The smallest peninsula. Smallest inhabited islands

The area of ​​the Crimean peninsula, which became part of Russia a few years ago, is 27,000 km². However, land areas are from this geographic category. Let's try to find the most big peninsula in the world on the globe of the earth by listing ten largest parts continents crashing into the ocean or sea.

Top 10 major peninsulas in the world

The geography of the planet is bizarre and does not recognize strict geometric outlines. From the polar Russian coast to the harsh ice expanses of Antarctica, you can see similar islands, but sections of the continents connected to the rest of the land.

10. Taimyr. The extreme north point continent Eurasia. Not a single city can be found on 400 thousand km². The largest settlement is the village of Karaul, where fewer than 800 people live. The polar explorer Fridtjof Nansen stayed in the winter quarters on the site of which the settlement was built. Cold rivers flow in this region, inhospitable mountains rise. Agriculture is impossible in the tundra, and the population is gradually decreasing.

9. The Balkan Peninsula is washed by the Black and Mediterranean Seas, as well as several smaller ones. In this part of Europe, life has always been in full swing, and history has been created. From the medieval battles between Serbia, Byzantium and the Bulgarian Kingdom to the Yugoslav conflicts of the 1990s, these events took place on this 505 thousand km² piece of land.

8. The Iberian or Iberian Peninsula is a pronounced part of southwestern Europe. The waves of the Atlantic break on its shores and Mediterranean Sea... Tourists go here to see Cape Roca - the westernmost part of the European continent and the southernmost - Cape Morocca. Located on the peninsula of Spain and Portugal, a piece of France and the tiny principality of Andorra, the territory of Gibraltar. The Central Cordillera stretches here - a mountain range 400 km long. The area of ​​the Iberian Peninsula is 582 thousand km².

7. Somalia was nicknamed the Horn of Africa for its characteristic shape. The waters of the Indian Ocean are splashing along its shores, washed by the waves of the Gulf of Aden. The territory is occupied by plateaus and plateaus. The climate is arid with little rainfall. The Somali Peninsula is a real paradise for reptiles, of which there are more than 90 species. The area of ​​the site is 750 thousand km².

6. The Scandinavian Peninsula is the birthplace of brave Viking sailors. In the north-west of Europe there is a land of stunning beauty, indented by bizarre fjords. Sweden and Norway are located here, as well as part of Finland. The territory covers 800 thousand km².

5. The Labrador Peninsula is located in North America in eastern Canada. It is washed by the waves of the Atlantic, the Hudson Bay and the Strait. It is here that the Gulf of St. Lawrence is located - the estuary, i.e. the place where the river of the same name flows into the ocean, which is the largest in the world. Many rivers and lakes turn a piece of the mainland into an amazing one nature reserve with an area of ​​1 million 600 thousand km².

4. The Indian subcontinent is located in the southern part of Asia. In addition to India, the states of Bangladesh and part of Pakistan are located here. They splash off the coast Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. The climate of Hindustan is monsoon and subequatorial. Half of the area is occupied by the Deccan plateau, localized in the central region, and the entire territory of the peninsula is 2 million km².

3. Indochina is halfway from one major state to another. Seeing in the aborigines the features of two peoples - the Indians and the Chinese - the Europeans gave the appropriate name to the peninsula in the southeast of Asia. The waves of the South China Sea, the Bay of Bengal, the Strait of Malacca and the Andaman Sea break on its shores. The southern part stretches out as a narrow strip of the Malacca Peninsula to the south. The total area of ​​Indochina is 2 million 88 thousand km².

2. West Antarctica is a lifeless space of the southern continent hidden by an ice crust. The Transantarctic Mountains separate this land area from another major region of the mainland. The territory is equal to 2 million 690 thousand km².

The largest peninsula in the world

The largest area is occupied by arid and desert region, the only riches of which are oil, natural gas and sand.

1. The Arabian Peninsula is mostly occupied by Saudi Arabia and is located in the southwestern part of Asia. Smaller states on the land plot are Yemen, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman. All this is located on 3 million 250 thousand km². They wash the shores of the Oman, Aden and Persian gulfs, Arabian and Red Sea.

The peninsula that exists in the world is larger than West Antarctica or Indochina. The Arabian land is an entirely desert with skyscraper cities built on the basis of oil and gas wealth.

Reading 4 min. Views 7.7k. Posted on May 9, 2013

1. Arabian Peninsula, 2730 thousand km²

The largest in the world is the Arabian Peninsula, its area reaches almost three million square kilometers... Considerable size, isn't it? On such an area, ten Italia can be accommodated. But most of it is Saudi Arabia, there is still room for Yemen, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and the United United Arab Emirates... Located in southwestern Asia, the Arabian Peninsula is washed by the Red and Arabian Seas, as well as the Gulfs of Aden, Persian and Oman. The sun shines here tirelessly! The peninsula is rich in oil fields and natural gas.

2. West Antarctica, 2690 thousand km²

Unlike the hot Arabian Peninsula, West Antarctica is the coldest of the peninsulas. It is smaller in area than its hot predecessor, and is one of the two main regions of Antarctica that separate the Transarctic Mountains. This peninsula is not just cold, but very cold - most of it is covered with ice. It is interesting that although this name existed for a long time, it was documented during the International Geophysical Year - 1958.

3. Indochina, 2088 thousand km²

Let's return to Asia, to the warm sun - we move east and see the Indochina peninsula. Its area is over two million square kilometers. This peninsula is washed by the Andaman and South China Seas, as well as the Gulfs of Siam, Bengal and Tonkin and the Strait of Malacca. There are many rivers, the climate is rather humid, so rice is mostly cultivated here. Local states - Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Vietnam.

4. Hindustan, 2000 thousand km²

The area of ​​Hindustan is exactly two million square kilometers and it is also located in Asia. There are only three states here - Bangladesh, Pakistan and, of course, India. The inhabitants of these countries have access to the waters of the Indian Ocean, and the only bay is Bengal.

5. Labrador, 1600 thousand km²

For now, let's leave Asia and head to the shores North America, or rather to the coast of the Labrador Peninsula. More than one and a half million square kilometers in the east of Canada. Here, the waters of the Atlantic, Hudson Bay and the Strait, and the Gulf of St. Lawrence are easily accessible. There are also many rivers here - Churchill, Arno, Fey, La Grande, Coxoak, Grand Balen, Ptit Balen, George, Povungkituk, and many lakes. Interesting vegetation and significant fur resources - lynxes, muskrats, foxes.

6. Scandinavian Peninsula, 800 thousand km²

All other peninsulas in our list are much smaller in area than those in the first part. 800 thousand km² is the area of ​​the Scandinavian Peninsula, which is located in the north-west of Europe, here it is the largest. Norway and Sweden are located on the peninsula, as well as partly Finland. It is on this peninsula that interesting rock“The troll language we mentioned recently.

7. Somalia, 750 thousand km²

Slightly smaller in size, the Somali peninsula. We return to the scorching sun again - this time to Africa. Somalia is also called the Horn of Africa - it very much resembles it in its shape. Washes this horn in the Indian Ocean and Gulf of aden... There are several national parks and reserves of international importance, however, nature still suffers from exhaustion. Many animals here are endangered, and there are more reptiles in Somalia than anywhere else, and 90 of them live exclusively in the Horn of Africa.

8. Iberian Peninsula, 582 thousand km²

The Iberian or Iberian Peninsula is washed by the Mediterranean Sea, the Bay of Biscay and the Atlantic Ocean. Most of the peninsula is Spanish territory, 15% - Portugal and a tiny part belongs to France, Andorra and Great Britain. The second name appeared thanks to the Iberian people who lived in this territory before.

9. Balkan Peninsula 505 thousand km²

We will stay in Europe and take a look at the third largest Balkan Peninsula here. Bulgaria, Serbia, Montenegro, Turkey, Romania, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Greece, Bosnia and Herzegovina are located on half a million square kilometers. Here is such an impressive list. And there are also the Balkan Mountains, which is exactly why the peninsula was named as well. Here the First began World War with the assassination of Prince Franz Ferdinand.

10. Asia Minor and Taimyr, 400 thousand km²

The last place in our top ten was shared by two large peninsulas with a conventionally equal area of ​​four hundred thousand km² - Asia Minor and Taimyr. As you may have guessed, we are back in Asia again. This place is also called Anatolia - beautiful, isn't it? The waters here are Black, Marble, Mediterranean and Aegean seas, as well as the straits of the Bosphorus and Dardanelles. The entire territory of the peninsula is occupied by Turkey.
Taimyr is located in Russia, and here it is washed by the Laptev Sea and the Kara Sea. This is the territory of the Krasnoyarsk Territory; there are several large lakes and rivers on the peninsula. It is quite cool here, the summer is short and far from the warmest. Of course, northern animals live here, adapted to such an environment. The peninsula was uninhabited for a long time, but later people also learned to become familiar with the harsh climate.

What is the smallest island in the world? According to the Guinness Book of Records, this is Bishop Rock. It is located in the south of Great Britain and is one of the 1,040 islands in the archipelago. There is only one lighthouse on the island and nothing else ... This list can be continued indefinitely - after all, there are a huge number of undeveloped baby islands on our planet, as well as peninsulas. Yet our rating consists of small islands with a developed tourist infrastructure.

1. Caye Caulker, Belize - 6.5 sq. km

The island is located in the Caribbean Sea, 20 miles off the coast of Belize. The largest coral reef in the Western Hemisphere is located here. Population - less than 1500 inhabitants. In the past, this is a small fishing village with three sandy roads. Now it is a small but fascinating resort, loved by tourists.

2. Fox Island, Alaska - 10.4 sq. km

The sheltered coves and pebbly beaches of this island off the coast of Seward provide an excellent haven for a variety of marine life. Visiting this small island, you can get acquainted with sea lions and whales.

3. Saba Island, Small Antilles- 13 sq. km

Located in the Caribbean, west of Saint Martin. The population of the island is 1200 people. It has practically no beaches, but it is attractive for diving enthusiasts and hiking... The island's landscape - a dormant volcano - attracts many tourists. The most favorable period for visiting is from January to March.

4. Corvo Island, Azores –15.6 sq. km

Part of the Azores island archipelago... Located in Atlantic Ocean west of the coast of Portugal. Only 300 people live here. The temperate climate allows tourists to enjoy snorkeling, fishing, a variety of fresh seafood and secluded walks all year round.

5. Sea Lion Island ( Sea lion Island), Falkland Islands - 15.7 sq. km

Located in the South Atlantic Ocean. There are only seven permanent residents. But here you can see five species of penguins, killer whales, elephant seals. The favorable tourist season lasts from October to April.

6. South Bass Island, Ohio - 20.8 sq. km

Location - Lake Erie, off the northeastern coast of Ohio. The population is less than 400 people. Despite this, the island offers boating, camping. Has its own brewery and winery.

7. Little St. Simons Island, Georgia - 40.61 sq. km

Only 25 people work and live on this island, the rest are few tourists. This small island is located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Georgia and is part of the Golden Isles of Georgia archipelago. The landscape of the island consists of beautiful pristine beaches combined with a cedar forest and pristine coastline. The high tourist season is spring.

8. Benguerra Island, Mozambique Islands - 55 sq. km

The second largest island in the archipelago (after Bazaruto Island). This is the territory of the National Marine Reserve. The rarest animals live here: terns, flamingos, egrets, kingfishers, cormorants. 1.5 km east of the island is the "2nd Mile" coral reef, which is recognized as one of the best for diving in Mozambique. In addition to extraordinary beauty underwater coral, the reef is home to small species of sharks, clown fish, conger eel and many colorful tropical fish.

9. Yap, Micronesia - 101.4 sq. km

Part of the Federated States of Micronesia - South Pacific. This is one of best places for diving. By the way, the island is only partly developed for tourism and partly for the countryside. Only 1200 permanent residents live here.

10. Madeline Island, Wisconsin, USA - 109.2 sq. km

This island is the only developed island in the 22 Apostle islands. Only 300 permanent residents live here all year round. High season for tourists is from May to October. In summer you can enjoy golfing, kayaking or cycling, and in winter you can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

There is no way to strictly determine which of the myriad islets scattered in different parts of the world is the smallest. There are only conditional applicants for this honorary title. For example, the Guinness Book of Records names the Bishop Rock, sticking out of the water in the south of Great Britain, among the 1040 other islands of the archipelago. On it there was only a place for a lighthouse. Of course, in reality there are thousands of islands even less. This rating includes the smallest islands with a developed tourist infrastructure.

1. South Bass, USA (6.43 sq km)

The smallest tourist island in the world is located in the part of Lake Erie, which belongs to American state Ohio. Its small area could accommodate a small brewery and a winery, where the indigenous people of these places work. In total, no more than 400 people live on the island. Tourists come here not only to taste local intoxicating drinks, but also to go boating on the lake, and to live in nature in campsites.

V modern Russia there are over 200 peoples with their own culture and language. But the last census showed that some nationalities remained m ...

2. Kay Kolker, Belize (6.5 sq km)

This island is located in the water area Caribbean, 20 miles off the coast of Belize. It is here that the largest coral reef in the Western Hemisphere is located.
Less than 1,500 people live on the island. Until the middle of the 19th century, Kay Kolker was uninhabited; British ships only occasionally came here to replenish water supplies or for simple repairs. But then Mexican refugees appeared here who planted coconut trees and founded a fishing village with sandy paths, which has now become a very popular, albeit small, resort. The island even had an airstrip, although it is still vulnerable to hurricanes.

3. Fox Island, Alaska (10.4 sq km)

Off the coast of Seward, this island has pebbly beaches and secluded coves, so there are many marine life such as whales and sea lions.

4. Saba Island, Lesser Antilles (13 sq. Km)

In the Caribbean Sea, west of Saint Martin, is the island of Saba, which has a population of 1,200. It is best to visit it in January-March. It is called the "unspoiled queen of the Caribbean" for its unspoiled nature. There are practically no tourist infrastructure and places convenient for swimming on it. But on the other hand, this dormant volcano, which has become an island, is very attractive for divers. There is a unique marine park here.

5. Corvo Island, Azores (15.6 sq. Km)

In the Azores, lost in the vastness of the Atlantic, the most secluded and tiny is the island of Corvo. An atmosphere of peace and tranquility reigns on it, and the nature and green landscapes of the island, flowering hills, picturesque lakes and rocky shores delight those travelers who were able to climb such a distance with their pristine beauty. But the name of the island, meanwhile, is translated as "the island of crows."
In the center of the Atlantic, a subtropical climate reigns, thanks to which you can go fishing, scuba diving, explore the island in detail on leisurely walks, or enjoy fresh seafood almost all year round.
On Corvo, in the only village of Vila Novo do Corvo, about 500 people live, they are all very welcoming. In a very cozy tiny town, houses are built of black stone, with cobbled streets streaming between them. The way of life here is absolutely pastoral, all the locals know each other very well. It has become an old tradition here to close houses with wooden locks made by local craftsmen. Residents still use them, emphasizing their friendliness and openness.

6. Sea Lion Island, Falkland Islands (15.7 sq km)

In the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Argentina, there is a group disputed islands(Falkland Islands for Great Britain and Malvinas for Argentina), among which the smallest is proudly named Sea Lion. The local waters have a very rich fauna: elephant seals, penguins, killer whales. The order on the island is monitored by seven local residents, and for tourists the island becomes available in early October, and the season closes in April.

The atoll is coral island, which partially or completely surrounds the lagoon. Atolls come in a wide variety of shapes, configurations and sizes. NS...

7. Little St. Simons, USA (40.61 sq. Km)

Only 25 people live and work permanently on this island, and the rest of the inhabitants are tourists. The islet is located in the waters of the Atlantic off the coast of Georgia and is part of the archipelago of the Golden Isles of Georgia. The island has pristine clean sandy beaches and pine groves. The very peak tourist season falls in the spring.

8. Benguerra Island, Mozambique Islands (55 sq. Km)

In the Mozambique archipelago, there is Benguerra Island, which is home to a national marine reserve. There are many different types of birds: flamingos, terns, kingfishers, egrets, cormorants. One and a half kilometers east of the island there is a coral reef, very popular with divers vacationing in Mozambique. Very beautiful corals grow here, clown fish, small sharks, sea bass and a variety of bright coral fish live. Here, nature has formed a unique pool among corals, which is called the "aquarium", and in which it is ideal to practice snorkeling.
The rhythm of the island's life is in line with the leisurely life of the locals, who boast a rich culture. In the north of the island, African dhow boats scurry on the horizon, some of which carry fishing nets, while others deliver tourists to a coral reef.
In the tropics of the Mozambique Islands, summer reigns all year round. But it is best to come here in a dry and slightly cooler season in May-November, that is, in winter for Mozambique. But from December to January it is too hot here, and tropical showers fall in February-March.

9. Yap, Micronesia (101.4 sq. Km)

This island in the South Pacific is part of Federal states Micronesia. For tourists, only part of the island is intended, and the other is given to Agriculture... There are excellent conditions for scuba diving.
1200 people constantly live on the island - they are simple, friendly, calm, smiling people, like on other islands. Guests do not bother them if they respect their way of life and traditions.
Have local tribe the hardest currency in the world is stone money. And not small coins, but three-meter circles weighing several centners. The rate of each coin rose if a person was sacrificed personally for it. For example, if during a trip to the island of Palau, where the "mint" was located, the head of the family died, then all the "hard currency" owned by his relatives rose in value. Until now, walking along the stone paths in the thickets, you can see these huge stone treasures, thoroughly overgrown with moss.

There are many old and very picturesque cities in old Europe. We are used to what the most beautiful small towns in Europe look like: German ...

10. Madeleine, United States (109.2 sq. Km)

Among the 22 islands of the Apostle Archipelago, only Madeleine is inhabited. 300 people live here permanently. The best time for rest here in May-October. In summer you can even play golf, ride a bike or kayak, while in winter you can ski or throw snow dust on snowmobiles.