There are about half a million islands on our planet, from the giant to the tiniest. Some of them are uninhabitable, and some have become home to entire settlements. Here are five of the world’s smallest inhabited islands.
Enough Room Island, USA
“Enough Room,” or 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 XX 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, grew a tree and set up a barbecue area. Even if you really want to, you can hardly get on the island: it is a private area.
Despite the fact that the house appeared here at once, until 1982 the smallest inhabited island was considered to be Bishop Rock with an area of 600 m², on which the only building is a lighthouse. It is located off the coast of Great Britain. Just in 1982, the lighthouse was automated and its only inhabitant, the lighthouse keeper, 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 your trip to Slovenia. Bled, or Bled Island, is located in the spa town of the same name on the territory of Lake Bled. On an area of about 800 m² you will find the church of St. Mary, built in the 17th century, a free-standing bell tower 52 m high, the houses of the vicar and the probst, a small hermitage and a wishing bell.
On the island, at a place called Potičnica, you can try a traditional Slovenian holiday pastry – potica. It is a roll made of yeast dough with various fillings. The most popular one is the walnut one.
Migingo, Kenya and Uganda
In the middle of Lake largest lakes Victoria, one of the in the world, Migingo Island is the most densely populated island in the world. On an area of 40,000 m², about 1,000 people have organized their lives. They live in flimsy shacks made of wood and metal sheets. In spite of the tiny size of the land, the islanders, in addition to housing, have built several bars and hotels, a restaurant and a pharmacy.
The first settlers were ordinary fishermen who reached Migingo in the 1990s. The Kenyans believed the island to be cursed, so before landing, they persuaded a sorcerer to banish the evil spirit Kalele from the territory, and in return they gave him a lot of caught fish.
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 have agreed that the islanders will pay taxes in a double amount – both to Kenya and Uganda. Despite such harsh conditions, the people of Migingo live much better than neighboring villages.
Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Isla Mujeres, or the Isle 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 Ish-Chel found on the territory back in the XVI century. It has an area of 4.2 km², but that is not what makes it remarkable.
Tourists come here for the white beaches like in Bounty commercials, unforgettable snorkeling among coral reefs, an underwater museum with sculptures and old cars, and swimming with sharks. The island is home to colorful indigenous dwellings, colorful restaurants and cafes, souvenir shops, hotels and more.
Pitcairn Island, United Kingdom
The Pitcairn Islands are Britain’s only overseas territory in the Pacific Ocean. The archipelago consists of 5 islands of volcanic and coral origin, the largest of which is Henderson (37.3 km²), while the smallest and only inhabited one is called Pitcairn. Its area is only 4.6 km².
On its lands live about 50 people 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.
