The tiny Santa Cruz de Islote in Colombia is the most densely populated island on earth, and even though it doesn’t look it at first glance, the lack of space is clear from the moment you arrive
Facing the crush in a jam-packed train during rush hour might leave many Brits thinking it’s the most crowded place on Earth. But, believe it or not, there are spots around the globe where cramped conditions are an around-the-clock reality. Take Santa Cruz de Islote in Colombia, for example – a tiny islet where personal space is a luxury residents can scarcely afford.
Founded in the 19th century and located a mere two hours from bustling Cartagena, the islet boasts a land mass of just 2.4 acres. That’s marginally larger than a football field, giving its inhabitants barely any room to move, with vehicles out of the question.
Over time, what was once a local curiosity has transformed into a worldwide attraction, drawing bloggers and reporters keen to discover life within such confined quarters.
To their astonishment, they find a community complete with shops, a school, a restaurant, a hostel, and even a medical centre crammed into a space where locals have a meagre 10 square metres each.
Journalist Diego Robledo, upon visiting the compact community, was struck by the innovation he saw. He remarked: “Many houses have two floors because there is no room to build on the sides. Families simply add a level when they need more space.
“They use hollow bricks and cement, but the structures are quite precarious. The roofs are made of metal sheets that can withstand the tropical climate. The windows, many of them without glass, remain open all day due to the stifling heat, and you can hear absolutely everything the inhabitants say.”
Diego also commented on the astonishing lack of privacy on the island, noting how a word spoken on one side of the island can be heard on the other. He added that it’s common to see into someone else’s home.
Another adjustment is the absence of noise from cars and motorbikes that would be present in larger places. Diego, 51, also noticed a significant absence of police on the island.
Not only were there no authorities, but there was also no form of state presence. He explained: “They have a kind of neighbourhood council that decides everything and intervenes when there are conflicts.
“There are no robberies, and minor conflicts are solved among themselves. The guide told us that the neighbourhood committee acts as a mediator and is in charge of maintaining order.”
While Diego’s account of his visit is remarkable, he isn’t the only blogger to have visited Santa Cruz recently. YouTuber and filmmaker Ruhi Çenet shared his observations on his channel.
Reflecting on his experience, he noted that it was “impossible to be alone on these crowded streets”, echoing Diego’s sentiments about the dubious planning decisions. He observed: “Everyone builds houses wherever they want. When they can’t find any space, they build on top of existing buildings.”
Although Santa Cruz has remarkably endured for centuries, its reliance on external aid from neighbouring islands and the mainland is evident, with regular shipments of supplies necessary to sustain it.
