Located off the coast of Colombia is the most populated island in the world, where more than 800 people live crammed into a 2.4-acre plot of land.
Santa Cruz del Islote is an artificial outcrop and was established by local fishermen in the 19th century as a base from which to cast their nets.
But over the years, the population has continued to grow and in a new documentary by filmmaker Ruhi ÇenetLocals reveal what it is like to live in such a chaotic place, where houses are one on top of another, there is no sewage system and drinking water has to be transported.
One woman he speaks to, 94, was born on the island and never left. Looking back on the past, the islander remembers that there were no motor boats and “only small canoes with paddles.”
She also says that when she was a child there were only a few houses and ‘the rest was nothing’.
Located off the coast of Colombia, is the most populated island in the world. More than 800 people are crammed into a 2.4-acre plot of land known as Santa Cruz del Islote. This 94-year-old resident, interviewed by filmmaker Ruhi Çenet, has never left
Recalling the past, the islander remembers that there were no motor boats and ‘only small canoes with paddles’
Santa Cruz del Islote is an artificial outcrop and was established by local fishermen in the 19th century as a base from which to cast their nets. But over the years, the population has continued to grow.
Most supplies, including drinking water, are delivered every few weeks by the Colombian Navy.
But now, Ruhi’s short film shows that there is no space left to build and that up to 10 people are sleeping in the same room.
Describing what the place is like as he wanders around, he says, “No matter where we look, people come out from every corner.”
‘It is impossible to be alone in these crowded streets. The sounds of people, roosters, waves and music mixed together.
‘There are only four streets and the place is built entirely of concrete. They don’t have cars or motorcycles here.
Locals explain that the population continues to increase because there are no contraceptive methods and most women have their first child around the age of 16.
Many families have up to five children and “it is not uncommon for people to have children with more than one partner.”
As for houses, Ruhi says that the islanders do not ask for permission to build and build houses “where they want” with concrete.
When they can’t find space, they “build on top of existing buildings.”
He adds: “The buildings are so intertwined that sometimes they have to go through each other’s houses to get to the other side.”
To demonstrate how small the island is, in one scene Ruhi walks from one side of the island to the other and, despite having to navigate the maze of houses, it takes her less than two minutes to complete the route.
Despite its small size, Santa Cruz del Islote has a variety of amenities including a school, a church, a clinic, a hotel, a restaurant, a small pub and three markets.
There is no cemetery, and after being paraded through the small central square, the bodies are taken to the mainland to be buried.
There are also no wastewater and garbage treatment plants, so much of the waste goes directly to the sea.
Locals explain that the population continues to increase because there are no contraceptive methods and most women have their first child around the age of 16.
Many families have up to five children and “it is not uncommon for people to have children with more than one partner”
Since the island is very small and everyone knows each other, there is no crime on the island.
With no room to farm or grow crops, the Colombian Navy delivers most supplies, including drinking water, every few weeks.
The islanders try to harvest rainwater, but rains only occur every seven or eight months, so they say “not a single drop is wasted.”
As for energy, many of the homes have been equipped with solar panels and generator systems, but locals say the electricity is unreliable and often fails for days.
When it comes to generating income, most islanders make money from tourism, whether offering tours of the island or by boat.
Fishing was once a thriving industry, but islanders say stocks have been significantly depleted and they even rely on shipments of seafood from the mainland to supplement their diet.
Since the island is very small and everyone knows each other, there is no crime on the island.
An interviewee explains: ‘We have 800 people here and we have no police. There are no robberies, robberies or stabbings. Here we live in peace.’
Another man adds: ‘Our police officers here are older adults, we respect them a lot here.
‘If there is an argument, a misunderstanding or a fight, the seniors step in and catch us, find out who is right and then give us advice. Then we shake hands and remain the same brothers and sisters, without hard feelings.’
Like the 94-year-old woman Ruhi initially spoke to, most of the island’s residents have no plans to ever leave.
When asked if he plans to emigrate elsewhere, a younger resident says: “I will spend my whole life on this island.” I was born and raised right here, I’m going to die right here.’
Another man explains that the island also has a unique location that protects it from destruction. He reflects: ‘We are lucky to be located on the second largest coral reef in the world with its amazing marine life.
‘Waves that rise up to 30 meters in the open sea are reduced to just 25 centimeters when they reach our coasts. We’re safe here.’
Although at first the island seemed very chaotic, by the end of her visit Ruhi appreciates the beauty of its lifestyle.
And he concludes: ‘The majority of these people who live isolated from the rest of the world have never abandoned these limits in their entire lives.
‘They have no desire to leave their small world or strive to improve their standard of living.
“The island community has a deep connection to their homeland and focuses on shared happiness and positive values.”
And perhaps it’s the strong sense of community that means, according to locals, that the average life expectancy in Santa Cruz del Islote is 85 to 90 years.