Island countries can be divided in two approximate groups. A group of large, relatively populous nations which are usually close to a continent including Japan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Cuba, the United Kingdom, Madagascar, and Indonesia. These countries typically share cultural and political similarities with their continental neighbours, although there are differences. Island locations have frequently been advantageous, providing isolation from invasion and the maritime abilities of the population gave advantage in regional and international trade.

The other group comprises smaller island countries such as Malta, Cyprus, the Comoros, the Bahamas, Tonga, and the Maldives. These countries tend to be very different from continental countries. Their small size usually means there is little agricultural land and rarely many natural resources. However, in modern times, smaller island countries around the world have become centres for tourism, which in many is the dominant industry.

Some island countries are centered on one or two major islands, such as the United Kingdom, New Zealand or Japan. Others are spread out over hundreds or thousands of smaller islands, such as the Philippines, Indonesia or the Maldives. Some island countries share their islands with other countries; these include the United Kingdom and Ireland, Haiti and Dominican Republic, and Indonesia, which shares islands with Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Malaysia.

See also

• List of island countries
• List of islands (by country)
• List of countries
• List of island countries by population density
• Small Island Developing States
• Archipelago