mainland

Mainland is a geographic term used to denote the principal landmass of a region or country, especially the largest contiguous area as opposed to its islands, peninsulas, or offshore territories. The concept is relative and can vary by context; what counts as the mainland of a country depends on historical, political, and geographic factors. In political usage, "mainland" often identifies the main territory governed by a state while distinguishing it from outlying territories or special administrative regions.

Examples of usage include Mainland China, which refers to the area governed by the PRC excluding Hong Kong and Macau; mainland Europe, contrasted with the many islands of the European archipelagos; the Greek mainland, as distinguished from its numerous islands; and mainland Australia, used to separate the continental landmass from the island of Tasmania. In island-rich regions, the term helps clarify geographic scope for economic, environmental, and transport planning.

The term can also appear in historical or cultural discussions, where the mainland is associated with central or primary settlements, agriculture, and infrastructure, versus outlying island communities. Regardless of context, mainland status is a pragmatic descriptor that aids mapping, governance, and regional identity.