Legal Definitions - island

An island refers to a distinct piece of land that is entirely surrounded by water and remains above the water's surface under typical conditions. It is significantly smaller than a continent and is not expected to be submerged except in extraordinary circumstances like severe floods or tsunamis.

• Example 1: A Popular Tourist Destination
  Imagine a couple planning a vacation to the Caribbean island of Barbados. They choose it for its beautiful beaches and unique culture, knowing it's a distinct landmass separate from any continent.

  Explanation: Barbados perfectly illustrates an island because it is a clearly defined tract of land completely encircled by the Atlantic Ocean. It consistently stays above sea level and is vastly smaller than any continent, fitting all aspects of the definition.

• Example 2: Land Formation in a River
  After years of sediment accumulation, a small, permanent patch of dry land emerges in the middle of a wide river, remaining exposed even during typical water levels.

  Explanation: This newly formed land is considered an island because it is a piece of ground entirely surrounded by the river's water. It is smaller than a continent and consistently remains unsubmerged under normal river conditions, making it a distinct land feature.

• Example 3: A Man-Made Development
  A coastal city develops a new residential area on a constructed landmass in a bay, accessible only by a causeway. This development is designed to be permanently above the water line.

  Explanation: Although man-made, this development functions as an island. It is a defined area of land completely surrounded by the bay's water, is considerably smaller than a continent, and is engineered to remain unsubmerged under normal circumstances, creating a distinct land area separate from the mainland.