|
It's a tight squeeze on the island of Santa Cruz del
Islote in the Caribbean, with 1,200 people inhabiting a lump of rock
that's just 0.012 square kilometres.
The island, a two-hour boat trip from Cartagena, Colombia, is four times
more densely populated than Manhattan.
Discovered just 150 years ago by a group of passing fisherman, the 2.4
acre islet is situated in the archipelago of San Bernardo.
The fishermen, who were travelling from the coastal town of Baru, some
50 kilometres away, made a stunning realisation when they first stumbled
upon the island: it had no mosquitoes.
|
|
|
|
A relative rarity in the area, the explorers immediately set up camp.
Today, the population has sky-rocketed, topping 1200 inhabitants.
It's also home to 90 houses, two stores, a restaurant and a school.
However, space is so limited that many structures extend out over the
water.
Since there are no high-rise structures, the isle has built itself
outwards instead of upwards, ensuring everyone lives and works on the
ground floor.
The only empty space on the island is a small courtyard.
Though many residents describe the island as paradise, Santa Cruz del
Islote has no doctors, no cemetery - the dead are buried on a nearby
island - and one sole generator that runs for just five hours per day.
|
|
|
|
There's no running water, with the Colombian Navy delivering supplies to
the island every three weeks.
The only service that the state provides is a lone security guard, who
is stationed at the island's school, which is attended by 80 children.
Law states that there must be a guard for every school in the country.
Lacking basic amenities, it's unsurprising that most work on nearby
islands with tourism being the backbone of the local economies.
They offer tourists boat tours along with snorkeling, fishing and diving
experiences. Others use their knowledge of the local marine life to
supply nearby restaurants with fish.
|
|
|
|
The life they lead is one that they treasure, with islanders reportedly
never having to worry about theft and often gathering in each other's
doorways to watch soap operas, according to Colombia Reports.
It's an existence that contrasts starkly with the violence that courses
through the mainland, which has experienced a decades-long drug war
between the government and paramilitary groups.
'Life here is calm and delightful,' 66-year-old Juvenal Julio, a
descendant of the Islote's founders, told the Toronto Star.
The diving instructor is the great-grandson of one of the fishermen who
founded the community around 150 years ago.
He added: 'We don't have violence, we don't need police, we all know
each other and we enjoy our days. It's a glorious life.'
|
|
|