designed by Karl Lagerfeld and several venues for fashion shows. On 19 islands of "Australia" and "New Zealand", Kuwaiti investors were going to put into operation a huge complex "Ocean". Within the framework of such a resort, the construction of residential buildings on the coast and on stilts, spa hotels with pools and private villas began. However, all these projects "froze" at different stages of implementation.

At the same time, part of the territory of the Mir archipelago remained non-commercial. For example, Ethiopia Island was bought by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie while they were still married, Antarctica belongs to Michael Schumacher, and Great Britain belongs to billionaire Richard Branson. Most of the Rossiya group was bought by Russian businessmen, with the exception of Saint Petersburg, which is owned by the Kleindienst Group.

But the high cost of development on the islands, which communicate with the mainland only by air and water, has led to the fact that only Lebanon was able to open to the general public. The beach club "The Royal Island" operates here, which includes:

• Huge swimming pool;
• Volleyball court;
• Two beaches with panoramic views;
• Bar for parties and discos;
• Mediterranean cuisine restaurant.

There are also rooms for relaxation, but they are only available during the day - during the opening hours of the beach club. Therefore, only one day excursions during which you can sunbathe, take a dip in the pool or go on a short boat trip around the area. Of the advantages of such excursions, a small number of people can be noted; on some days, visitors to the club are easy to count on the fingers of one hand.

Opening hours and ticket prices

Beach club "The Royal Island" on the island "Lebanon" works:

• Daily from 11:00 to 18:00.

Ticket price including boat trip:

• For adults - 300 AED ( 2nd ~ 6 393 RUB );
• For children under 10 years old - 150 AED ( 2nd ~ 3 197 RUB ).

• The largest artificial archipelago was planned to be made even more - with the help of new islands they wanted to turn it into the "Universe" (The Universe project).
• You can buy one of the islands directly from the developer company only by personal invitation, which are sent to the most famous people in the world.
• During construction, coral reefs were moved to new locations. It is planned that they will gradually be colonized by aquatic inhabitants, so that in a few years this formation looks completely natural.
• In order to avoid stagnation of water in the straits, there is a forced circulation system - special blades on the breakwaters form artificial currents.
• On the island "Sweden" is currently actively under construction ski resort... There are already completed projects in which closed presentations were held.

Do you know how many times the largest island in Russia is smaller than the big island the world? Read the post and find out.

No. 10. Ellesmere (Canada) - 196,236 km2

Ellesmere is the most north island Canada is one of the ten largest islands in terms of area in the world. Due to the harsh climate, the population of the island is about 150 people.

On the territory of Ellesmere, the remains of prehistoric animals have been repeatedly found. The first settlers were nomads from Siberia. In 1250, the Tule people, the ancestors of the Eskimos, settled on the territory. But by the middle of the 18th century, the island became deserted.

The island was discovered in 1616 by the English navigator William Buffin.

No. 9. Victoria (Canada) - 217,291 km2

Victoria Island (Canada) is in ninth place in terms of area. The island was discovered in 1838 during the expedition of the British explorer Thomas Simpson.

In the 50s of the 20th century, there were several settlements on the island where meteorologists lived. By the end of the 20th century, the population has increased, and the Eskimo settlers who have taken up fishing activities here will notice.

No. 8. Honshu (Japan) - 227,970 km2

Honshu is the largest island in the Japanese archipelago and ranks 8th in the ranking of the largest islands in the world. The largest Japanese cities are located on the island of Honshu: Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, Kyoto, Hiroshima, etc.

The island is covered with many volcanoes, some of them are active. The population of the island is more than 103 million people.

No. 7. Great Britain (Great Britain) - 229 848 km2

The UK is ranked 7th largest island in the world and is the largest island in the British Isles and in Europe as a whole.

The history of Great Britain began with the Roman conquest in 43 BC, but the island also had an earlier history.

Great Britain was inhabited by the people of Noto several hundred thousand years ago. Modern man has arrived at British Isles before the beginning of the last ice age, but retreated in Southern Europe because of the glaciers that cover the island. According to archaeological finds, after 12,000 BC. NS. The British Isles were re-populated. About 4000 BC NS. the island was inhabited by people of the Neolithic culture.

Today, the population of the island of Great Britain is more than 61 million people, which makes it the most populous region in Europe.

No. 6. Sumatra (Indonesia) - 443,066 km2

Sumatra is the sixth largest island in the world. It is located in two hemispheres at once, since the Equator passes almost in the middle of the island. The island belongs to Indonesia and is part of the Malay Archipelago. It is located in the zone of frequent earthquakes and tsunamis.

Today the population of the island of Sumatra is more than 50 million people. The main cities of Sumatra are Medan, Palembang, Padang. People of many nationalities live in Sumatra, about 90% are Muslims.

About 73 thousand years ago, an explosion of the Toba volcano occurred on the island of Sumatra. This event led to a 1,800 year ice age and a decline in the human population to 2,000 people.

The name of the island comes from the Sanskrit word samudra - "ocean" or "sea".

No. 5. Baffin's Land (Canada) - 507 451 km2

Baffin's Land is the first in area among the islands of Canada and the fifth in the world. Due to the harsh climatic conditions of the island, the population is about 11 thousand people. The largest locality islands - Iqaluit.

The first description of the island was made by William Buffin in 1616, and the island was named after him.

No. 4. Madagascar (Madagascar) - 587,713 km2

The fourth line of the rating is occupied by the island of Madagascar. Located in Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa. The island is home to the state of Madagascar (the capital of Antananarivo). Today the population of the island of Madagascar is more than 24 million people.

Locals call Madagascar the red island because of the color of the soil. More than half of the animals that live in Madagascar cannot be found on the mainland, and 90% of the plants are endemic.

No. 3. Kalimantan (Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei) - 748 168 km2

Kalimantan or Borneo is the third largest island in the world. It is divided between 3 states: Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. The island is located in the center of the Malay Archipelago.
Kalimantan means diamond river in the local language. It was named so because of its rich resources, in particular, a large number of diamonds.

The first people settled Kalimantan about 40 thousand years ago. Today the population of the island is about 20 million people. More than 300 ethnic groups live on the island.

№2. New Guinea(Indonesia, Papua New Guinea) - 785 753 km2

There are still places in New Guinea where people have not been. This place attracts researchers of flora and fauna, as they can meet the rarest species of animals and plants here. More than 11 thousand species of plants, 600 unique species of birds, over 400 species of amphibians, 455 species of butterflies and about a hundred known species of mammals live here.

New Guinea bala was inhabited by humans at least 45 thousand years BC. NS. from Asia. More than a thousand Papuan-Melanesian tribes originated from the first settlers. The lack of large animals suitable for domestication on the island hindered the development of agriculture and made cattle breeding impossible. This contributed to the preservation of the primitive communal system in large areas of New Guinea up to the present day. The mountainous landscape contributed to the isolation of people from each other, as a result of which a huge variety of languages ​​appeared on the island.

The pioneer of New Guinea was the Portuguese Don Jorge di Menezes, who landed on the island in 1526. According to legend, he gave the island the name "Papua", which translates as curly, this is due to the curly hair of the local aborigines.

Today the population of the island of New Guinea is more than 9.5 million people.
On the territory of New Guinea is the ancient agricultural settlement of Cook, showing the isolated development of agriculture for 7-10 millennia and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

# 1. Greenland (Denmark) - 2,130,800 km2

The largest island in the world is Greenland. Green country, as this island is also called, belongs to Denmark. Due to the glacial cover (84% of the surface) and unfavorable climatic conditions, most of the island is not inhabited. Today the population of Greenland is more than 57 thousand people. The largest settlement on the island is Nuuk (Gothob).

Several thousand years before the arrival of Europeans, the Greenlandic Eskimos, who call themselves Inuit, lived on the island. Inuit have adapted to the extreme conditions of the arctic climate and feel quite comfortable. From time immemorial they have been fishing and hunting.

Of the Europeans, the first to enter the island was the Norman Gunbjorn in 875. In 982, Eric Raudi settled on the island with several comrades, exiled from Iceland for his crimes. Later they were joined by the Norse Vikings. In 983, the first Norman colony was founded in Greenland.

After the settlement of Greenland by Europeans, the island was repeatedly passed from hand to hand. Until 1536, the island belonged to Norway, then it began to belong to Denmark, in accordance with the union between Denmark and Norway. In 1721, a Danish colony called Gothob was officially established on the island. In 1814, after the dissolution of the union between Norway and Denmark, Greenland became completely Danish possession.

The main activity of the population of Greenland is fishing. But at the end of the 20th century, the breeding of reindeer and sheep and the extraction of oil appeared. Tourism and air transport play an important role. More than 20 thousand tourists visit Greenland every year.

The largest island in Russia (Sakhalin) is 27 times smaller than the largest island in the world (Greenland).

The largest islands of Russia:
Sakhalin - 76,600 km2
Northern - 48904 km2
Yuzhny - 33275 km2
Boiler house - 23,200 km2
October Revolution - 13708 km2

Contents 1 Islands with a population of more than 10,000,000 people 2 Islands with a population of 1,000,000 to 10,000,000 people ... Wikipedia

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Islands of Croatia. A feature of the Dalmatian coast Adriatic sea is a large number of islands, also known as the Dalmatian Islands. Most of the islands are located near the coast and have an elongated shape along the coast. ... ... Wikipedia

New Zealand is made up of a large number of islands. Islands South and North two largest islands states, in area and population, are several times larger than all the other islands combined. South Island locals often ... ... Wikipedia

Faroe Islands, Faroe Islands (fars. Føroyar, Ferjar, "Sheep Islands", Dat. Færøerne, Norwegian Færøyene, other Ill./Is .: Færeyjar) a group of islands in the northern part Atlantic Ocean between Scotland (Shetland Islands) and Iceland. They ... ... Wikipedia

Most of the islands belong to one country or none. This list includes the few islands whose territory is divided by a state border between two or more countries. Contents 1 Sea islands 2 Lake Islands ... Wikipedia

Coast of Largo del Sur Caribbean islands consist of several groups of large and small islands, namely: from the Greater and Lesser Antilles and the Bahamas. The surface of all islands is equal to 244 890 ... Wikipedia

Canada owns many islands, below are their lists. Contents 1 By area 2 By population 3 Sea islands ... Wikipedia

The Cook Islands consists of 15 islands and atolls located in the Pacific Ocean in Polynesia between the equator and the Tropic of Capricorn on an area of ​​2.2 million km², between Tonga in the west and the Society Islands in the east. The total land area is 236.7 km² ... Wikipedia