The world’s most populated islands
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The most populated islands in the world are primarily located in Asia. Here are some of the most populated islands:
- Java, Indonesia: With a population of approximately 141 million, Java is the most populous island in the world. It is home to the cities of Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bandung.
- Honshu, Japan: Honshu is the largest island in Japan and has a population of approximately 103 million people. It is home to the cities of Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka.
- Great Britain, United Kingdom: Great Britain has a population of approximately 68 million people. It is the largest island in Europe and is home to the cities of London, Manchester, and Glasgow.
- Luzon, Philippines: Luzon is the largest island in the Philippines and has a population of approximately 53 million people. It is home to the capital city of Manila.
- Sumatra, Indonesia: Sumatra has a population of approximately 50 million people and is the sixth-largest island in the world. It is home to the cities of Medan and Palembang.
The map below created by Reddit user mydriase the 25 most populated islands in the world.

Java is the most populated island in Asia and in the world. But despite the enormous population, Java still has lots of rural farmlands and even a large national park. Most of the population of Java is packed into super-dense metro areas. Jakarta alone is home to about 33 million people in approximately 6800 square kilometers, or 2625 square miles.
In Europe, the ninth-largest island in the world – Great Britain is the most populated island. After Great Britain and Ireland, the third most populated of the British Isles is Portsea, on which the city of Portsmouth is situated.
In Americas Manhattan is the most populated island. Manhattan is geographically tiny, with only 59 square kilometers or 23 square miles of land. The population of the island today is lower than it was a century ago. According to the 2020 census, 1.7 million people are living in Manhattan. In 1910, when the subway just appeared, there were 2.3 million people. As time has passed and transportation opportunities have developed, people are no longer required to live within walking distance of work. That means more and more people started to inhabit the outer boroughs or suburbs outside of New York City proper.
There are three islands in this chart from the Americas, all more populous than Manhattan.