Islands Divided – The Fascinating Story of Islands Shared by Two or More Countries
There are countless islands in the world.
But did you know that some islands are shared by two or more different countries?
These islands are not just geographical curiosities — they hold complex stories of history, politics, culture, and sometimes even conflict.
Today, we're taking a closer look at islands with an area greater than 50 km² that are divided between multiple nations.
📊 Major Divided Islands (Area 50 km² and Above)
|
Island Name |
Area (km²) |
Countries Sharing |
Notes |
|
New Guinea |
785,753 |
Indonesia + Papua New Guinea |
2nd largest island in the world |
|
Borneo |
743,330 |
Brunei + Indonesia + Malaysia |
Shared by 3 countries |
|
Tierra del Fuego |
47,992 |
Chile + Argentina |
Southernmost tip of South America |
|
Ireland |
84,421 |
Ireland + United Kingdom |
Northern Ireland is UK territory |
|
Hispaniola |
76,192 |
Dominican Republic + Haiti |
Caribbean's most famous divided island |
|
Timor |
30,777 |
Indonesia + East Timor |
East Timor is an independent nation |
|
Cyprus |
9,251 |
Cyprus + Northern Cyprus (recognized
only by Turkey) |
Disputed region |
|
Usedom |
445 |
Germany + Poland |
Beautiful Baltic Sea resort |
|
Corocoro Island |
689 |
Venezuela + Guyana |
Border dispute area |
|
Saint Martin |
88 |
France + Netherlands |
One of the smallest divided islands in
the world |
🌏 1. New Guinea – 785,753 km²
The second-largest island in the world,
New Guinea is divided between Indonesia in the west and Papua New Guinea in the east.
Indonesian Western New Guinea is rich in natural resources,
while Papua New Guinea is an independent nation with its own unique cultures and languages.
The island is home to over 800 indigenous languages — an incredible level of cultural diversity.
For travelers, the main attractions are indigenous cultures and tropical jungles,
but be careful: entry procedures and currencies are completely different on each side.
🌴 2. Borneo – 743,330 km²
This is the most famous island shared by three countries:
Brunei – small but wealthy oil nation
Indonesia – Kalimantan region
Malaysia – Sabah and Sarawak states
Three nations, three cultures, three cuisines — all coexisting on one island.
Borneo is also home to one of the oldest rainforests in the world
and is famous as the last habitat of the orangutan.
🧊 3. Tierra del Fuego – 47,992 km²
Located at the southernmost tip of South America,
this island is divided between Chile (west) and Argentina (east).
Its name means "Land of Fire" in Spanish —
Magellan named it after seeing the bonfires of indigenous people.
Here you'll find Mount Fitz Roy, one of the most beautiful national parks in the world,
and Ushuaia, often called "the end of the world."
☘️ 4. Ireland – 84,421 km²
Divided between the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland).
Northern Ireland remains part of the UK,
and the island has a long history of political and religious conflict.
Today, however, both sides are popular tourist destinations
known for their stunning natural landscapes and mild climate.
🌊 5. Hispaniola – 76,192 km²
The second-largest island in the Caribbean,
Hispaniola is divided between the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
The Dominican Republic (east) is Spanish-speaking and famous for resort tourism,
while Haiti (west) is French- and Creole-speaking and has faced many historical hardships.
The contrast in language, currency, and economic development is striking — two worlds on one island.
⏳ 6. Timor – 30,777 km²
The west belongs to Indonesia, and the east belongs to East Timor.
East Timor was annexed by Indonesia in 1975
but became independent in 2002 — making it one of Asia's youngest nations.
Although it still faces economic challenges,
it is slowly growing with the help of oil and natural gas resources.
🏝️ 7. Cyprus – 9,251 km²
Located in the eastern Mediterranean,
Cyprus is divided between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots (Northern Cyprus).
Northern Cyprus is recognized only by Turkey,
and remains internationally unrecognized.
A UN Buffer Zone runs through the middle of the island,
physically separating the two sides.
🏖️ 8. Usedom – 445 km²
Located on the Baltic Sea,
Usedom is shared between Germany and Poland.
The German side is a popular resort destination with white sandy beaches and spas,
while the Polish side retains the charm of quiet fishing villages.
Although the border runs through the middle,
tourists can move freely — making it a great example of a peaceful division.
🍹 9. Saint Martin – 88 km²
Shared between France and the Netherlands,
this small Caribbean island is a major tourist hotspot.
The French side (Saint-Martin) is known for luxury resorts and Michelin-starred restaurants,
while the Dutch side (Sint Maarten) is famous for nightlife, casinos, and shopping.
Interestingly, both sides are EU territories,
but the Dutch side is outside the EU customs area — so customs rules differ!
⚠️ 10. Corocoro Island – 689 km²
Located between Venezuela and Guyana,
this island is still a border dispute zone.
Both countries claim the island as their own,
and small military posts have been stationed there — tensions remain to this day.
🌟 What Divided Islands Teach Us
An island shared by two countries is more than just a line on a map.
It represents a complex reality where history, culture, politics, and people's lives are intertwined.
Some islands are peaceful tourist destinations,
while others are still at the center of conflict.
✈️ Travel Tips for Divided Islands
If you're planning to visit one of these unique places, keep these tips in mind:
Always check passport and visa requirements before crossing borders.
Even on the same island, immigration procedures are completely separate.
Currencies and languages may differ.
On Saint Martin alone, you'll find both euros and Netherlands Antillean guilders.
Check the local political situation in advance.
Some areas — like Cyprus or Corocoro Island — may have restricted access.
Enjoy the unique opportunity to experience two cultures at once.
On the same island, you can taste completely different food, see different architecture, and experience different traditions.
📌 Final Thoughts
If you love traveling, why not consider visiting one of these divided islands?
It's a truly unique experience —
on the same island, you can hear different languages, use different currencies, and enjoy different cuisines.
Which divided island would you most like to visit?
Share your thoughts in the comments below! 👇
