The definition of a remote city is one positioned far from populated places, either geographically or temporally. Cities are typically located in easily accessible areas along rivers or shorelines and have historically been around natural resources, invention, and trade. However, some cities develop in the most unexpected regions. Numerous towns and cities are present in inhospitable, far-off locations. Polar caps, high mountains, and vast oceans are all remote and challenging to access.
Nevertheless, many of these places are populated, and some even have significant populations. Those are the farthest-flung cities on earth. These are the most isolated city in the world.
Adamstown
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Adamstown, which you can find in the Pitcairn Islands in the South Pacific Ocean, is the most remote city in the world. Adamstown holds the record for the second-smallest capital city in the world and is only accessible by sea; accordingly, there are no airports there. Residents converse by radio because there is no cell phone service, but they also have satellite TV to stay informed about what is happening in the outside world. Adamstown, the capital of the British-controlled Pitcairn Islands, is the most remote city in the world despite having only about 50 residents and being relatively small compared to other cities.
Yakutsk, Russia
With a population of about 300,000, Yakutsk is arguably one of the world’s most remote cities. The Russian city of Yakutsk is in central Siberia, close to the arctic circle, on the banks of the Lena River. You would have assumed that Yakutsk gets incredibly cold in the winter. Still, you might not have known that it is the world’s coldest major city, with some record-breaking winters seeing temperatures below minus 60 degrees Celsius. Yakutsk is difficult to get to by car; you probably won’t make it there without a 4×4. However, the city has two airports, so you may take a trip there from any place and arrive there in 20–36 hours, depending on how long your layovers are in other isolated regions of Siberia.
Iqaluit, Canada
Iqaluit, the capital of the Canadian territory of Nunavut, is one of the world’s most isolated cities and has a population of just over 7000. Iqaluit is a city in northern Canada that is on the edge of a deep bay or fjord enclosed by two enormous peninsulas. The town has a 60 per cent Intuit population; the remaining residents are French or English Canadians. It welcomes guests and has a few motels in the area. Iqaluit is a popular tourist destination because of its gorgeous surroundings, which include mountains, rivers, and waterfalls. However, it is also a great place to learn more about Inuit culture. The city of Thule is awash in Inuit culture, and there are historical places worth visiting.
Perth, Australia
Perth takes pride in being known as “the most remote city in the world.” You’ll hear an exciting fact several times, almost like a novelty catchphrase, whether you’re on a guided tour or buying magnets in a gift shop. Adelaide, the nearest city to it, is 2,104 kilometers away from it (a three-hour plane ride away). Perth is so far that flying to Bali is quicker, simpler, and more affordable than flying to the east coast. You would drive over the Nullarbor Plain, the most significant single exposure of limestone bedrock in the world, to get to the east coast. The road is long, straight, and empty.
Siwa, Egypt
The Saharan desert stretches for hundreds of kilometers around Siwa, and the only way to get to the oasis is by road. Beautiful palm groves and freshwater springs abound throughout the oasis. Due to the absence of cell phone and internet access and the community’s remote location, the tribal Berber culture has survived for many years. But the thought of a community of 23,000 people placed in the middle of the Sahara Desert seems very exciting. Siwa truly feels like another world while being close to Cairo.
Socotra, Yemen
The little island of Socotra, which technically belongs to Yemen, has a capital called Hadibu. Socotra is a group of four tiny islands in the Indian Ocean. This tropical location is well-known for its isolation and diverse plant life. The region is home to more than 300 plants, some of which are unique to this world. The island’s secluded location is one of the critical causes of this abundance of plant life.
Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland
You can find some of the world’s most isolated towns in Greenland. Except for a short section of its shoreline and a few other spots, this northern island is almost entirely in ice. It renders its settlements inaccessible and far away. Ittoqqortoormiit is one of the most isolated villages in Greenland. This community, which you can find on the eastern coast of Greenland, is home to roughly 450 residents. There aren’t many people visiting this remote location. While hunting and fishing are essential to the town’s population, they are not the primary sources of sustenance. Ittoqqortoormiit has a grocery store and a few convenience stores where locals can purchase a variety of necessities.
Hanga Roa, Easter Island
More than 90% of the people on Easter Island live in Hanga Roa, known for its enormous stone heads and the legends surrounding them. Despite being a part of Chile, the island is more than 3000 kilometers from the country’s central land mass. It feels like the world’s end because of its precise location between the two volcanoes, Rano Kau and Maunga Terevaka. And the enormous, enigmatic stone heads only amplify that impression. The island’s two tiny ports, Hanga Roa Otai and Hanga Piko, or its small airport, are the only access points.
Longyearbyen, Norway
In contrast to Oslo, Longyearbyen, Norway, is nearer to the North Pole. Longyearbyen’s polar setting makes it highly frigid all year long. The town also experiences lengthy intervals of uninterrupted darkness during the winter. Every house in the city is constructed on stilts to prevent collapse when the ice beneath them begins to thaw. Three thousand people live in Longyearbyen, and around a third of them are immigrants.
Supai, Arizona, USA
You can find a village called Supai in Arizona’s Havasu Canyon, referred to as the US’s most isolated community. Supai, which is inside the Grand Canyon, is incredibly challenging. The village, which is home to the Havasupai Tribe, has roughly 200 residents. Supai can only be reached by foot along a 13-kilometer (8-mile) long trek because no roads lead there. A helicopter is another option, but this one is often ready for emergencies. Supai is so far from any food or water sources that Peach Springs, which is approximately 60 miles distant, is the closest town. Even today, mail delivery to Supai is still done by mules.
Urumqi,China
Urumqi is in the Xinjiang region of northwestern China, is one of the most isolated cities on Earth. The reason for this isolation is its location. It’s situated in a basin between mountains that reach up to 5500 meters. Urumqi is more than 2000 kilometers from Beijing and only accessible by air or rail. This city’s location also makes it one of the world’s driest, with an average annual rainfall of only 20 millimeters.
Hanga Roa, Easter Island
More than 90% of the people on Easter Island live in Hanga Roa, known for its enormous stone heads and the legends surrounding them. Despite being a part of Chile, the island is more than 3000 kilometers from the country’s central land mass. It feels like the world’s end because of its precise location between the two volcanoes, Rano Kau and Maunga Terevaka. And the enormous, enigmatic stone heads only amplify that impression. The island’s two tiny ports, Hanga Roa Otai and Hanga Piko, or its small airport, are the only access points.
Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
Tórshavn is the capital of the Faroe Islands, an archipelago located between Iceland and Norway in the North Atlantic Ocean. With a population of just over 13,000 people, it’s one of the smallest capitals in the world. It’s also one of the most remote, being more than 700
kilometers from Reykjavik, Iceland, and more than 1,000 kilometers from Bergen, Norway. Despite its small size and remote location, Tórshavn is a thriving city with a vibrant cultural scene.
Alamty, Kazakhstan
Almaty, the former capital of Kazakhstan, is situated in the country’s southeastern corner, close to the border with Kyrgyzstan. At 700 kilometers from Astana, Kazakhstan’s current capital, and more than 2000 kilometers from Moscow, it’s one of the most isolated cities in Eurasia. The city is surrounded by mountains, and the only way to reach it by road is through a mountain pass. In winter, the pass is often closed due to heavy snowfall.
Shihezi, China
Shihezi is a city in the Xinjiang region of northwestern China. It’s situated in a basin between mountains that reach up to 5500 meters. Shihezi is more than 2000 kilometers from Beijing and only accessible by air or rail. This city’s location also makes it one of the world’s driest, with an average annual rainfall of only 20 millimeters.
Conclusion
There are many cities around the world that can be considered isolated due to their remote location. Some of these cities are home to just a few hundred people, while others have a population in the millions. Despite their isolation, these cities are often thriving communities with their own unique cultures and traditions.