offshore islands

Rocks beyond shore

Offshore islands are islands located at some distance from a mainland coast, typically within the same nation's territory.

The term distinguishes these islands from the continental landmass they're associated with: The ferry serves the offshore islands.

In political contexts, particularly regarding Taiwan and China, the phrase often refers specifically to Taiwan's island groups near the Chinese coast.

Opposites
land proximity to main landmass

offshore islandsmainland

Principal connected territory

continent · mother country · interior · heartland · onshore

geographic continuity

offshore islandsterra firma

Solid ground underfoot

peninsulas

political/jurisdictional status

offshore islandshome country

One's nation of origin

mother country · capital region

Family

shore, islands

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G