When you hear the word archipelago, chances are Indonesia pops into your mind almost instantly. With its turquoise waters, world-famous beaches, and a map that looks like someone scattered emeralds across the equator, it feels like Indonesia should easily be the king of islands. From the hustle and bustle of Java to the serene sands of Raja Ampat, the country is a postcard-perfect example of island life.
But here’s the twist — while Indonesia has an impressive number of islands, it’s not even in the top three globally. In fact, the nation known for “from Sabang to Merauke” actually sits in 6th place when it comes to sheer island count.
Yes, you read that right. Six. Not first. Not even second. That crown belongs to… well, some places you might not expect. Imagine countries where the islands aren’t always tropical — they might be rocky, icy, or hiding quietly in freshwater lakes — yet they number in the hundreds of thousands.
So, who really rules the island game? Let’s find out.
The Global Ranking
According to the latest statistics, Sweden holds the crown, boasting an astonishing 267,750 islands. Most of these islands are uninhabited, scattered across the country’s lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. Norway follows closely with 239,057 islands, thanks to its dramatic fjords and rugged coastline. Finland comes third with 178,947 islands, many nestled in the famous Finnish Archipelago Sea.
Indonesia, in comparison, ranks 6th globally with 17,504 islands, behind the U.S. and Canada. This is still an impressive figure, but it might surprise many who assumed Indonesia would top the list.
Why the Numbers May Surprise You
Indonesia’s geography gives it a massive maritime footprint, but the official island count depends on survey methods, definitions of “island,” and updates to government records. Countries like Sweden, Norway, and Finland have vast archipelagos with countless tiny landmasses — many just large enough to qualify as islands.
In fact, a significant portion of their islands are not in the open ocean but in inland lakes and waterways, which dramatically increases their totals.
Indonesia’s Place in the World
While Indonesia may not have the most islands numerically, it remains unmatched in terms of cultural and ecological diversity across its archipelago. From Sumatra to Papua, its islands are home to hundreds of ethnic groups, unique wildlife, and some of the world’s most biodiverse marine ecosystems.
So, while Sweden may hold the record for the most islands, Indonesia still holds a special place as one of the most iconic island nations in history.
