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June 22, 2026 | 2 Minute read

Do You Know? What Is the Biggest Island in the World?

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Tiara Zenia
World map showing Greenland highlighted as the biggest island in the world, with Greenland flag and Arctic scenery

The biggest island in the world is Greenland. It covers about 2.16 million square kilometers, making it the world’s largest island that is not considered a continent.

The Biggest Island In The World Is Greenland

Greenland sits between the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic Ocean. It is geographically part of North America, but politically it is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.

Greenland is huge, remote, and mostly covered by ice. Around 80% of its land area is covered by the Greenland Ice Sheet.

How Big Is Greenland?

Greenland’s size is easier to understand through a few quick facts:

  • Total area: about 2.16 million square kilometers
  • Status: world’s largest island that is not a continent
  • Region: Arctic and North Atlantic
  • Capital: Nuuk
  • Political status: autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark
  • Ice coverage: around 80% of the land area
  • Known for: glaciers, fjords, icebergs, Arctic landscapes, and Inuit culture

Australia is larger than Greenland, but it is usually classified as a continent, not an island.

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Where Is Greenland Located?

  • Location: between the Arctic Ocean and North Atlantic Ocean
  • Nearest regions: Canada to the west and Iceland to the southeast
  • Capital city: Nuuk
  • Largest town: Nuuk
  • Travel style: Arctic nature, cruises, flights, hiking, fjords, and northern lights

Greenland is one of the world’s most dramatic places for Arctic scenery. It can also be part of a northern lights trip when conditions are right.

Before You Visit Greenland

Greenland is remote, and travel often depends on flights, boats, weather, and seasonal conditions. Maps, bookings, weather updates, and transfer details are easier to manage when your phone is ready.

For Greenland travel, Eskimo offers a Greenland eSIM plan without physical SIM card swaps. New Eskimo users can also get free 500MB of Global Data.

FAQ

What is the biggest island in the world?

The biggest island in the world is Greenland, covering about 2.16 million square kilometers.

Why is Australia not the biggest island?

Australia is larger than Greenland, but it is usually classified as a continent. Greenland is the largest island that is not considered a continent.

Where is Greenland located?

Greenland is located between the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Canada and northwest of Iceland.

Is Greenland a country?

Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. It has its own local government.

What is Greenland known for?

Greenland is known for glaciers, fjords, icebergs, Arctic landscapes, Inuit culture, and northern lights.

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Written by a real person 💙
Tiara Zenia
I've always been curious about culture, traditions, and little everyday things that make each place special. I'd love to visit different countries and learn along the way.
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