20 Most Isolated Cities In The World In 2023 | With Photos

It’s no secret that cities can be isolated places. Even when you live in the heart of a bustling metropolis, you can still feel alone in a crowd. 

But what about the cities that are truly isolated? In this blog post, we will explore the 20 most isolated cities in the world in 2023. 

From small towns in the middle of nowhere to large cities cut off from the world, these places are sure to make you feel lonely.

So if you’re looking for a place to get away from it all, one of these might be just the ticket.

Why Are These Cities Called The Most Isolated Cities In The World?

There are a few different reasons why these cities are called the most isolated cities in the world. For one, they are all located in extremely remote areas. 

This means that they are far away from any other city or town, which makes them very difficult to get to. 

In addition, these cities also have very small populations. This makes it even harder for people to visit them since there aren’t many people living there, to begin with.

Another reason why these cities are considered to be the most isolated cities in the world is because of their climate. 

These cities are all located in very cold, icy environments. This makes it even more difficult for people to travel to them since they would need to bring along special equipment and clothing just to stay warm.

Despite all of these challenges, there are still some people who choose to live in these isolated cities. 

They may do so because they enjoy the peace and quiet that comes with living in such a remote location. Or, they may simply appreciate being able to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whatever the reason, these cities still have a few residents who call them home.

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What Are The Most Isolated Cities In The World?

Below are the 20 most isolated cities in the world:

1. Yakutsk, Russia

Yakutsk is the capital city of the Sakha Republic, Russia, located about 450 kilometers (280 miles) south of the Arctic Circle. 

It is the world’s largest city built on permafrost and has an extreme climate, with an average January temperature of −34 °C (−29 °F), and an average July temperature of +19 °C (+66 °F).

The city was founded in 1632 as a fort by Russian Cossacks. It grew rapidly after the discovery of gold in nearby rivers in 1842 and became a center for trade between Russia and China. 

The Trans-Siberian Railway reached Yakutsk in 1897, making it easier to transport goods to and from the outside world.

Today, Yakutsk is a modern city with a population of over 300,000 people. It is home to many universities and research institutes, as well as a number of large businesses. 

Despite its size and development, Yakutsk retains its small-town feel. It is a friendly place with a strong sense of community.

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2. Iquitos, Peru

Iquitos is the capital of the Loreto Region in northeastern Peru. It is also the largest city in the Peruvian Amazon, with a population of around 400,000 people. 

Iquitos is a popular tourist destination due to its isolation; it is only accessible by boat or plane. The city has a tropical climate and is home to many different kinds of animals and plants.

Iquitos was founded in 1757 by Spanish missionaries. It quickly became an important trading post for the region due to its location on the Amazon River. 

The rubber boom of the late 19th century made Iquitos one of the richest cities in Peru. However, the rubber industry declined after World War I, and the city fell into poverty. In recent years, tourism has been helping to boost the economy of Iquitos.

There are many different things to see and do in Iquitos. Visitors can take boat tours of the Amazon River, visit jungle lodges, go fishing, or take part in other outdoor activities. 

There are also several museums and cultural centers in Iquitos that offer insight into the history and traditions of the city.

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3. Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland

Ittoqqortoormiit is one of the most isolated cities in the world. It is located in Greenland and is only accessible by plane or boat. 

There are no roads leading to the city, and the nearest town is over 100 miles away. The population of the city is just over 400, and the majority of residents are Inuit. 

The city is known for its beautiful landscapes and its unique culture.

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4. Tristan Da Cunha

Tristan da Cunha is an isolated island in the South Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the world’s most remote inhabited islands and is also one of the most isolated cities in the world. 

The island is located about 2,000 km (1,200 mi) from the nearest landmass, Saint Helena.

The island has a population of just over 300 people and is home to the world’s smallest airport. There are no roads on the island, and transportation is mainly by foot or boat.

The isolation of Tristan da Cunha has resulted in a very unique culture and way of life. The people are very self-sufficient and rely heavily on fishing and farming for their food. There is also a strong sense of community on the island.

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5. Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia

Located on the Kamchatka Peninsula in far eastern Russia, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky is one of the most isolated cities in the world. 

It is only accessible by plane or boat, and even then, only during the summer months when the sea ice melts enough to allow passage. 

With a population of just over 200,000 people, this remote city is home to volcanoes, geysers, and some of the most beautiful landscapes in Russia.

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6. Urumqi, China

As the capital of Xinjiang province in northwest China, Urumqi is one of the most isolated cities in the world. 

It’s located at the far western end of the country, more than 2,000 miles from Beijing, and is surrounded by mountains on all sides. The only way to reach Urumqi by road is through a series of long and winding mountain passes.

Because of its isolation, Urumqi has developed its own unique culture and cuisine. The city’s cuisine is heavily influenced by Central Asian and Tibetan flavors, and you’ll find dishes like lamb skewers and hand-pulled noodles on many restaurant menus. 

There’s also a large Muslim population in Urumqi, so you’ll find plenty of halal restaurants serving up kebabs and other traditional Muslim dishes.

If you’re looking to experience something truly unique during your travels, add Urumqi to your list of must-visit destinations.

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7. Medog, Tibet

With an average elevation of 4,500 meters, Medog is one of the highest cities in the world. 

It’s also one of the most isolated cities in the world, as it can only be reached by a single road from Lhasa, which is often blocked by landslides. 

This has led to Medog being nicknamed “the end of the world.”

8. Oymyakon, Russia

Oymyakon is a small village in the northeastern region of Russia known as the Sakha Republic. It is widely considered to be the coldest permanently inhabited settlement on Earth. 

The village has a population of just over 500 people and is situated in an area that experiences an average temperature of -58 degrees Fahrenheit (-50 degrees Celsius) in January. 

Despite these extreme conditions, Oymyakon has been inhabited for over 700 years. The village is named after a nearby hot spring, which was used by locals as a bathing spot and source of heat during the long winters. 

Today, Oymyakon is a popular tourist destination for those seeking to experience firsthand one of the world’s coldest places.

9. Coober Pedy, Australia

If you want to get away from it all, Coober Pedy is the place for you. This small town in Australia is one of the most isolated cities in the world. 

It’s located in the middle of the desert, hundreds of miles from any other city. There are only a few thousand people who live here, and they all live underground.

The temperature in Coober Pedy can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius), so it’s not surprising that people have decided to make their homes underground. 

It’s cooler down there, and it protects them from the harsh sun and sandstorms. Most of the buildings in Coober Pedy are dugouts, which are houses that are carved into the sides of hills. 

There are also a few above-ground structures, but they’re made out of metal or wood to protect them from heat.

Even though it’s isolated, Coober Pedy has a lot to offer visitors. There are plenty of things to do in this small town, including exploring its many underground churches and mines. 

You can also go on a camel tour or visit one of the Opal Fields where you can try your hand at mining for this precious stone.

10. La Rinconada, Peru

With a population of over 35,000, La Rinconada is one of the most isolated cities in the world. It is located in the Peruvian Andes, at an elevation of 16,700 feet (5,100 meters). 

The city has no roads leading to it and can only be accessed by foot or via a cable car system.

La Rinconada is home to the largest gold mine in the world. Due to its isolation, the city has very little infrastructure and resources. 

Electricity is generated by diesel generators and there is no running water. Most residents live in poverty and earn a living by working in the gold mine.

The city has been described as “a lawless place where crime is rampant.” There have been reports of widespread prostitution and human trafficking. 

La Rinconada has also been hit hard by the global recession, with many residents losing their jobs in the gold mine.

11. Hanga Roa, Easter Island

Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui, is one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world. It is located in the southeastern Pacific Ocean, 2,300 miles (3,700 km) west of Chile. 

Easter Island is famous for its huge stone statues, called moai, which were built by the island’s early inhabitants.

Today, Easter Island is home to about 5,800 people. The island’s economy is based mainly on tourism and lobster fishing.

12. Siwa Oasis, Egypt

Siwa Oasis is one of the most isolated cities in the world, located in the Western Desert of Egypt. 

It is only accessible by a long and arduous journey through the desert, making it cut off from the rest of civilization. 

Despite its isolation, Siwa is a beautiful and unique place, with stunning natural scenery and friendly locals. 

If you’re looking for an adventure and want to experience true isolation, Siwa Oasis is the perfect destination.

13. Longyearbyen, Norway

Longyearbyen, Norway is one of the most isolated cities in the world. It is located on the island of Spitsbergen, which is the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago. 

Longyearbyen is the only permanently inhabited settlement in the archipelago. The population of Longyearbyen is about 2,000 people. 

The nearest settlement to Longyearbyen is Barentsburg, which is a Russian mining town located about 100 km away. 

Barentsburg has a population of about 500 people. There are no roads connecting Longyearbyen to Barentsburg or any other settlements. The only way to reach Longyearbyen by land is by snowmobile or by hiking over the glaciers.

14. Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada

Iqaluit is the capital of Nunavut, Canada. It is also the most isolated city in the world. The city is located on Baffin Island, which is the fifth largest island in the world. Iqaluit has a population of 7,000 people and is the only city in Nunavut. 

The nearest city to Iqaluit is Ottawa, which is 2,500 miles away. Iqaluit is a very small city, but it is very beautiful. There are many lakes and mountains surrounding the city.

15. Torshavn, Faroe Islands

Torshavn is the capital of the Faroe Islands, an archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean between Iceland and Norway. The city has a population of about 13,000 people, making it the largest city in the Faroe Islands.

The city is located on the island of Streymoy, the largest island in the archipelago. Torshavn is situated at the southern end of a fjord called Oyrafiord. 

The fjord is surrounded by high mountains, making Torshavn one of the most isolated cities in the world.

Despite its isolation, Torshavn is a thriving city with a vibrant cultural scene. The city is home to several museums and art galleries, as well as a live music and nightlife scene. Torshavn is also a popular tourist destination, due to its natural beauty and unique culture.

16. Funafuti, Tuvalu

Funafuti is the capital of Tuvalu and the largest city in the country. It is located on the island of Funafuti in the Pacific Ocean. 

The city has a population of 6,025 (2011 census). The island is home to the only airport in Tuvalu, which is also the main hub for Air New Zealand.

The city is small and spread out over a large area. There are no tall buildings or skyscrapers. The streets are lined with trees and there are many parks and green spaces. The beach is beautiful and perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing.

If you’re looking for an isolated place to relax and enjoy nature, Funafuti is the perfect destination.

17. Villa Las Estrellas, Antarctica

Villa Las Estrellas is a small settlement in Antarctica with a population of around 100. It is situated on the coast of the continent, in the Chilean Antarctic Territory. 

Despite its remote location, it is one of the most developed settlements in Antarctica and has a number of amenities including a school, church, hospital, and post office.

The climate in Villa Las Estrellas is cold and dry, with average temperatures ranging from -10°C to -5°C. 

The settlement experiences 24 hours of daylight during the summer months and just 6 hours of daylight in winter.

Despite its harsh environment, Villa Las Estrellas is home to a range of wildlife including penguins, seals, and seabirds.

18. Svalbard Archipelago, Norway

The Svalbard Archipelago is a group of islands located in the Arctic Ocean, about midway between Norway and the North Pole. 

The archipelago is administered by Norway, and its total population is only about 2,642 people. Longyearbyen is the largest settlement and only city on the islands, with a population of about 2,035 people. 

Because of its remote location and small population, Longyearbyen has been dubbed one of the most isolated cities in the world.

19. Nuuk, Greenland

Nuuk, Greenland is one of the most isolated cities in the world. It is located on the southwest coast of Greenland and is the capital and largest city of the country. 

The city has a population of about 17,000 people and is the cultural and economic center of Greenland. 

Despite its isolation, Nuuk is a beautiful city with plenty to offer visitors. There are numerous museums and art galleries, as well as a variety of shops and restaurants. 

The city also has a lively nightlife scene and is home to many bars and clubs. If you’re looking for an adventure in one of the most remote places on Earth, Nuuk is the perfect destination.

20. Cocos Islands, Australia

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are an Australian archipelago of 27 coral islands in the Indian Ocean, situated about midway between Australia and Sri Lanka and about 550 miles (885 km) southwest of Java. 

The atolls of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands were first explored by Europeans in 1609 when Captain William Keeling, sailing for the East India Company, landed on one of the islands.

The population of the islands is approximately 600, and the capital is West Island. The main industries on the islands are tourism and fishing. 

Visitors to the Cocos (Keeling) Islands can enjoy snorkeling, diving, and fishing in the clear waters around the islands. There are also several hiking trails through the dense vegetation of the island.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

So there you have it — the 20 most isolated cities in the world as of 2023. 

These city-dwellers have made a conscious decision to live in relative isolation, whether for work, lifestyle, or personal preferences. 

What do you think about this list? Are any of these places on your radar? Let us know in the comments below!

References

• Passportsymphony.com– The 17 most isolated cities in the world
• Alphaairportparking.com.au– Most Isolated Cities Around the World
• Travelcroc.com– 10 Most Remote Cities in the World