Sweden and Finland can feel rightly aggrieved, and Norway perhaps a bit peeved. 

Between them they have well over half a million islands: Sweden with a world record 267,570, Norway close behind with 239,057 and Finland globally third with 178,947.

In contrast, Denmark only has 443, of which 78 are inhabitable, but on a list of the world’s best 50 islands compiled by Big Seven Travel, Denmark trumped them all by landing 15th place with Bornholm.

Norway trailed five places behind with Sommarøy, and Sweden and Finland didn’t feature at all!

Technically closer to Sweden …
To rub salt into the round, Big Seven Travel conceded that Bornholm is actually technically closer to Sweden.

But a series of wars that ended in Denmark’s favour has seen the island rest permanently in its hands since 1660.

“Denmark might not be the first place that springs to mind when it comes to idyllic islands, but that’s all part of Bornholm’s charm,” applauded Big Seven Travel.

“Technically closer to Sweden, this picturesque island is a 30-minute flight or 2.5-hour drive from Copenhagen. Combining pristine beaches, picturesque fishing villages and a renowned culinary scene, it’s the perfect place to while away a few days. Take to two wheels and explore its 200-km cycleways to really get under the skin of this lovely, laid-back island.”

Mauritius is number one
Taking first position in the rankings was Indian Island paradise isle Mauritius, with Jamaica, Koh Mak in Thailand, Anguilla and Madeira completing the top five.

But before Denmark claims the Nordic bragging rights, it must be acknowledged that the Icelandic isle of Flatey took ninth place. 

Which isn’t bad for a country with only 30-40 islands.