Chacun son île

In the autonomous province of the Faroe Islands in the North Atlantic, majestic mountains, cliffs and fjords follow one another. Patriotic, welcoming and patient, the Faroese live harmoniously despite an often inhospitable climate.

Not far from Vancouver Island, Salt Spring Island is known as a hippie hangout. Its 10,000 residents, many of them retirees, share strong civic values and value self-sufficiency, mutual aid and tranquility.

The island of Hawaii, or Big Island, is the largest and least touristy of the Hawaiian islands, despite its disarming beauty. Nicknamed the Island of Fire and Ice for its snow-capped peaks and active volcanoes, its islanders revere nature and their roots.

In the heart of the Indian Ocean, traditions are deeply rooted on the island of Grande Comore. Here, people live by farming, fishing and helping each other. Daily life presents its share of challenges, but the Comorians keep smiling.

A melting pot of Portugal and Africa, off the coast of Senegal, Cape Verde abounds in a rich variety of landscapes. Despite the limited resources at their disposal, the islanders have retained their legendary friendliness and passion for music.

Okinawa is a little corner of paradise with the highest percentage of centenarians in the world. The atmosphere is relaxed and the local culture seems to be slowly adjusting to the changing times.

Reunion Island is nicknamed “The Intense Island” because of its magnificent yet inhospitable geography and ocean environment. With its heterogeneous yet united population, life on this island is relaxed and delightful.

Inspiring and cultured, Cuba is popular with tourists despite its rationing system. Creativity is deeply rooted in the islanders, who practice eco-farming and are developing an increasingly prosperous private sector.

In 1996, the Soufrière volcano buried two-thirds of the Caribbean island paradise of Montserrat. Since then, it has been reborn, banking on its resilient charm, tourism, geothermal energy and the export of its volcanic sands.

A small Hindu enclave in the heart of Indonesia, Bali captivates with its landscapes and its people. But as the tourism industry continues to grow, the Balinese have to adjust to preserve the harmonious balance that is so precious to them.

The cradle of Greek mythology, Crete is a picturesque place, rich in tradition. Since the economic crisis, many are aiming for self-sufficiency, relying on the rural economy and community initiatives.

Located at the easternmost tip of North America, the island of Newfoundland feels like the end of the world. For centuries, its formidable seas and faltering economy have forced islanders to rely on resourcefulness, resilience and mutual aid.

The Channel Islands each have their own temperament and unique living conditions, but they all offer the change of scenery of an island land spoiled by nature, then steeped in British culture and French history.