Constructing a criteria-based classification for Small Island Developing States: An Investigation.

What makes an island a Small Island Developing State or SIDS? There is no universally agreed definition, so what are the characteristics that single out these islands from the thousands of others? The variety of classifications being used by the United Nations and other International Organisations suggests that the label Small - Island - Developing - States does not adequately describe those characteristics. This article investigates what those characteristics might be and whether a criteria-based classification for Small Island Developing States is feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]