The World is an archipelago of artificial islands, shaped like the continents of the Earth, being constructed off the coast of Dubai. The project is inspired by the artificial Palm Islands also being built in Dubai. The World will consist of 250 to 300 smaller private artificial islands divided into four categories — private homes, estate homes, dream resorts, and community islands. The entire project is slated for completion in 2008. Development has already started on The World, the northern-most breakwater and several unlandscaped islands visible on Google Earth. There will be numerous marinas scattered around the area to shelter and service boats.(Source Wikipedia)