Islands and their correct preposition: on Sylt, on the Isle of Man, in Malta

[Gromit]

Hi,

I've always wanted to know if there's a rule for the use of prepositions with islands or island groups, such as in the examples below

on Sylt
on the Isle of Man
in the Shetland Islands
in Malta

Does the preposition depend on the size of the island, whether it is a single island or part of a group of islands or whether it has its own government?

Thank you for your help. :)

Gromit

[Mister Micawber]

I would say 'on Malta' myself. Basically it is 'in' an archipelago and on a single island, pretty much regardless of size: 'on Honshu', 'on Madagascar', etc. If 'Malta' really tales 'in', then it is because it is a political entity, I suppose.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's