12/12/2025
Our two big islands are tops: Luzon and Mindanao. Celebrate PHL
The world’s most populated islands are led by Java, which stands far ahead with 156.9 million people, making it the most densely populated island on Earth. Following Java is Honshu in Japan with 102.6 million, home to major metropolitan centers like Tokyo and Osaka. In third place is Great Britain, recording 66.35 million people across cities such as London, Birmingham, and Manchester.
Just behind the top three, Luzon in the Philippines ranks fourth with 64.3 million residents, while Sumatra in Indonesia comes fifth with 60.8 million. These Southeast Asian islands continue to play a vital role in regional demographics and economic growth, as both house major urban hubs—Manila on Luzon and Medan, Palembang, and other fast-growing cities on Sumatra. Further down the list are Madagascar, Mindanao, Taiwan, Salsette in India, and Borneo, reflecting a diverse mix of populations across continents.
Southeast Asia stands out prominently in the ranking, with four islands—Java, Sumatra, Luzon, and Mindanao—appearing in the global top ten. Java’s dominance reflects Indonesia’s strong urban concentration in Jakarta, Bandung, and Surabaya, while Luzon and Mindanao highlight the Philippines’ rapidly expanding metropolitan regions. These islands collectively reinforce Southeast Asia as one of the world’s most dynamic and densely populated regions, shaping economic, social, and cultural developments across the continent.
