Migingo Island – the World’s Most Densely Populated Island

Migingo Island, a tiny 2,000 m² rocky outcrop in Lake Victoria, is one of the most densely populated places on Earth. Home to around 500–1,000 residents, this island is fiercely contested by Kenya and Uganda due to its lucrative Nile perch fishing industry.

Despite its small size and harsh living conditions, Migingo has a bustling economy with bars, hostels, a pharmacy, and even a police post—all packed into an area smaller than a football field. However, the island lacks proper sanitation, making daily life challenging for its residents.

The territorial dispute over Migingo remains unresolved, with both Kenya and Uganda laying claim to the island. While fishermen continue to make a living from the island’s rich waters, its future remains uncertain, caught between politics and economic survival.