7 Places Where Humans Live in Extreme Isolation
Most people live within reach of stores, the internet, and public roads. But that’s not true everywhere. In some parts of the world, isolation profoundly affects nearly every aspect of daily life.
These places show what it really means to live without quick access to modern systems.
Tristan da Cunha
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Located deep in the South Atlantic Ocean, Tristan da Cunha supports a population of roughly 250 people. There is no airport, and the island is reachable only by ship after a multi‑day journey from South Africa. Residents depend on fishing, small‑scale farming, and shared labor, with long gaps between outside contact.
Socotra
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This island off Yemen’s coast is more like a lost world. Ferry access is sporadic, and flight options come and go with political tides. The real attraction, though, is what’s endured: dragon blood trees, rare birds, and a population that still follows traditions shaped by generations of limited contact with the mainland.
Kerguelen Islands
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The Kerguelen Islands lie in the Southern Ocean, more than 3,000 kilometers from the nearest inhabited land. There are no permanent civilian residents, only rotating scientific teams stationed for research. Access is restricted to supply ships, the weather is severe, and communication depends almost entirely on satellite systems.
Pitcairn Islands
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Descendants of the infamous Bounty mutineers still call this place home. Fewer than 50 residents live here now, managing crops, crafts, and one postal delivery every few months. Supply ships visit just a handful of times each year, and the island’s steep cliffs make docking difficult even when conditions are right.
Easter Island
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Known for its massive moai statues, Easter Island is also one of the most isolated inhabited islands in the world. Flights to mainland Chile are lengthy and expensive, and everything from produce to car parts takes weeks to arrive.
Inaccessible Island
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Part of the Tristan da Cunha group, Inaccessible Island has no permanent human settlement. Steep cliffs and a dangerous coastline make landing extremely difficult. Occasional research visits are the only human presence, and leaves the island largely untouched.
Arctic settlements
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This Canadian military outpost is located just 500 miles from the North Pole. It’s the northernmost continuously inhabited place on Earth, but “inhabited” means a handful of personnel rotating through short assignments. With polar night lasting months and temperatures dipping below −40°F, it’s more of a station than a settlement.