Island country

An island country is a country whose primary territory consists of one or more islands or parts of islands. As of 2011, 47 (approximately 24%) of the 193 UN member states are island countries.

Politics

The percentage of island countries that are democratic is higher than that of continental countries. Historically they have been more prone to political stability than their continental counterparts.

War

Island countries have often been the basis of maritime conquest and historical rivalry between other countries. Island countries are more susceptible to attack by large, continental countries due to their size and dependence on sea and air lines of communication. Many island countries are also vulnerable to predation by mercenaries and other foreign invaders, although their isolation also makes them a difficult target. Powerful countries, such as the United Kingdom may develop a navy for protection and promotion of their interests, sometimes known as a sea power.

Natural resources