Before we talk about what the biggest island of the Earth, it should be understood that in general is an island.Some people, when they hear the word, draw images in the imagination of resort areas, such as Crete, the Maldives, Sicily, others immediately emerge before his eyes the image of adventure action movies.
Small and large islands of peace and truth keep many mysteries and secrets, and so new and interesting facts about these pieces of land, surrounded on all sides by water.
biggest island of the Earth.Name
In total on the planet, there are over 500 thousand islands.They all have different sizes: there are tiny, and just huge.Do you know about what the biggest island of the Earth?Many people mistakenly believe that this is Australia.It would seem that everything is correct - the area of land has an area of 7600 sq. M.km and is surrounded by water.Still, Australia is considered to be an island continent, and not the actual island.Then what is the largest island in the world?This Greenland, second in size to Australia three times, but superior in size, most modern countries.Below we will tell more about it.
Greenland - the biggest island of the Earth (+ Photo)
this part of the land area of 2130.8 thousand square kilometers.Geographical miracle belongs to Denmark and could significantly increase the area of the said country, but this is prevented by topography and climate: more than 80 percent of the earth's surface covered by ice sheet.This is not surprising, because Greenland is in the immediate vicinity of the North Pole, and is washed by its waters of the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans in part.All this makes it one of Greenland's most unusual, colorful, majestic and beautiful places on our planet.Landscapes of the island are so beautiful that from them breath.Here are just a few people can live there, as even in summer the air is heated to a temperature just above zero degrees.What to say about winter when normal to feel cold to -50 Celsius!
Nevertheless, severe weather does not stop the tourists and many come to the island to see with their own eyes the majestic ice, to observe the unique wildlife harsh, but so beautiful Greenland.It is recommended to visit it in the summer, when, in addition to everything else, and you can admire the white nights.
Here's a he - the largest island in the world.But on our planet many other large tracts of land, surrounded by water.They are also of interest, so we will continue to consider the biggest island of the Earth.
New Guinea is the second largest island (786 thousand sq. Km) in the world.Unlike Greenland, it is completely located in the Pacific Ocean, in the western part of it.Accordingly, the climate is quite different.Tropical, a rich and varied nature, warm and tender sea - that can offer travelers of New Guinea.Interestingly, this island has been divided two countries, which rarely occurs.One site is owned by Papua New Guinea, and the other - Indonesia.
Of course, every state would like to get at the disposal of the entire island as a whole, but also half - not bad!New Guinea, scientists believe one of the last corners of the planet, which is not yet fully been explored.Not long ago, the island was discovered the area, later called New Eden, with dozens of unknown or thought to be extinct plants and animals.And, most surprising, the inhabitants of the "Garden of Eden" does not fear people.
Kalimantan
course, describing the biggest island of the Earth, we can not ignore this part of the land.Kalimantan has an area of 743.33 thousand sq. Km and, like New Guinea is rich in nature and beautiful landscapes.The island belongs to the three countries at once: more than 70% of Indonesia owns almost all the rest of Malaysia owns, and only a small portion went to Bruno.
Since Kalimantan crosses the equator, the climate is appropriate: hot and humid.Most of the area (over 80 percent) occupy tropical forests, home to wild tribes.Now they have become more civilized and happy to show visitors their martial dances and sell souvenirs.
Madagascar
After the release of the animated film of the same name about Madagascar probably knew everyone.Since then, the largest island, has an area of 587.041 thousand sq. Km, was the dream of a large number of travelers.It is situated in the Indian Ocean and its main attraction and wealth are considered amazing inhabitants, most of which are endemic, that is not found anywhere else.This and many lemurs and chameleons and giant Foss, and geckos and bats and turtles.Zoologists and botanists simply thrilled with delight, coming here, and find more new species of fauna and flora.But those who are not very interested in the flora and fauna will be interesting to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Madagascar!
Baffin
The five largest islands on the area closes this inhospitable and cold part of the land belonging to Canada (an area of 507.451 thousand sq. Km).The climate is similar to the harp, he's as windy and cold, but at the same time attractive and fascinates with its severity.In addition to the few inhabitants still live here and the Nordic gods, at least, no one stops to think so!Baffin Island is known for its mining facilities: one of the highest cliffs in the world of Thor and Asgard mountain dining.
Sumatra
It so happened that some of the biggest island of the Earth, if not entirely, then at least partly owned by Indonesia.Here and Sumatra, having an area 473 thousand sq. Km, the country owns.This island is almost equally divided parts of the equator, respectively, it is located in two hemispheres of our planet.
Sumatra stretches in the western part of the Malay Archipelago and is one of Greater Sunda Islands.The coastline is indented slightly, and near the coast there are coral reefs.
UK
area of this plot of land, surrounded by water, is 229.848 thousand square kilometers.Like other biggest island of the Earth, the United Kingdom is very interesting to see.Here are Scotland, England and Wales.The coastline has a length of 966 kilometers from north to south, and the width of the island reaches 483 kilometers.
Honshu
It is the eighth largest island in the world (227.97 thousand sq. Km) and the largest in the Japanese archipelago.It accounts for 60 percent of the whole country.The terrain is mountainous, so there are many volcanoes.There is also a permanent and symbol of Japan - Mount Fuji.
