When you think of islands, wide, pristine beaches and uninhabited jungles typically come to mind. These 8 lesser-known islands probably use to be like that once - but today, they have developed into entire towns. Islanders often have problems due to congestion in these settlements, and tourists from time to time come to enjoy the special charm of crowded islands...
1. Mexcaltitan, Mexico
Population: 818 inhabitants
Area: -
Area: -
Mexcaltitán is a small island city off the Pacific coast of Mexico. The town sits low in the marshy, mangrove-lined channels that surround it, and during the June to October rainy season, water floods the streets and everyone rows from place to place in boats.
Some experts believe that Mexcaltitán may actually be the legendary Aztlán, the ancestral homeland of the Aztec people. Today it’s foremost a shrimping town, with shrimps spread out to dry on any available surface throughout the town.
[More information here and here] [View Google map]
2. Ebeye Island, Marshall Islands
Population: 15,000 inhabitants
Area: 0.36 sq km (0.14 sq mi)
Area: 0.36 sq km (0.14 sq mi)
Ebeye is the most populous island of Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands, as well as the centre for Marshallese culture in the Ralik Chain of the archipelago. Over 50% of the population is estimated to be under the age of 18. It is the fifth most densely populated island in the world.
When the United States decided to test nuclear weapons in the South Pacific, they chose to do so amongst the atolls of the Marshall Islands. U.S. officials uprooted many residents from Bikini Atoll and Enewetak Atoll to insure that the testing did not directly harm human life. The relocated Marshallese had to move somewhere, and most moved to Ebeye under the assistance of the United States. This forced relocation caused a huge mess, including a severe housing shortage and land owner legality issues that persist today. The combination of factors created an environment of hostility and squalor, creating the slum of the South Pacific.
3. Flores, Guatemala
Population: 13,700 inhabitants
Area: -
Area: -
The Island of Flores is located on Lake Peten Itza in Guatemala. It was formerly called Tayasal. The Island is named after Cirilo Flores, one of the first Guatemaltecos to call for independence from the Colonial powers.
On the island is located a homonymous town - Flores. This town is quiet a small island town, but it is hosting lots of restaurants, hotels, guesthouses, handicraft and souvenir stores, Internet cafes, etc. The Island is connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway. The causeway connects Flores to the two surrounding towns which are home to most of the area’s population. The two neighbouring towns are Santa Elena and San Benito, both of which sit along the shores of Lake Peten Itza and service Flores.
[More information here and here] [View Google map]
4. Santa Cruz del Islote, Colombia
Population: 1,247 inhabitants
Area: 0.1 sq km (0.04 sq mi)
Area: 0.1 sq km (0.04 sq mi)
The most densely populated island in the world is Santa Cruz del Islote, a microslum off the coast of Colombia. This tropical island is located in the emerald waters of the idyllic Caribbean, though it is packed so tight that most activities are done off island.
The residents have to use neighbouring islands as cemetery, recreation grounds, and the residents work on the mainland instead of on the island. Students from the island attend school on neighbouring mainland. The Mucura Island Hotels are a prime source of work for the residents.
5. Migingo Island, Kenya
Population: 130 inhabitants
Area: 0.02 sq km (0.008 sq mi)
Area: 0.02 sq km (0.008 sq mi)
Migingo is a tiny 2,000-square-metre (half-acre) island, about half the size of a football pitch in Lake Victoria. A rocky and rugged piece of land with little vegetation, Migingo is one of three small islands in close proximity.
In 2008–09 the island itself was claimed by both Kenya and Uganda. In July 2009 a survey team found that the island is 510 metres (1,670 ft) east of the Kenya-Uganda border within the lake. The island has a population of about 130 (according to 2009 census), mostly fishermen and fish traders, who are served by four pubs and a pharmacy on the island.
6. Fadiouth, Senegal
Population: 9,000 inhabitants
Area: 0.15 sq km (0.06 sq mi)
Area: 0.15 sq km (0.06 sq mi)
Fadiouth is very densely populated town at the end of the Petite Côte (coast) of Senegal, south-east of Dakar. It is perched on a homonymous island that's made almost entirely of clam shells. The island is accessible by a narrow wood bridge which is only accessible to pedestrians.
This town was predominantly Catholic but now also has a small Muslim community. The major economic activities for the villagers of Fadiouth are fishing and rice cultivation. Since the town is located in a large river delta, farmers have taken advantage of the shallow flood plain caused by the river to grow rice in the area.
7. Lindau, Germany
Population: 3,000 inhabitants
Area: 0.68 sq km (0.26 sq mi)
Area: 0.68 sq km (0.26 sq mi)
Lindau is a Bavarian town and an island on the eastern side of Lake Constance, the Bodensee. The historic city of Lindau is located on an 0.68-square-kilometre island which is connected with the mainland by a road bridge and the causeway of the railway to Lindau station.
Lindau is located near the meeting point of the Austrian, German and Swiss borders. It is popular with sightseers and holidaymakers for its medieval city centre and pleasant location on Lake Constance.
8. Isola dei Pescatori, Italy
Population: 50 inhabitants
Area: 0.034 sq km (0.013 sq mi)
Area: 0.034 sq km (0.013 sq mi)
Isola dei Pescatori (Fishermen’s Island) is the most northerly of the three principal Borromean Islands in Lago Maggiore. With a population of about 50, it is the only one island to be inhabited all year round.
A narrow street running along its spine is joined by cobbled alleys to the promenade which encircles the island. The promenade is frequently flooded and the houses built against it are constructed to allow for this. While the traditional occupation of fishing still exists, its picturesque charms has made tourism the most important source of income for the islanders.
[More information here and here] [View Google map]
Related Article: Top ten most crowded islands in the world
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