The Most Crowded Place on Earth: Santa Cruz del Islote
Four roads, no cars or police, and 1200 people crammed into an area as big as two football pitches – welcome to the most crowded place on Earth. The tight-knit community of 45 families – all related to each other – live on the Caribbean islet of Santa Cruz del Islote, which lies a two-hour boat ride off the coast of Colombia.
Living Conditions on Santa Cruz del Islote
The man-made island is claimed to be the most densely populated island in the world and one of the most overcrowded places on Earth. It sits on the Archipelago of San Bernardo, a protected coral paradise, and was built on a coral platform by the pioneer families. With an area just surpassing one hectare, hundreds of islanders live in 97 homes with ridged tin roofs crammed next to each other. There are ten neighbourhoods and four main streets, but no cars or motorcycles can ride along them. As distances between places are also so short, people either walk or take boats to get around.
Community Life and Safety
There is no police presence on Santa Cruz del Islote and there’s no need for it, either. That is because everyone is related and looks out for one another. Residents say that nobody locks their doors and no crime has ever been reported. The dead are buried on a nearby island, there are no toilets, the children play in the sea, and even a kick-around requires a boat ride. It has no electrical grid, but a power generator and two solar stations provide electricity.
Challenges Faced by Islanders
There is no running water either, so the majority of islanders still utilize the sea, and the only means of bringing in drinking water is by boat from the mainland. Drinking water is meant to be delivered in a weekly boat from Cartagena, but in reality, the ship might not return for weeks or even months. Islanders have since been forced to turn to the skies, with most homes having a structure to collect rainfall. Even then, the water is untreated, which leads to health problems including stomach infections and skin diseases. A single medical center takes care of the whole island, with a few pieces of rusting equipment and one nurse on duty.
Education and Sustainable Living
Islanders face logistic issues with waste collection, education, and healthcare services. The dilapidated three-story Public School only teaches children up to the basic level, and for secondary education, the pupils must go to Cartagena. Instead, many people want to stay on Islote and pursue the traditional family business of fishing. Despite the challenges, the community takes pride in their vibrant life on the island, where young people make up 65 percent of its population.
Conclusion
Santa Cruz del Islote, although facing numerous challenges, remains a vibrant community where residents work together to overcome obstacles. The island mainly thrives on fishing and tourism, attracting thousands of visitors every year. Islanders have also shown a commitment to protecting their environment and raising awareness about the urgent need for conservation efforts. The unique lifestyle and close-knit community on Santa Cruz del Islote make it a truly remarkable place, despite its overcrowded conditions.