Island country

State with territory consisting of islands

"Island nation" redirects here. For the Taiwanese TV series, see Island Nation.

For a more comprehensive list, see List of island countries.

Not to be confused with Iceland.

Sovereign states and a de facto state (Taiwan) fully on islands: those with land borders shaded green, and those without shaded dark blue.

Countries/territories not shown on the map: Antarctica (aq) (continental disputed territory), Australia (au) (continental country), the Cook Islands (ck) (free association with New Zealand), Greenland (gl) (constituent country of the Kingdom of Denmark), Niue (nu) (free association with New Zealand), and Puerto Rico (pr) (unincorporated U.S. territory).

An island country, island state, or island nation is a country whose primary territory consists of one or more islands or parts of islands.[1] Approximately 25% of all independent countries are island countries.[2] Island countries are historically more stable[2] than many continental states but are vulnerable to conquest by naval superpowers. Indonesia is the largest and most populated island country in the world.[3][4]

There are great variations between island country economies: they may rely mainly on extractive industries, such as mining, fishing and agriculture, and/or on services such as transit hubs, tourism, and financial services. Many islands have low-lying geographies and their economies and population centers develop along coast plains and ports; such states may be vulnerable to the effects of climate change, especially sea level rise.

Remote or significant islands and archipelagos that are not themselves sovereign are often known as dependencies or overseas territories.

## History

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### Prehistory

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#### Early settlements and indigenous populations

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Many island countries were first inhabited by indigenous peoples who mastered long-distance ocean navigation and maritime skills. The Polynesians are one of the most notable groups; they used advanced wayfinding techniques to colonize vast areas of the Pacific Ocean, including islands such as Samoa, Tonga, New Zealand, and Hawaii. These migrations occurred over centuries, showcasing remarkable seafaring capabilities in pre-modern times.[5] Similarly, Madagascar’s population is the result of early maritime migrations from both Southeast Asia and East Africa, resulting in a unique cultural and genetic blend that reflects the island's strategic location in the Indian Ocean trade routes.[6]

### Modern times

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#### Colonial era and European exploration

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The Age of Discovery in the 15th century brought European explorers to many island regions, including the Caribbean, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. European powers, primarily Spain, Portugal, Britain, France, and the Netherlands, established colonies to exploit resources and secure strategic naval positions. Islands in the Caribbean became key centers for sugar plantations, which relied heavily on enslaved labor, significantly altering local demographics and economies.[7] Colonization also introduced new crops, animals, and cultural influences, but frequently led to displacement and decline of indigenous populations.

#### Independence movements and modern nationhood

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In the 20th century, many island territories began asserting their sovereignty amid the global wave of decolonization. Countries such as Jamaica (independence in 1962) and Mauritius (1968) transitioned from colonial rule to independent states. These nations often faced unique challenges due to their geographic isolation, limited landmass, and economies dependent on a narrow range of exports like sugar, tourism, or minerals.[8] Meanwhile, Singapore evolved from a British colonial trading post into a major global financial and technological hub, demonstrating how strategic policy and geographic position can transform an island economy despite scarce natural resources.[9]

### 20th century

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#### Geopolitical and environmental challenges

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Many island countries, especially Small Island Developing States (SIDS) such as the Maldives and Tuvalu, face acute environmental challenges, notably rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and increased frequency of extreme weather events. These factors threaten their very existence, impacting freshwater supplies, infrastructure, and biodiversity.[10] Consequently, island natgasions have become vocal advocates for ambitious global climate action, emphasizing the urgency of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting climate resilience efforts.[11]

In addition to environmental pressures, many island states navigate complex geopolitical dynamics due to their strategic maritime locations. They often maintain critical partnerships with regional powers and international organizations to enhance security, economic development, and disaster preparedness.[12] Balancing sovereignty and collaboration, these countries work to secure sustainable development pathways while managing vulnerabilities associated with their size and location.

## Politics

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Historically, island countries have tended to be less prone to political instability than their continental counterparts. The percentage of island countries that are democratic is higher than that of continental countries.[2]

### Island territories

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While island countries by definition are sovereign states, there are also several islands and archipelagos around the world that operate semi-autonomously from their official sovereign states. These are often known as dependencies or overseas territories and can be similar in nature to proper island countries.

## War

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Island countries have often been the basis of maritime conquest and historical rivalry between other countries.[13] Island countries are more susceptible to attack by large, continental countries due to their size and dependence on sea and air lines of communication.[14] Many island countries are also vulnerable to predation by mercenaries and other foreign invaders,[15] although their isolation also makes them a difficult target.

## Natural resources

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Many developing small island countries rely heavily on fish for their main supply of food.[16] Some are turning to renewable energy--such as wind power, hydropower, geothermal power and biodiesel from copra oil--to defend against potential rises in oil prices.[17]

## Geography

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Some island countries are more affected than other countries by climate change, which produces problems such as reduced land use, water scarcity, and sometimes even resettlement issues. Some low-lying island countries are slowly being submerged by the rising water levels of the Pacific Ocean.[18] Climate change also impacts island countries by causing natural disasters such as tropical cyclones, hurricanes, flash floods and droughts.[19]

### Climate change

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This section is an excerpt from Effects of climate change on small island countries.[edit]

A sign on South Tarawa, Kiribati pointing out the threat of sea level rise to the island, with its highest point being only three metres above sea level.The effects of climate change on small island countries are affecting people in coastal areas through sea level rise, increasing heavy rain events, tropical cyclones and storm surges.[20]: 2045 These effects of climate change threaten the existence of many island countries, their peoples and cultures. They also alter ecosystems and natural environments in those countries. Small island developing states (SIDS) are a heterogenous group of countries but many of them are particularly at risk due to climate change.[21] Those countries have been quite vocal in calling attention to the challenges they face from climate change.[21] For example, the Maldives and nations of the Caribbean and Pacific Islands are already experiencing considerable impacts of climate change.[22] It is critical for them to implement climate change adaptation measures fast.[22]

Some small and low population islands do not have the resources to protect their islands and natural resources. They experience climate hazards which impact on human health, livelihoods, and inhabitable space. This can lead to pressure to leave these islands but resources to do so are often lacking as well.

Efforts to combat these challenges are ongoing and multinational. Many of the small island developing countries have a high vulnerability to climate change, whilst having contributed very little to global greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, some small island countries have made advocacy for global cooperation on climate change mitigation a key aspect of their foreign policy.

## Economics

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Japan is an archipelago in Asia that constitutes one of the richest and most populated nations on Earth. Singapore, an affluent and highly developed sovereign island country by which its territories consists of a main island and other smaller islands

Many island countries rely heavily on imports and are greatly affected by changes in the global economy.[23] Due to the nature of island countries their economies are often characterised by being smaller, relatively isolated from world trade and economy, more vulnerable to shipping costs, and more likely to suffer environmental damage to infrastructure; exceptions include Japan, Taiwan[citation needed] and the United Kingdom.[24][25][26] The dominant industry for many island countries is tourism.[27]

## Composition

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Island countries are typically small with low populations, although some, like Indonesia, Japan, and the Philippines are notable exceptions.[28]

Some island countries are centred on one or two major islands, such as Bahrain, Cuba, Iceland, Malta, New Zealand, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Kingdom. Others are spread out over hundreds or thousands of smaller islands, such as The Bahamas, Indonesia, Japan, the Maldives, the Philippines, and Seychelles. Some island countries share one or more of their islands with other countries, such as Ireland and the United Kingdom; the Dominican Republic and Haiti; and Indonesia, which shares islands with Brunei, East Timor, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea. Bahrain, Singapore, and the United Kingdom have fixed links such as bridges and tunnels to the continental landmass: Bahrain is linked to Saudi Arabia by the King Fahd Causeway, Singapore to Malaysia by the Johor–Singapore Causeway and Second Link, and the United Kingdom has a railway connection to France through the Channel Tunnel.

Geographically, the country of Australia is considered a continental landmass rather than an island, covering the largest landmass of the Australian continent. In the past, however, it was considered an island country for tourism purposes[29] (among others) and is sometimes referred to as such.[30]

## See also

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* Countries portal
* Islands portal

* Archipelagic state
* Effects of climate change on island nations
* Landlocked country
* List of Caribbean island countries by population
* List of island countries
* List of islands by area
* List of islands by country
* List of sovereign states and dependent territories in Oceania
* List of sovereign states and dependent territories in the Indian Ocean
* Microstate
* City state
* Pacific Islands Forum
* Small Island Developing States
* Thalassocracy

## References

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1. ^ "Island nation | Definition, meaning & more | Collins Dictionary". www.collinsdictionary.com. Retrieved 6 February 2025.
2. ^ a b c Ott, Dan (1996). Small is Democratic. Routledge. p. 128\. ISBN 0-8153-3910-0. Retrieved March 23, 2019.
3. ^ Chepkemoi, Joyce (April 25, 2017). "Which Are The Island Countries Of The World?". WorldAtlas.com. Archived from the original on 2017-12-07. Retrieved 2019-08-10.
4. ^ "Population, total 2015-2019". World Bank Open Data. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
5. ^ "Polynesian people". Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved 2025-05-25.
6. ^ "Madagascar: People". Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved 2025-05-25.
7. ^ "Age of Discovery". Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved 2025-05-25.
8. ^ "World Economic Situation and Prospects 2021". United Nations. Retrieved 2025-05-25.
9. ^ "Singapore and the IMF". International Monetary Fund. Retrieved 2025-05-25.
10. ^ "IPCC Sixth Assessment Report: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability". Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Retrieved 2025-05-25.
11. ^ "Small Island Developing States and Climate Change". United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Retrieved 2025-05-25.
12. ^ Kaira Vartak (2022-12-15). "The Small Island Developing States in IOR: Challenges and opportunities". Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Retrieved 2025-05-25.
13. ^ Chasle, Raymond (1 Oct 1986). "The quest for identity. (island countries)". UNESCO Courier. Archived from the original on 22 May 2015. Retrieved 2009-02-01.
14. ^ Perry, Walt L.; Robert W. Button; Jerome Bracken; Thomas Sullivan; Rand Corporation; United States Navy; Jonathan Mitchell (2002). Measures of Effectiveness for the Information-age Navy. Rand Corporation. p. 7\. ISBN 0-8330-3139-2. Archived from the original on 2023-03-30. Retrieved 2020-11-01.
15. ^ WREN, CHRISTOPHER S. (December 9, 1989). "Mercenary Holding Island Nation Seeks Deal". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 2020-01-22. Retrieved 2009-02-01.
16. ^ "Many of the world's poorest people depend on fish". Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. 2005-06-07. Archived from the original on 2019-08-26. Retrieved 2017-09-30.
17. ^ Xingwei, Huang (2008-10-17). "Pacific Islands countries switch to renewable energy source due to increasing fuel prices". Archived from the original on 2015-04-02. Retrieved 2009-02-01.
18. ^ "Leader of disappearing island nation says climate change an issue of survival, not economics". June 5, 2008. Archived from the original on 2008-06-05. Retrieved 2009-02-01.
19. ^ "FAO: Climate change threatens food security of Pacific island countries". December 2, 2008. Archived from the original on 2008-12-07. Retrieved 2009-02-01.
20. ^ Mycoo, M., M.Wairiu, D. Campbell, V. Duvat, Y. Golbuu, S. Maharaj, J. Nalau, P. Nunn, J. Pinnegar, and O.Warrick, 2022: "Chapter 15: Small Islands". In: "Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability. Contribution of Working Group II to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change" [H.-O. Pörtner, D.C. Roberts, M. Tignor, E.S. Poloczanska, K. Mintenbeck, A. Alegría, M. Craig, S. Langsdorf, S. Löschke, V. Möller, A. Okem, B. Rama (eds.)]. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK and New York, NY, USA, pp. 2043–2121, doi:10.1017/9781009325844.017.
21. ^ a b Thomas, Adelle; Baptiste, April; Martyr-Koller, Rosanne; Pringle, Patrick; Rhiney, Kevon (2020-10-17). "Climate Change and Small Island Developing States". Annual Review of Environment and Resources. 45 (1): 1–27\. doi:10.1146/annurev-environ-012320-083355. ISSN 1543-5938. Text was copied from this source, which is available under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
22. ^ a b Betzold, Carola (2015-12-01). "Adapting to climate change in small island developing states". Climatic Change. 133 (3): 481–489\. Bibcode:2015ClCh..133..481B. doi:10.1007/s10584-015-1408-0. ISSN 1573-1480. S2CID 153937782.
23. ^ "Hardship and Vulnerability in the Pacific Island Countries". The World Bank Group. 27 March 2014. Retrieved 15 November 2023.
24. ^ "WTO/FORSEC Trade Policy Course for Pacific island countries". 9 March 2001. Archived from the original on 2013-10-02. Retrieved 2009-02-01.
25. ^ "NZ calls for global solutions to problems faced by small island nations". 2005-01-18. Archived from the original on 2012-10-24. Retrieved 2009-02-01.
26. ^ Garg, Sarika. "U.N. ambassador gives keynote". Archived from the original on 2019-10-29. Retrieved 2017-09-05.
27. ^ "China enlists Pacific island countries as tourist destinations, XINHUA". The America's Intelligence Wire. 10 August 2004. Archived from the original on 2 January 2013. Retrieved 1 February 2009.
28. ^ "Wen pledges new aid to Pacific countries". International Herald Tribune. April 5, 2006. Archived from the original on 2007-02-17. Retrieved 2013-08-21.
29. ^ "Australian Naval Defence". The Brisbane Courier. 24 July 1897. Archived from the original on 2017-12-06. Retrieved 2009-01-31.
30. ^ "China, Pacific island countries discuss cooperation at forum meeting". Archived from the original on 2012-10-13. Retrieved 2009-02-01.

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