There are about half a million islands on our planet, from the gigantic to the tiny. Some of them are uninhabitable, while others have become home to entire settlements. Let me tell you about the five smallest inhabited islands in the world.
“Enough Space” Island, USA
“Just Room Enough Island” is the smallest inhabited island in the world. It is located in Jefferson County, New York. In the second half of the 20th century, an American family bought a tiny piece of land on the St. Lawrence River with an area of only 306 m². They built a house with an attic here, grew a tree and equipped a barbecue area. Even if you wanted to, you would hardly be able to get to the island: it is private territory.
Despite the fact that the house appeared here immediately, until 1982, the youngest island was Bishop Rock, with an area of 600 m², on which the only building is located – a lighthouse. It is located off the coast of Great Britain. It was in 1982 that the lighthouse was automated, and its only resident – a caretaker – left Bishop Rock.
Bled Island, Slovenia
Unlike the previous one, you will definitely be able to get to this island. You just need to plan a trip to Slovenia. Bled, or Bled Island, is located in the resort town of the same name near Lake Bled. On an area of about 800 m² there is the Church of St. Mary, built in the 17th century, a free-standing bell tower, 52 m high, the houses of the vicar and provost, a small hermitage and the wishing bell.
On the island, in a place called Potičnica, you can taste the traditional Slovenian holiday pastry – potica. It is a roll made of yeast dough with various fillings. The most popular is nut.
Migingo, Kenya and Uganda
In the middle of Lake Victoria, one of the largest lakes on the planet, is Migingo Island, which is considered the most densely populated in the world. About 1,000 people have organized their lives on an area of 40,000 m². They live in fragile huts built of wood and metal sheets. Despite the tiny size of the land, the islanders, in addition to housing, have placed several bars and hotels, a restaurant and a pharmacy here.
The first settlers were ordinary fishermen who reached Migingo in the 1990s. The Kenyans believed the island was cursed, so before landing they persuaded a sorcerer to expel the evil spirit Kalele from the territory, and in return they gave him a lot of fish they caught.
Interestingly, Migingo is still considered a disputed territory between Uganda and Kenya. Officially, the island does not belong to either country. To avoid disputes, the states agreed that the islanders would pay double taxes — to both Kenya and Uganda. Despite such harsh conditions, the inhabitants of Migingo live much better than neighboring villages.
Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Isla Mujeres, or the Island of Women, is located in the Caribbean Sea, off the coast of Mexico. It got its name in honor of the statues of the goddess Ix-Chel found on the territory in the 16th century. Its area is 4.2 km², but this is not what makes it remarkable.
Tourists come here for the snow-white beaches, like in the Bounty commercial, unforgettable snorkeling among coral reefs, an underwater museum with sculptures and old cars, and swimming with sharks. The island is home to colorful indigenous houses, colorful restaurants and cafes, souvenir shops, hotels, and much more.
Pitcairn Island, United Kingdom
Pitcairn Islands is the only overseas territory of the United Kingdom in the Pacific Ocean. 4.6 km.
About 50 people live on its lands in the tiny settlement of Adamstown. There are hotels, a medical center, a school, a police station, and a church. There is also a museum on the territory, where you can learn more about the history of the island.