eilandstaat

Eilandstaat is a Dutch term that translates roughly as island state and is used to describe a sovereign state whose territory consists mainly of one island or a small cluster of islands. The concept highlights a geographic core that shapes political institutions, economic life, and national identity. It is distinct from continental states, which are centered on a mainland area, and from archipelagic states, where sovereignty extends over a larger network of numerous islands. In practice, many island states are small in land area and population, though some are highly developed and densely populated.

Maritime considerations are central to eilandstaten. Nations typically control sizable exclusive economic zones (EEZs) and rely on ports and sea routes for trade, tourism, and energy supplies. They face environmental and logistical vulnerabilities such as sea level rise, tropical cyclones, and exposure to global commodity markets, given limited arable land and diverse natural resources. Climate change adaption and disaster resilience are therefore prominent policy concerns.

Governance in island states is often highly centralized due to their compact geography, with policies tailored to small-scale administration, trade logistics, and maritime security. Economies commonly emphasize services, tourism, fisheries, and, where applicable, offshore finance or energy sectors. International cooperation—through organizations, maritime law, and regional forums—plays a key role in safeguarding maritime rights, securing aid, and reducing isolation.

Examples frequently cited as eilandstaten include Singapore, Iceland, Nauru, the Maldives, Barbados, Jamaica, and Sri Lanka. The term can apply variably depending on definitions of island, archipelago, and sovereignty; some states span multiple islands and others are effectively single-island nations.