Top 10 Most Populous Islands in the World, Indonesia Logs Three

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The world’s most populous islands record prominent impacts on social, economic, and political aspects of the lives of their residents. Several factors contribute to a city or country’s dense population, including birth and mortality rates as well as migration rates. 

Read on to gain insights about heavily populated islands on Earth. 

Top 10 World’s Most Populous Islands 

Citing from Visual Capitalist and Daily Passport, here are the top 10 world’s most populous islands. 

1. Java Island, Indonesia: Population of 153,172,000 people

Java Island is the world’s most populous island due to several reasons, including its political and economic significance to its home country, Indonesia. 

With over 150 million residents, many deem Java Island a prime example of a greatly burgeoning district. However, much of the island’s population remains living in rural areas compared to other contenders on the list. 

Located on a 130,000-kilometer landmass, Java Island’s density is estimated to be 1,200 people per kilometer. The island is dominated by bustling city streets, towering skyscrapers, as well as a vast array of traditions. 

2. Honshu, Japan: Population of 102,579, 606 people

Honshu, Japan’s largest island, houses a total of 103 million residents. Home to iconic cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, Honshu is hailed as one of three Asia’s biggest financial centers.  

Japan’s iconic landscapes are located on this island, including Mount Fuji, the island’s highest mountain, and Biwa, the largest Japanese lake. 

3. Great Britain, UK: Population of  66,670,000 people

Ranked third, Great Britain reportedly has a staggering number of 67 million residents occupying the largest portion of the British Isles. In recent times, Great Britain accounts for 83% of the entire England’s population. 

The populous island is a connecting hub for England, Scotland, and Wales, whose capitals are also located here. 

4. Luzon, Philippines: Population of 64,260,312 people

Not only is Southeast Asia rich in cultures, but some islands in the region also demonstrate robust population growth. As manifested through Luzon, a majestic island of the Philippines, where more than half of the country’s total population is hustling in their everyday lives. 

Housing the country’s capital city, Manila, Luzon is a lively island actively embracing its traditions and natural resources like coconuts, mangoes, iron, and copper. 

5. Sumatra, Indonesia: Population of 59,185,500 people

Another entry from Indonesia is shortlisted as one of the world’s most populous islands. Sumatra is occupied by approximately 59 million inhabitants. 

Unlike Java Island, a vast chunk of Sumatra is left unspoiled, as seen from the captivating rainforests across the island. It is also home to various endangered species, including the remarkable Sumatran tigers. 

6. Madagascar: Population of 30,325,732 people

Intertwining African and South Asian cultures, Madagascar gained public knowledge as the world’s fourth-largest island by area. The island’s wildlife attracts visitors from around the globe, seeking a glimpse of endemic species like lemurs, chameleons, butterflies, and birds. 

7. Mindanao, Philippines: Population of 27,021,036 people

Mindanao showcases its majestic features through Mount Apo, the Philippines’ highest active volcano peak. Much of its 27 million inhabitants enjoy rather warm weather, with May being the country’s warmest month. 

8. Taiwan: Population of 23,933,277 people

Taiwan possesses an estimated area of 36,197 square kilometers, with more than 23 million citizens residing on the island. Although Taiwan is included in the most densely populated island, the region boasts other astonishing features. For instance, the 89th-story observation deck of Taipei 101 continues to draw millions of tourists every year. 

9. Salsette, India: Population of 23,729,378 people

Located in Great Mumbai, India, Salsette recorded more than 23 million people inhabiting the island. The heavy density of Salsette touched the base of over 30,000 people per square kilometer, according to Visual Capitalist. 

10. Borneo, Indonesia: Population of 23,720, 000 people

Closing the list is another densely populated island of Indonesia, where more than 23 million people are actively living alongside each other. The mountainous island is also home to Mount Kinabalu, Crocker, Nieuwenhuis, and the Muller mountains. 

Some of the world’s most populous islands boast extensive tourism scenes that attract many tourists all year round. 

VISUAL CAPITALIST | DAILY PASSPORT

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