Scattered across the world’s oceans are countless islands, many bustling with people and culture. But some remain empty, shaped only by nature and the elements.
Among them lies one island so large and forbidding that humans have never settled there permanently. So where is it, and why has it stayed uninhabited?
What’s the largest uninhabited island in the world?
Devon Island is the biggest uninhabited island in the world, at 55,247km2. With no permanent residents, the Canadian island is one of the largest members of the Arctic Archipelago. It might not be the biggest island in the world – but it's the biggest one with no inhabitants.
The island is the sixth largest Canadian island, following Baffin, Victoria, Ellesmere, Newfoundland and Banks, all of which have permanent populations – some bigger than others. Newfoundland, for instance, has a population of nearly 500,000, while Banks and Ellesmere are home to about 100 and 150 people respectively.
Why does it have no population?
Devon Island is uninhabited due to its harsh, Arctic climate.
After Devon Island was discovered by Europeans, an outpost was established at Dundas Harbour in 1924. Due to wind conditions and the cold climate on the island, the Inuit families that had been dispersed there later left, leaving only ruins of a few buildings on the island today.
Are there any temporary inhabitants?
The Devon Island Research Station was established in 1960 and is run by the Arctic Institute of North America. There are no permanent staff members; instead it's used as a temporary site for research.
Devon Island is home to the Haughton impact crater, made about 39 million years ago. The Mars-like environment created by the collision has made it an invaluable resource for NASA and other space agencies.
Why is it called Devon Island?
The first Europeans discovered the island in 1616, naming it North Devon – after Devon in England. Its name was changed to Devon Island by the end of the 1800s.
Is there any wildlife on Devon Island?
Because of its high elevation – its highest point is at 1,920m – and extreme northern latitude, Devon Island has a polar desert ecology. There is a small population of muskox (hoofed mammals) and small birds and mammals. In winter, temperatures can plummet to as low as -50°C. Cape Liddon on the southwestern coast is known for seabirds including black guillemot and northern fulmar.
Top image: Croker Bay Glacier off the southern coast of Devon Island (credit: Getty Images)
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