Where is the archipelago with the most islands located?

The Archipelago Sea has the largest number of islands in the world. The number of the larger islands of over 1 km2 within the Archipelago Sea (in provinces of Åland Isles and Southwest Finland) is 257, whilst the number of smaller isles of over 0.5 ha is about 17,700. If the number of smallest uninhabitable rocks and skerries is accounted, 50,000 is probably a good estimate of the total amount.

Some of the islands are very small, closely located together, and with minimal life in them. The larger islands are inhabited by people and other forms of life. The islands are interconnected by bridges, ferries, and other vessels. The Aland Islands, which are the largest in the sea, form part of Finland. The other islands are part of Southwest Finland. The population of the islands is approximately 60,000. Over a quarter of the total population live in Aland.

The total area covered by the sea is approximately 8,300 square kilometers (3,204 square miles). About 2,000 square kilometers (772 square miles) of the sea are covered by the islands. The sea is quite shallow with an average depth of 23 meters (75 feet). For this reason, large ships and water vessels cannot navigate through the water channels.

The Archipelago Sea is part of the Baltic Sea that is strategically located in between the Gulf of Bothnia, the Gulf of Finland, and the Sea of Aland. Archipelago literally means a group of islands. The Archipelago Sea is located within the Finish territorial waters.