IMAGINE being so far removed from civilisation that ordering Christmas gifts means planning half a year in advance.
With the nearest town more than 1,500 miles away, the only link to the outside world is a six-day boat trip.
This is the life of the 242 residents of Tristan da Cunha, the world’s most remote inhabited island – but they say there are some perks.
Tristan da Cunha is an isolated volcanic island in the South Atlantic Ocean without typical modern amenities like phone networks, reliable internet, or an airstrip.
The island relies on just nine supply ships annually to deliver essential items such as food, medical supplies, and even gifts, necessitating thorough planning and organization.
Despite the numerous obstacles, the residents of Tristan da Cunha have forged a distinctive lifestyle centered around self-reliance, communal support, and a deep bond with the natural world, offering a truly unique experience.
Kelly Green, a mum of two who moved to Tristan after living in England, shares glimpses of this extraordinary lifestyle with her 11,000 followers on TikTok.
As the island’s head of tourism, Kelly captures the quirky aspects of life, from curious sheep wandering through her home to helicopters transporting supplies across the rugged landscape.
While life on Tristan da Cunha is undoubtedly isolated, Kelly and her fellow islanders have found ways to thrive in their remote haven.
Living on Tristan requires meticulous planning, especially when it comes to stocking up on necessities.
With only nine boat visits per year, islanders must order Christmas presents six months in advance, Kelly said.
The nearest civilisation is 1,514 miles away in Saint Helena, and getting to Tristan involves a 15-hour flight to Cape Town followed by a six-day boat journey.
The island lacks an airstrip, a phone network, and reliable internet, making communication and travel complex.
But the islanders have adapted to these limitations with remarkable ingenuity.
Farming is the bedrock of the island’s economy.
Each resident is entitled to two sheep and each family to one cow, ensuring a steady supply of meat and dairy.
Farming is a communal activity, and the work is shared by all.
Whether it’s planting potatoes, tending livestock, or building homes, the island’s close-knit community fosters a strong spirit of cooperation.
It is a way of life that harks back to simpler times, but with a distinct modern twist.
Despite the small population and the fact that all residents share just nine surnames, islanders maintain a diverse and welcoming community.
A resident named Iris explained that intermarriage hasn’t posed a problem for the gene pool due to the variety of people living there.
Romance, it seems, is alive and well in this remote corner of the world.
Local traditions and communal practices sustain the islanders, who speak a unique dialect of English, said to be the rarest in the world.
News and information travel slowly—sometimes via word of mouth, which police inspector Conrad Glass joked can be “much faster than the internet, but not always as accurate.”
This interconnected way of living is reflected in social events like island dances, where everyone from toddlers to the elderly participates.
Islanders share everything from food to celebrations, and they come together regularly to tend to the island’s communal farms and care for the livestock.
Tristan has one school, St. Mary’s School, which caters to all children from preschool to age 16.
Teachers are often recruited from abroad, staying for a few years before returning to their home countries.
The school focuses on basic education, preparing students for either life on the island or opportunities abroad.
Older students who wish to pursue higher education typically travel to the UK or South Africa, often returning with new skills to enrich the island.
Living on Tristan da Cunha means adapting to some significant hurdles.
Medical emergencies can be particularly challenging, as the island’s health facility is equipped only for basic care.
For serious issues, residents must endure a six-day sea voyage to Cape Town.
Natural disasters are another concern.
The 1961 eruption of Queen Mary’s Peak, the island’s volcano, forced the entire population to evacuate to England for two years.
While most residents eventually returned, the memory of that event remains a reminder of the island’s precarious nature.
Emergencies like earthquakes or landslides are managed with a well-coordinated response system, including a gong to alert family heads.
The island has two churches, a medical facility with permanent physicians, and visiting specialists such as dentists and priests, ensuring that even in its remoteness, essential needs are met.
While physical isolation defines life on Tristan, its residents maintain a strong connection to the outside world through visiting researchers, occasional tourists, and the nine annual supply ships.
Islanders eagerly await these ships, which bring not just essential goods but also news, letters, and a sense of connection to the wider world.
For those willing to embrace its challenges, Tristan da Cunha has a life of unparalleled community, breathtaking natural beauty, and the chance to disconnect from the chaos of modern life.
In one of her TikTok posts, Kelly said: “We may be far away from everything, but we’re never bored.
“The beauty of our island, the warmth of our people, and the simplicity of our life make this a truly special place to live.”
The world’s most remote islands
OFTEN far from major landmasses or difficult to access, here are some of the most remote islands on Earth:
- Bouvet Island (South Atlantic Ocean): Located 1,600 kilometres (1,000 miles) south of the coast of South Africa, Bouvet Island is one of the most isolated places on Earth. It is a small uninhabited Norwegian dependency and is surrounded by ice and glaciers. Only a few expeditions have reached its shores due to its harsh environment.
- Tristan da Cunha (South Atlantic Ocean): This island group is located about 2,400 kilometres (1,500 miles) from the nearest inhabited land, Saint Helena. The main island, Tristan da Cunha, has a small population (about 250 people) and is known for its extreme isolation. It is part of a British overseas territory.
- Pitcairn Islands (South Pacific Ocean): The Pitcairn Islands, about 2,000 kilometres (1,250 miles) from the nearest land in New Zealand, are known for being the home of the descendants of the HMS Bounty mutineers. The islands have a tiny population of around 50 people and can only be accessed by boat.
- Easter Island (Rapa Nui) (Pacific Ocean): Located 3,700 kilometres (2,300 miles) from the nearest inhabited island, Easter Island is famous for its ancient moai statues. It is one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world and is part of Chile.
- Saint Helena (South Atlantic Ocean): Saint Helena, a British Overseas Territory, is located approximately 2,400 kilometres (1,500 miles) from the nearest inhabited land. It became famous as the place of Napoleon Bonaparte’s exile. The island’s isolation and challenging access make it one of the most remote inhabited places in the world.
