Artificial floating islands exist in locations all over the world. Some of them are used by militaries or corporations – others are beautiful creations specifically designed for pleasure. From the United States to India, to Japan, there are some truly remarkable feats of architecture on some of these man-made archipelagos.

Continue on for a closer look at some of the world’s most impressive man-made islands.

The Pearl - Qatar

Doha, Qatar

The Pearl-Qatar is believed to cost upwards of $15 billion. It was built around an old pearl diving spot.

Photography: Wikimedia Commons

Venetian Islands

Miami Beach, Florida

The Venetian Islands were built in the early 20th century. They served as a vital link to the newly founded city of Miami Beach in 1915.

Photography: Marialby.com

Port Island

Kobe, Japan

Port Island is home to several universities, a convention center, the UCC Coffee Museum and even an IKEA!

Photography: Wikimedia Commons

Peberholm

Öresund Strait, Denmark

Peberholm serves as a critical transition point between the tunnel and bridge connecting Denmark and Sweden. Its construction also preserved the ecology of the nearby Saltholm.

Photography: Twistedsifter.com

Amwaj Islands

Bahrain

The Amwaj Islands were built in 2000 are now home to a series of luxurious hotels, resorts and spas.

Photography: Booking.com

Balboa Island

Newport Beach, California

In 1906, Newport Beach landowners began dredging a channel through to the north side of Newport Bay, depositing the sand to form Balboa Island.

Photography: balboaisland.com

Wilhelmstein

Wunstorf, Germany

Created in the 18th century by Count William of Schaumburg-Lippe, this small island also served as the base of the first German submarine, the Steinhude Pike.

Photography: Wikimedia Commons

World Islands

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The World Islands is an archipelago, or chain of islands, named for their intended resemblance to a world map. It is comprised of seven sets of islands, each representing a different continent.

Photography: Privateislandsonline.com

Floating Islands of Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca, Peru

Floating islands like this in Lake Titicaca were built out of bundled reeds by the indigenous Uros people as a way to evade attacks from aggressive neighbors.

Photography: TripAdvisor

Flevopolder

Flevoland, Netherlands

Unlike other man-made islands, a polder is made by forming dikes around a low-lying tract of land and draining the water out.

Photography: Ekim Tan

Hulhumalé

Malé, Maldives

Hulhumalé, formed by sand pumped up from the ocean floor, was built as a response to rising sea levels.

Photography: Housing Development Corporation of the Maldives

Palm Islands

United Arab Emirates

The Palm Islands, named for their shape, are comprised of three archipelagos –– Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali, and Deira Island.

Photography: Wikimedia Commons

Tokyo Disneyland

Urayasu, Japan

The Tokyo DisneySea theme park was opened in 2001 as an addition to the Tokyo Disney Resort. It was the fourth-most-visited theme park in the world in 2018.

Photography: Themeparkguy.com

Yas Island

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Yas Island, home to many tourist attractions, has hosted the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit since 2009.

Photography: Keane Brands