World’s Most Densely Populated Island: 8 Facts About Santa Cruz del Islote

Imagine living on an island the size of two soccer fields with over 1,200 other people.

That’s the reality for residents of Santa Cruz del Islote, a tiny artificial island off the coast of Colombia that has earned the title of the most densely populated island on Earth. 

With a population density four times higher than Manhattan, this fascinating island has attracted global attention for its unique way of life. 

1. It Was Built by Fishermen 150 Years Ago

The story of Santa Cruz del Islote began around 150 years ago when fishermen working in the area used the then-uninhabited island to rest and seek shelter from storms. 

They started gathering materials like shells, tree trunks, and even garbage from the sea to build out the island. Unlike neighboring islands, Santa Cruz del Islote was free of mosquitoes, making it an appealing place to settle permanently.

Over the years, more and more fishing families moved to the island, steadily expanding it and constructing colorful houses. Today, nearly every inch of the island’s 12,000 square meters has been built upon.

2. Residents are Descendants of the Original Families

Santa Cruz del Islote is home to a tight-knit Afro-Colombian community where everyone is related to each other by blood or marriage. The approximately 600 permanent residents all descend from the original fishing families who settled the island. Homes are passed down through generations and there are no non-native residents.

Family is the heart of island life. It’s common for 10 people from multiple generations to live together under one roof. With 97-115 houses total, new families often have to build vertically to create more space.

3. Fishing Was the Main Livelihood, Now It’s Tourism

Fishing has always been a way of life and the reason Santa Cruz del Islote grew in the first place. The island is strategically located near productive offshore fishing banks. Most men on the island fish, many learning the trade from a young age.

In recent decades, factors like climate change, overfishing, and pollution have led to declining catches. While fishing is still important, island residents have turned to tourism to make a living. Many work as tour guides or provide services to nearby luxury hotels.

4. There are No Cars, No Police, & Virtually No Crime

With its extremely narrow streets, Santa Cruz del Islote has no space for vehicles. Residents walk everywhere or use small boats to get around. There’s also no formal police presence as it’s simply not needed on an island where everyone knows each other. (ref)

Locals report that there is virtually no crime or violence in their peaceful community. Neighbors look out for one another and conflicts are resolved internally. 

5. Waste Management & Freshwater are Major Challenges

Supporting 1,200 people on such a tiny island with no public utilities comes with serious logistical challenges. There is no sewage system or proper toilets, so waste goes directly into the sea. Garbage disposal is also a major issue, although some waste management and recycling initiatives have been implemented.

Freshwater for drinking, cooking and bathing has to be imported regularly. The Colombian Navy used to deliver water but the service has become unreliable. Residents rely on rainwater collection to supplement.

6. Most Residents are Under 18

Young people make up around 65% of Santa Cruz del Islote’s population. (ref) Children have the run of the island, playing soccer in the limited open space, swimming, and learning to fish from an early age.

The island has one small school that goes up to 10th grade. For further education, students have to commute by boat to other islands or move away, although many choose to stay and start fishing. With so many kids, new generations are being born even as space runs out.

7. Community & Culture Thrive Despite Hardships

Through all the challenges, Santa Cruz del Islote remains a vibrant and close-knit community with a rich culture. Neighbors are always willing to lend a hand to each other. Music fills the air, whether it’s teenagers listening to Spanish rap or locals dancing to champeta.

The streets come alive with children playing, adults chatting and preparing food, and frequent impromptu parties and festivals. Major events like Christmas and the Virgen del Carmen festival bring the whole island together.

8. The Island Faces an Uncertain Environmental Future

As a low-lying island, Santa Cruz del Islote is extremely vulnerable to rising sea levels and coastal erosion caused by climate change. Encroaching tides have already led to regular flooding. Neighboring islands have disappeared beneath the waves in recent decades. (ref)

Experts warn that much of the island could be submerged in the coming years. Locals are concerned but many remain hopeful that solutions can still be found. Some have called for an evacuation plan to be put in place before a disaster strikes. The ultimate fate of this unique island community remains uncertain.

Disclaimer: Some images in this content was created with the help of AI.