Which country actually has the most islands in the world? Many people might first think of Indonesia or the Philippines, but the answer is Sweden. With its hundreds of thousands of islands and islets, Sweden ranks first, ahead of both Finland and Norway, which also have very large numbers of islands and extensive archipelagos.
Sweden is the country in the world with the most islands, with more than 267,000 according to many sources. The vast majority are uninhabited, but together they form a coastal landscape that is unique in the world.
Countries with the most islands (approximate numbers):
- Sweden, 267,000 islands
- Finland, 188,100 islands
- Norway, 55,043 islands
- Canada, 52,454 islands
- Indonesia, 17,509 islands
- Australia, 8,322 islands
- Philippines, 7,109 islands
- Japan, 6,859 islands
- England, 6,289 islands
- Greece, 6,000 islands
- Thailand, 1,440 islands
About Sweden’s islands
The fact that Sweden has the most islands often comes as a surprise, since many people first think of large island nations such as Indonesia or the Philippines. One important explanation is that Sweden has a very long coastline and large archipelago areas, especially around Stockholm, Gothenburg, and along the Norrland coast. These areas contain countless small islets, skerries, and uninhabited islands that together give the country such a high total.
That Sweden tops the list also says something about the country’s physical geography. Many of the islands are small and uninhabited, while others have permanent residents, holiday homes, or major importance for tourism and outdoor recreation. The archipelagos are an important part of Swedish identity and attract both Swedish and international visitors every year.