Buzz
Throughout history, humanity has journeyed across vast stretches of the Earth to create new settlements. Some of these have even evolved into massive cities that are home to millions of people.
However, certain individuals have opted to remain in much smaller groups, far from the limelight. These isolated communities have persisted over time, with many of their members never stepping foot outside the remote area they consider their home.
10. Palmerston Island
Located about 3,200 kilometers (2,000 miles) northeast of New Zealand, the small island of Palmerston is home to just 62 people, all of whom share the same family lineage. It is one of the most isolated communities on Earth.
The discovery of Palmerston Island is attributed to Captain James Cook in 1774. On his second Pacific voyage, he spotted the island. However, Cook didn't step foot on Palmerston until his third journey in April 1777. He named it in honor of Henry Temple, 2nd Viscount Palmerston, Lord of the Admiralty.
The 62 residents of the island all trace their ancestry back to a single individual, William Marsters. He became the island's first permanent settler in 1863, bringing his Polynesian wife and her two cousins with him. After Queen Victoria granted him ownership of the island, Marsters took his wife’s cousins as his additional wives.
Marsters and his wives had a total of 23 children. Before his passing in 1899, Marsters divided the island into three sections, giving each wife one part. Today, nearly all of the island's inhabitants are direct descendants of William Marsters, with only three exceptions.
Life on Palmerston Island is characterized by simplicity and seclusion. There are no shops, banks, or markets. Currency is only used when trading with the outside world or when ships bring supplies. Islanders rely solely on trade amongst themselves for their daily needs.
There is no formal water system on the island. Rainwater is harvested for drinking, and the main street is equipped with two public toilets. Electricity is limited to just six hours per day. Recently, a new telephone station has been set up to improve communication with the outside world.
The islanders mostly survive on fish and coconuts that they harvest locally. Ships deliver supplies a few times a year, but the community's isolation makes regular shipments impossible. Visitors to Palmerston are greeted warmly and treated like family. Guests stay in local homes as there are no hotels on the island.
However, the journey to Palmerston is not easy. Located about 500 kilometers (310 miles) from the capital island of Rarotonga, it takes two days to sail across the Pacific to reach the island. Boats to Palmerston are infrequent, so if you're seeking a true island retreat, this could be the place for you!
9. Supai Village, Arizona
The Grand Canyon stands as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. With its stunning views and unique desert wildlife, the canyon offers an unforgettable escape from everyday life.
What many don't know is the hidden village of Supai, tucked away in a branch of the Grand Canyon called Havasu Canyon. This village is home to the Havasupai tribe, who have lived in this remote area for over 800 years.
The Havasupai people, also known as 'the people of the blue-green waters,' survive in this dry, isolated environment by practicing irrigation farming during the summer and hunting seasonal animals. The crystal-clear blue waterfalls and springs provide both their name and the essential water needed to thrive.
The land where the Havasupai reside is a protected reservation. In the 1800s, when the United States government began seizing Native American lands, the Havasupai, like many other tribes, suffered. Their territory was drastically reduced from over 1.6 million acres to a mere 518 acres, confining them to the remote land they occupy today.
Just how remote is Supai Village?
The 208 residents of Supai are the only people in the United States who still receive their mail and packages delivered by mule. A fleet of connected mules regularly transports letters and parcels to the village. Any outgoing mail is postmarked with Supai’s unique stamp.
Tourists are welcome to visit Supai and experience its natural splendor, but getting there requires some serious grit and perseverance. The village is located nearly 56 kilometers (35 miles) from the Grand Canyon's tourist hub, and there are no paved roads leading to it.
The journey begins at Hualapai Hilltop. From there, Supai can only be accessed on foot, by mule, or via helicopter. It's a 13-kilometer (8-mile) trek down to the bottom of the canyon where the village is situated. Adventurers should be in good physical condition, well-hydrated, and prepared for a challenging desert hike.
Temperatures in the area can soar to 46 degrees Celsius (115°F). When this happens, all hiking trails are closed for safety, and the park service will enforce the closure. Supai will remain a hidden treasure in the American frontier.
8. Tristan Da Cunha
No restaurants. No hotels. No credit cards. No safe beaches.
This is the reality for those who call Tristan da Cunha home, the most isolated inhabited island in the world. (Both the main island and the entire archipelago share the name Tristan da Cunha.) These islands are located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, in the heart of nowhere.
Tristan da Cunha is situated 2,816 kilometers (1,750 miles) from South Africa and 3,360 kilometers (2,088 miles) from South America. The closest landmass to Tristan is Saint Helena, just 2,430 kilometers (1,510 miles) away.
Tristan was first discovered by Tristão da Cunha in 1506. Unable to land due to treacherous waters, he named the main island and the entire archipelago after himself and left. It wasn’t until 261 years later, when the French frigate L’Heure du Berger made the first official map of the island, although no attempt was made to set foot on it.
The first true settler of Tristan da Cunha arrived in 1810 when American explorer Jonathan Lambert landed and declared himself the ruler of the island. He even renamed the archipelago 'The Islands of Refreshment.' However, his rule was short-lived, as Lambert tragically died in a boating accident just two years later. The islands reverted to the name Tristan da Cunha.
Due to its strategic location, the islands were annexed by the United Kingdom in 1816. Today, Tristan da Cunha is home to 267 residents who enjoy modern amenities like a hospital with dental care and an operating theater, as well as a grocery store. However, grocery orders must be placed weeks or even months in advance, as supplies are shipped from the nearest location.
Despite the advancements, the island’s isolation still presents challenges. Traditional electricity is unavailable, and the community relies on diesel generators located in the central area between the cottages in the sole town, Edinburgh of the Seven Seas.
The 70 families residing in Edinburgh of the Seven Seas are primarily farmers. Land is shared collectively among the families, and cows are often seen grazing along the island’s single road. Tristan da Cunha may appear to be an introvert's dream—peaceful and isolated—but be warned, the island is volcanic.
Edinburgh of the Seven Seas lies at the foot of a volcano that last erupted in the 1960s. So, if you’re drawn to remoteness, cows, and the occasional volcanic threat, Tristan da Cunha might be your perfect place to settle.
7. Utqiagvik, Alaska
Utqiagvik, formerly known as Barrow, holds the title of the northernmost city in the United States and is the ninth most northerly city on Earth. This remote town, situated well above the Arctic Circle, is renowned for its extreme cold.
Despite its severe climate, archaeological records reveal that humans have been thriving in the Utqiagvik area since at least AD 500. The headland was first mapped by Frederick Beechey in 1826, who named it after Sir John Barrow, a key figure in Arctic explorations. The native Inupiat people refer to the area as Ukpeagvik, which means 'Place Where Owls Are Hunted.'
So, just how cold is Utqiagvik?
The city sits atop a thick layer of permafrost, which in some areas extends as deep as 400 meters (1,300 ft). The brief warm season in Utqiagvik spans just 3.3 months, with average high temperatures of 2 degrees Celsius (36 °F). The colder months, which last 4.4 months, have an average high of -16 degrees Celsius (3 °F).
In addition to the frigid temperatures, Utqiagvik residents experience the phenomenon of 'polar night.' Starting in November, the sun disappears for about 65 days, leaving the town in total darkness. Despite these extreme conditions, the town's 4,429 inhabitants, over 60 percent of whom are Inupiat Eskimos, continue to thrive.
Even in the harsh Arctic tundra, the people of Utqiagvik enjoy a high standard of living. Their homes are warmed by natural gas extracted from local oil fields, and the town is equipped with modern water and sewer systems. Waste management is provided, and the town boasts seven churches, schools, and Ilisagvik College. Communication is simple thanks to phone, mail, radio, cable, and Internet services.
Planning a trip to Utqiagvik?
Visitors can take advantage of local amenities such as hotels, restaurants, a dry cleaner, a bank, and even a fur shop. While modern conveniences are available, the native Inupiat people continue to practice traditional activities such as whaling and seal hunting to sustain them through the long winter months.
To access this secluded place, you must travel by plane—and it’s not a cheap journey. If you're drawn to extreme cold, remote isolation, and endless darkness, Utqiagvik could be your ideal destination.
6. La Rinconada, Peru
Located high in the Peruvian Andes, 64 kilometers (40 miles) north of Lake Titicaca, La Rinconada, Peru, holds a unique distinction. It is the highest inhabited settlement in the world, built at an elevation of over 4,900 meters (16,000 feet). Resting on Mount Ananea, the town experiences subzero temperatures for much of the year.
At this extreme altitude, visitors are likely to suffer from severe altitude sickness, including headaches, nausea, breathlessness, and in the most severe cases, death. Approximately 50,000 people now call this harsh and uncomfortable city their home.
In addition to the town’s isolation and freezing temperatures, La Rinconada is severely lacking in basic modern infrastructure and amenities. The city lacks a sanitation system and plumbing, turning it into a place of extreme filth and poverty. Trash collection is absent, with most residents either burying their waste outside town or leaving it wherever it falls.
The residents of La Rinconada also face dangerous travel conditions when leaving or entering the city. The only roads leading to this high-altitude town are just as filthy as the town itself and are covered with ice for most of the year.
What could possibly drive so many to live in such a harsh, isolated, and filthy environment?
Gold. Rumors of abundant gold around La Rinconada spread, leading to an explosive increase in population by 230 percent between 2001 and 2009. With no regulations in place, the mines operate under an informal practice known as the 'cachorreo system.' Miners work an entire month without pay, but they are allowed to take home whatever ore they can carry. The catch? They never know how much gold they are actually carrying.
Isolated. Dirty. Poor. Miserable. La Rinconada is a place few would want to visit, even with the promise of gold hidden in its hills.
5. Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland
What's more challenging than pronouncing the name Ittoqqortoormiit? Actually living there.
Previously called Scoresbysund, Ittoqqortoormiit holds the title of the 'most remote inhabited community in the western hemisphere.' The 450 residents live between Northeast Greenland National Park and Scoresby Sund, the largest national park and fjord in the world.
For nine months each year, the sea surrounding Ittoqqortoormiit is fully frozen, cutting off all sea travel. To reach the town during this time, your only options are to trek in on foot, ride a snowmobile, or travel by dogsled!
In case of an emergency or if you need to leave quickly, your only options are a rare helicopter or a boat during the three warmer months. Due to its seclusion, everything must be brought in during the warmer months when the ocean ice has melted enough for ships to access the harbor.
Though remote, Ittoqqortoormiit provides a decent quality of life for its residents. With assistance from Denmark, the town boasts a power station and an engineering workshop. A Danish doctor and nurse run a small hospital, and Danish educators teach at the local school.
The harbormaster of the town can receive emails and faxes through a satellite dish that ensures constant communication with Nuuk, the capital city, located on the other side of the ice cap. The town also features a grocery store, a few convenience stores, and a pub that operates once a week.
Many of the local inhabitants are of Inuit descent. During the harsh winter months, they rely on traditional methods such as hunting, whaling, and fishing for survival. Additionally, these remote residents generate income by offering Arctic tours and safaris to adventurous travelers brave enough to endure the icy temperatures for fun.
4. Migingo Island
Lake Victoria, Africa's largest lake, is home to a variety of fish and wildlife, as well as one of the most secluded communities on Earth—Migingo Island. This tiny island, measuring just about half an acre, is primarily inhabited by fishermen, with a population of 500. The island is not only hard to reach without a boat but also consists of a cramped and impoverished fishermen's slum.
The island's history wasn't always like this. In 1991, two Kenyan fishermen claimed to be the first to settle on the island. Back then, it was nothing more than a mass of weeds, birds, and snakes. A Ugandan man also laid claim to the island in 2004.
Many men, including those early settlers, were drawn to Migingo Island due to the rich waters surrounding it, home to a plentiful supply of Nile perch. These fish are the main source of income for the fishermen. Life on the island is extremely difficult due to overcrowding. Most homes are built from salvaged tin and other discarded materials.
The island has a few establishments, including four bars, a hair salon, several brothels, and a small port. Prostitution is widespread, and the island is overrun with filth. Some residents own cell phones to contact the outside world, but the signal is unreliable at best. This is certainly not the paradise it might seem to be.
3. Oymyakon, Russia
When you step outside, your eyelashes freeze. Frostbite becomes a constant adversary in daily life. Cars are left running all the time because their batteries will die in the average winter temperature of -50 degrees Celsius (-58 °F). This seems like the last place on Earth where anyone would choose to live.
Nonetheless, people do inhabit this extreme environment all year long. Welcome to Oymyakon, Russia.
Home to just 500 resilient residents, Oymyakon proudly holds the title of the coldest inhabited place on Earth. The nearest city, Yakutsk, is 927 kilometers (576 mi) away. Located a few hundred miles from the Arctic Circle, Oymyakon experiences up to 21 hours of darkness each day. In 1933, the temperature dropped to a staggering -68 degrees Celsius (-90 °F).
Living in Oymyakon is a challenge, and the land itself adds to the difficulty. A thick layer of permafrost makes farming impossible since nothing can penetrate the frozen ground. Most residents rely solely on high-protein foods for their sustenance. Local delicacies include stroganina (thinly sliced raw frozen fish), reindeer meat, frozen horse liver, and horse blood ice cubes served with macaroni.
The frozen soil also makes it impossible to use pipes for water and sanitation. To answer nature's call, residents must make a quick dash to the outhouse. Oymyakon also faces challenges when it comes to burying the dead. The thick permafrost means that large fires must be started to melt the ice and soften the earth enough to dig graves.
Due to the extreme cold and its isolated location, conveniences are few and far between. Cars won’t start in these temperatures, and batteries degrade frighteningly fast. Water pipes freeze within hours, rendering them useless. Even pen ink freezes, and electronics simply won’t work.
Only thick animal furs and hides can shield people from the brutal cold. So, if the heat has you feeling sluggish and you're yearning to cool off, look no further than Oymyakon, Russia. Within minutes, you'll find yourself wishing for the warmth of summer again.
2. Coober Pedy, Australia
The Australian Outback stands as one of Earth's most inhospitable regions, with its scorching heat, vast red sands, and a host of creatures eager to make life difficult. Yet, despite its seemingly unlivable conditions, the residents of Coober Pedy have managed to thrive by retreating underground.
The discovery of opals drew people to Coober Pedy. In 1915, a young teenager stumbled upon these precious gems. Miners, initially searching for gold, found themselves unexpectedly sitting on an opal treasure. Today, about 70 percent of the world’s opal supply comes from here, earning the town the title of the “Opal Capital of the World.”
The miners, desperate to escape the brutal Outback heat, sought shelter underground. They constructed 'dugouts' that kept them cool during the day and warm at night. This underground living arrangement has remained a fixture, with Coober Pedy's 2,500 permanent residents still thriving in their subterranean world. The town boasts a diverse community, with around 60 percent of its population being of European descent and over 45 nationalities represented.
Coober Pedy provides all essential services, including water, electricity, healthcare, and education. The local hospital, with 24 beds, collaborates with nearby medical centers. The town’s schools cater from prekindergarten to 12th grade and offer various programs, internships, and community projects.
While opal mining is a major contributor to the town's economy, tourism also plays a significant role. Visitors to Coober Pedy can book a stay at the Desert Cave Hotel, which offers galleries, cafes, underground shopping, and various leisure activities. Tourists can even try their hand at noodling for opals in this remote desert location.
Though it may seem an unlikely place for habitation, Coober Pedy's residents are embracing their unique lifestyle, continuously digging new underground homes and making the most of their desert surroundings.
1. Villa Las Estrellas, Antarctica
When most people picture Antarctica, they think of endless ice and penguins, not human life. Yet, a small group of people call this frozen expanse home. Villa Las Estrellas (“Stars Town”) consists of just 14 houses, a post office, a school with two teachers, a gym, a church, and even a small souvenir shop for tourists looking to commemorate their visit.
Located in Antarctica, Villa Las Estrellas is a Chilean settlement on King George Island, part of the President Eduardo Frei Montalva Base. The population is small, with only 15 residents in the summer and 80 in the winter. People stationed here can stay for a maximum of two years before returning to Chile.
The island has a hospital capable of performing basic lifesaving procedures, including a lab, anesthesia machine, operating room, sterilizer, X-rays, and a dental clinic. A small pharmacy is available, but for serious emergencies, patients must be flown to health centers in South America due to limited medical facilities and the presence of only one doctor and nurse.
Villa Las Estrellas is not only remote but also has a unique requirement: to live on the island for an extended period, you must have your appendix removed. With only a doctor who has basic training and no surgical expertise, everyone, including children, must undergo this procedure before making the island their home.
If you dream of life in Antarctica with an average temperature of -2 degrees Celsius (28 °F), Villa Las Estrellas could be the place for you. Just don't forget to have that pesky appendix removed before making the move.
