Artificial island facts for kids
An artificial island or man-made island is constructed by people. The island was not formed by nature. Artificial islands may vary in size.
Contents
History
The creation of artificial islands has a long history, including
- 14th century: Tenochtitlan, the Aztec city in the same place as Mexico City
- 17th century: Dejima (or Deshima), created in the shape of a fan in the bay of Nagasaki during Japan's Edo period
- 19th century: Ellis Island, in the harbor of New York City
- 20th century: Kansai International Airport in Osaka
- 21st century: Palm Jumeirah in Dubai; Fiery Cross Reef, Johnson South Reef, and Mischief Reef by China
Largest artificial islands
| # | Name | Size (km²) | Country or Emirate | Utilisation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Flevopolder | 970 | Netherlands | towns, agriculture |
| 2 | Yas Island | 25 | Abu Dhabi | Yas Marina Circuit |
| 3 | Palm Jebel Ali | 8 | Dubai | |
| 4 | Chūbu Centrair International Airport | 6.8 | Japan | Airport |
| 5 | Palm Jumeirah | 6.5 | Dubai | housing |
| 6 | Kansai International Airport | 4 | Japan | Airport |
Political status
Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea treaty (UNCLOS), artificial islands are not considered harbor works (Article 11). Such islands are part of the nearest coastal state if the island is within 200 nautical miles (370 km) (Article 56).
Artificial islands are not considered islands for purposes of having their own territorial waters or Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Gallery
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A view of Kansai International Airport from space
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Palm Jumeirah in Dubai
Related pages
Images for kids
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The Flevopolder in the Netherlands is 970 km2 (375 sq mi) and is the largest island formed by reclaimed land in the world.
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Reef Island off North Malaita.
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Artificial island construction process in Kaafu Atoll of Maldives in February 2019.
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Subi Reef being built by the PRC and transformed into an artificial island, May 2015
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A closer view of the Palm Jumeirah
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Northstar Island, an artificial island for oil drilling in the Beaufort Sea
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The Principality of Sealand's artificial island in the North Sea.
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Our Lady of the Rocks (Gospa od Škrpjela) in Montenegro
See also
In Spanish: Isla artificial para niños
