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Last updated on November 13th, 2022

With more and more people moving into largely urbanized and populated cities, it is probably safe to say that accessibility has become absolutely crucial in today’s fight for survival.

The hustle and bustle of everyday life make it even more challenging to think of what it would be like without the tall concrete buildings, jammed traffic, and hour-long lengthy lines to our favorite restaurants.

As seemingly impossible as it is to imagine, there are still some incredible spots out there that have been mostly untouched by technology — and basically any form or semblance of human civilization. From bright and pure pristine nature sights to dark and dismal underdeveloped towns, here are 23 of the most isolated places in the world.

Most Isolated Places in the World

Though the definition of isolate, remote, or untouched is subjective and vary by individual, we provide some interesting facts about the minute villages, towns, cities, islands, and geographic regions in this list.

1. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Wrecked ship on beach with sea lions in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal, Galapagos.

One thousand kilometers (~600 miles) off the coast of Ecuador are the Galapagos Islands, an archipelago known for its many endemic species.

The group of remote islands served as the destination and inspiration behind Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution after his visit in 1835. In Darwin’s book, The Origin of Species, these endemic species are said to be found in only one specific place and nowhere else on Earth. Because of the differences in the environment between the several islands, flora and fauna present have adapted independently to make survival more viable.

More than 1,500 species have been documented on the Galapagos Islands, with an average of 27 species founded every year. At the same time, there are currently only 25,000 residents who get their goods shipped from mainland Ecuador.

Hundreds of thousands of tourists travel to the islands every year. There are many ways to experience the islands, but the most common is by boat. Most of the Galapagos cruises depart from the isolated city of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. A few also leave from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of Galapagos, on San Cristobal Island.

2. Hanga Roa, Easter Island, Chile

Hanga Roa, Easter Island

With only 3,000 locals and one of the most remote towns globally, this UNESCO World Heritage Site’s economy runs mostly on tourism. Visitors of Santiago, Chile’s capital, travel 3,700 km (~2,300 miles) by air to visit Hanga Roa and the island. It is believed that Polynesian inhabitants arrived at this remote place in 1200, and was annexed by Chile in the 1800s. 

Easter Island, also known by its native name of Rapa Nui, is most famous for its moai statues. How they were constructed and the main purpose of the 900 14-ton moai statues that surround the island remains a mystery.

3. Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway

One of the most isolated cities in the world, Longyearbyen during the northern lights.

Longyearbyen, located in the High Arctic, is known as the world’s northernmost settlement with a population of little over 2,300. As thousands of polar bears surround the town, locals must carry a rifle as a means of protection from any attacks that are highly unavoidable in the area.

Strangely enough, Longyearbyen is an entirely visa-free zone where people, regardless of citizenship, may live and work in the isolated town indefinitely. The old coal-mining town’s temperature during the short and dry summers range from 3 to 7 degrees Celsius. Due to the intensely cold weather, it is illegal for the deceased to be buried there as bodies will not decompose. 

4. Tristan de Cunha, Saint Helena

Tristan de Cunha, Saint Helena. Most isolated island in the world.

Tristan de Cunha is located in the British Overseas Territory, is recognized as the world’s most remote island. It’s located 2,800 km (~1,700 miles) west of continental Africa.

In 1961, a volcanic eruption forced locals to evacuate to the UK, with only some returning to the island a few years later.

Today, the 269 residents inhabiting it are linked to the outside world via the Royal Mail Ship, which carries passengers and supplies every three weeks to and from Cape Town in South Africa. In 2016, the British government built the island’s first international airport to assist with convenience and self-sufficiency rather than its reliance on foreign aid. 

5. Falkland Islands, British Overseas Territory

King penguins in Falkland Islands. One of the most remote islands.

The archipelago, officially belonging under the United Kingdom’s sovereign state, lies under the South Atlantic Ocean on the Patagonian Shelf. Located only 480 kilometers (~300 miles) away from South America’s southern tip, Argentina and the UK have been in a long dispute over the islands’ sovereignty since the 1800s.

In 1982, Argentinian forced invaded the Falklands, prompting the war. Thirty years later, the locals had voted to remain as British citizens. With a population of under 3,000 residents, the island is financially dependent and have their own currency, the Falkland Island Pound.

6. South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, British Overseas Territory

king penguins fortuna bay south georgia

This sub-antarctic island is located 1,600 km (~1000 miles) southeast of the Falkland Islands and 2,100 km (~1,300 miles) from South America. Though a British territory, it is claimed by the country of Argentina. The islands are known to have inhospitable living conditions, thus having no permanent population.

Despite not having any residents, same-sex marriage was legalized here back in 2014. Visitors are welcome; however, the islands do not have any accommodations. Therefore guests may opt to camp outdoors, specifically on the shores along with the wildlife that surrounds it.

7. McMurdo Station, Antarctica

McMurdo Stations, Ross Island, Antarctica

Only being accessible by ship, the McMurdo Station is a United States-owned science research station found in the southern tip of Ross Island. Having no original inhabitants, it is the largest community in Antarctica, capable of holding a population of 1,258 during the summer and around 250 during the winter. There are also other, smaller research stations from other countries in Antarctica.

The average temperature during all the months of the year is below freezing. Antarctica has only two seasons — summer and winter — with six months having no sun and the rest of the six months having nothing but sunlight. However, there will be transition periods of the season with twilight days.

8. Tórshavn, Faroe Islands

Houses in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands.

Faroese legend has it that when parts of the Earth were created, the foreman in charge was cleaning his nails, and whatever he discarded brought about the Faroe Islands.

Known as one of the smallest capitals in the world, Tórshavn, named after the Norse god of thunder and lightning Thor, has a sheep population of 70,000, a number higher than their 20,500 people residents.

A village 50 km (30 miles) away called Gasadalur has a recorded population of only 11 as of 2020, quite possibly making this the smallest and most isolated village globally.

The Faroe Islands has also become one of the world’s leading nations producing sustainable energy, where over half the electricity is derived from renewable energy sources.

9. Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland

Iceberg and houses on Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland.

Greenland’s most remote town, Ittoqqortoormiit, is located between the largest national park, Greenland National Park, and the world’s longest fjord system.

Ittoqqortoormiit has a population of 450 with just one convenience store, a pub that opens once a week, and a post office. Having no restaurants, no WIFI connection, no cellular signal, and only one guesthouse charging $90 per night, residents still hope that the town’s travel industry will rise significantly in the next few years.

However, the town is frozen nine months out of the year and has only two flights per week. On the bright side, Amazon deliveries do come in by charter plane once every two months from Iceland.

10. Oymyakon, Russia

One of the most coldest and isolated places in the world: Oymyakon, Russia.

Known as the Northern Pole of Cold, Oymyakon in Eastern Siberia is recognized as the coldest inhabited place globally. The average temperature during winter is -58 degrees Celsius while its 500 residents live in darkness for about 21 hours a day. 

Crops cannot survive due to the grueling weather conditions; thus, people in the town live on reindeer meat, fish, and seals, with some even consuming their food fully raw and frozen. Residents would also regularly drink Russian chai, their version of tea, as one of the many ways to survive the cold.

Summers in Oymyakon are mild. Recorded temperatures have never dropped below -10 degrees Celsius during June and July. 

11. Iqaluit and Grise Ford, Nunavut, Canada

Northern lights in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada. Iqaluit is one of the most isolated towns in the world.

Despite Nunavut being Canada’s largest province (considered a territory of Canada), ironically, its capital Iqaluit is isolated in the north and has a population of only 7,740, making it the smallest population of all the Canadian capital cities. 

Nunavut is so huge that if it were a country, it would be ranked 15th largest in the world. Guests can get to Iqaluit by sea or air from Ottawa, Montreal, and Edmonton, with prices as high as international travel. However, getting around the town is pretty cheap and convenient as taxis charge a flat rate of $7 to get to anywhere you wish.

On the other hand, Grise Ford, or Aujuittuq in Inuktitut, is the only village on Ellesmere Island. It is also the northernmost community in Canada with a population of 142 and lies within the Arctic Circle.

12. Corvo, Azores, Portugal

Houses and airstrip in Crovo, Azores with ocean in background.

The Azores is made up of nine volcanic islands spread across the North Atlantic Ocean and inhabited by 250,000 people. Its smallest municipality, Corvo (literally meaning crow), has over 400 people and has also gained recognition as one of Europe’s remotest islands. Its volcanic crater, Caldeirão, is perfectly shaped and has become an ideal location for birdwatching enthusiasts worldwide where over 400 bird species can be spotted across the island. 

13. La Rinconada, Peru

La Rinconada, Peru. Highest town and most isolated in the world.

Set 5,100 meters (~16,700 feet) above sea level, La Rinconada in the Peruvian Andes is the highest permanent settlement globally where the climate remains freezing throughout the year. With a population of nearly 50,000, 68% live below the poverty line. The living situation has only become worse, given that the community had abruptly increased by 230% over the past ten years.

The isolated city is without basic infrastructure, plumbing, or sewage systems. Its primary source of livelihood would be from gold production at the nearby mine. Most workers would go months without receiving payment or compensation just to keep their jobs.

However, on the 31st day of their work cycle, miners can keep as much gold as they can mine and carry home. But there’s no way of telling how gold is in the ore they take home. Luck plays a factor in their fortunes.

This has definitely not been the hottest spot for tourists as La Rinconada is a six-hour ride from the nearest city with no forms of local transportation. 

14. Changtang, Tibet

Changtang, Tibet.

Located in one of the most secluded and spiritual places in the world, Changtang in Tibet is also known as The Roof of the World.

Due to the high elevation, storms can occur at any point of the year and often with significant amounts of hail. With altitudes ranging from 4,300 to 5,800 meters (~14,000 to 99,000 feet), tourists are encouraged to acclimatize. Consequently, luxury hotels have built their own oxygen bars where guests can relax and recover.

Though open to tourists, one must secure a permit before entering as foreign travel had been restricted until the 1980s. There have been about half-a-million nomads living in Changtang since the 1990s. They often stay for a year before moving again.

The land is mostly inhospitable for farming since grass is dead for 8-9 months out of the year. Nomads typically survive by means of trade as they cannot produce any of the things they consume. 

15. Tierra del Fuego

Lighthouse in the Beagle Channel, Tierra del Fuego. One of the most remote regions in the world.

Literally meaning Land of Fire, the archipelago shared by Chile and Argentina was named after the first European explorers from Ferdinand Magellan’s expedition saw flames coming from the islands. These flames were actually bonfires created by the indigenous people to keep warm.

Winds in Tierra del Fuego reach over 97 kph (~60mph), resulting in hardly any trees growing upright but instead grow sideways. Although only 30% of the land is forested, its flora in the southernmost regions with subantarctic-like climate has grown similarly to other isolated places with similar environments devoid of trees, such as the Faroe Islands, the Alaska Peninsula, and Iceland.

As roads are poor and no railways exist, air services link the locals to major settlements in Chile and Argentina. Today, more than 153,000 people inhabit Tierra del Fuego.

16. Funafuti, Tuvalu

View from airplane of Funafuti, Tuvalu.

Formerly under British rule in the late 1800s, the island country of Tuvalu formally gained its independence in 1978. With a population of only a little over 6,300, Funafuti is already the most populated city in the country, making it known to be one of the smallest, most isolated, and least visited places in the world.

Visitors only reach about 2,000 heads per year. As there are no ATMs or credit card machines on the island, tourists would have to bring sufficient cash in Australian dollars to last the whole trip. Despite being classified as poor with scarce resources, the World Health Organization had confirmed that 81% of its population over 18 is obese, making the country the 5th most obese nation in the world.

17. Urumqi, China

temple in Urumqi, China

Known to be the most inland city and recognized by Guinness World Records as the most remote city from any sea in the world, Urumqi in China literally means beautiful pasture.

Due to Beijing’s standard time, normal workdays in Urumqi start at 10 am. In fact, the city is actually closer to India’s capital, Delhi, rather than Beijing. With a large population being Muslim, road signages are printed both in Chinese and Arabic. Despite its remoteness, Urumqi is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country.

18. Pitcairn Islands, South Pacific

Pitcairn Islands

Another island of UK territory is Pitcairn Island, which is the least populated national jurisdiction in the world, with about 50 permanent inhabitants according to 2020 records.

Due to its small population, the British government is encouraging more people to move to the island. However, traveling to the Pitcairn Islands is not as simple as there are no direct flights. Visitors would have to first fly to Tahiti, take a second flight to Mangareva in French Polynesia, and finally take a 32-hour boat ride to the island.

Upon arrival, visitors would have to climb up The Hill of Difficulty to get to Adamstown, which houses the entire population, a post office, a museum, and a convenience store open for only one hour, three days a week. 

19. Utqiagvik, Alaska

Utqiagvik (barrow), Alaska

Utqiagvik is the northernmost city in the United States and the ninth northernmost city that sees 65 straight days of darkness during the winter and sees sunlight all day for 80 days from May throughout July.

Formerly known as Barrow until 2016, Utqiagvik has no roads leading to it and is not connected to Alaska like the rest of the cities. As a result, it is only accessible by air and sea. Despite being part of the USA, it is technically closer to Tokyo, Japan, than Washington DC.

The 4,000+ residents solely rely on the ocean to survive where livelihood revolves around hunting whales, seals, polar bears, walruses, caribou, and fish. In recent years, it has emerged as a tourist destination for adventure seekers. With packages starting at $8,770, guests may go on a 7-day arctic adventure that includes exploring the town.

20. Kirkenes, Norway

Houses and ferry in the northern town of Kirkenes, Norway.

The small Kirkenes town of 3,500 people is located in the northeastern part of Norway and a few kilometers away from the Russiam border. It’s the most remote town in Europe. The town was named in 1982 after the Kirkenes Church was built, which translates to the church of headland.

Being close to Norway and Russia’s border, Kirkenes frequently attracts non-residents as it is entirely tax-free. Norwegians cross over to buy cheaper car fuel. Meanwhile, Russians cross over to buy better quality goods as basic necessities are preferred here.

And just a quick Hollywood fun fact — actress Renee Zellweger’s mother is actually from Kirkenes.

21. Socotra Island, Yemen

Dragon trees in Socotra Island, Yemen.

Officially part of Yemen, Socotra Island is the largest island of the Socotra archipelago. Originating from Sanskrit, Socotra means island of bliss or island of happiness

It might have been the original Garden of Eden, the home to biblical characters Adam and Eve. The name is quite fitting, given its majestic qualities, and has been recognized as the most alien-looking place on the planet.

Socotra Island is also known for its incredible biodiversity of endemic flora and fauna, thus adding to the UNESCO World Heritage sites. The most distinct plant species grown locally is Socotra’s mushroom-shaped Dragon Blood tree that produces red sap.

With approximately 60,000 locals on Socotra Island, there are barely any constructed roads to impact the environment. 

22. Supai, Arizona

Sunset in Havasu Falls, Supai, Arizona

Located in an isolated area of the Grand Canyon in the US state of Arizona, Supai is a small village inhabited by roughly 200 people, making it the most remote community in the lower 48 states.

As there are no roads nearby, visitors can only access it via helicopter, horse, or hiking that takes about 3-6 hours. However, guests are warned as flash floods can happen at any time from the nearby Colorado River. 

Supai is the only place in the US where mail is still delivered using mules.

23. Kerguelen Islands, South Indian Ocean

Elephant seal and ship on Kerguelen Island, South Indian Ocean

The Kerguelen Islands, also called the Desolation Islands, is a subantarctic volcanic island and French territory. It currently holds about 45 French scientists in the winter and about 110 in the summer. 

The Kerguelen Islands have no original inhabitants and are 3,400 km (~2100 miles) away from civilization — Madagascar. They are closer to Antarctica than France and Mainland Europe.

Tourists can also travel to the Kerguelen Islands. The infrequent trips depart from Réunion Island (east of Madagascar) and take about 28 days, half of which is spent on land and the other at sea. With a lack of flora due to the harsh and hostile weather conditions, the diverse wildlife that exists makes up for the voyage. Macaroni penguins and seals would be the most abundant species and have a wide variety of birds, including albatrosses. 

Conclusion

We hope you learned interesting facts about the most remote places on Earth.

From high altitudes with a lack of oxygen to scarce resources, these living conditions can be challenging. It’s impressive that life even exists in these places.

The most isolated cities in the world are not easy-living for modern humans, let alone travel there. Hopefully, they last the test of time.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most remote island in the world?

The most remote island on Earth is considered to be Tristan de Cunha, Saint Helena, which is 2,800 km from mainland Africa. But a notable mention is the Kerguelen Islands, which is further away then Tristan De Cunha from civilization at 3,400 km.

What is the most remote place in the world?

There are several places that can be considered the most remote such as Antarctica, Tristan de Cunha, Saint Helena; Grise Ford, Canada; and Tierra del Fuego.

What is the most isolated city in the world?

The most isolated cities in the world are Medog, Tibet; Nuuk, Greenland; Perth, Australia; Iquitos, Peru; and Yakutsk, Eastern Siberia, Russia. 

What is the most isolated town in the world?

The most isolated town globally is Hanga Roa, Easter Island, Chile. It is located 3,700 km west of continental South America and has about 3,000 locals. The island is also the most eastern island of Polynesia.

What is the most isolated village in the world?

The most isolated town is Edinburg, Tristan de Cunha, Saint Helena, which is 2,800 from the continent of Africa and has about 269 residents.

What is the most remote town in Russia?

The most remote town in Russia is Oymyakon. It is in Eastern Siberia and 5,300 km away from Moscow.

What is the most isolated place in the world?

The most isolated place on Earth is Antarctica. Antarctica is uninhabited other than the scientific research stations, and no single country has a claim to it. 

What is the most isolated country in the world?

The most isolated country in the world is North Korea due to its lack of tourism and most citizens being forbidden to leave. Micronesia, a country made up of more than 600 islands in the Western Pacific, is also one of the most isolated countries in the world due to its geographic location.

Aperlust
About the Author: Aperlust

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