The Faroe Islands are a cluster of islands with impressive cliffs towering over the sea. Patriotic, welcoming and patient, the Faroese lead peaceful lives, despite harsh weather conditions.
At the heart of the Indian Ocean, traditions are strong on the island of Grande Comore.
Known as the Island of Fire and Ice because of its snow-capped peaks and volcanoes, Hawaii Island, or the Big Island, is the largest of them all, yet it is the least visited by tourists.
A Portuguese and African melting pot off the coast of Senegal, Cape Verde has a wealth of breathtaking sceneries. Despite its limited resources, locals are known for their kindness and music.
Off the coast of Southern Japan, Okinawa is said to hold the secret to long life. With a laid-back atmosphere and very rich cultural history, it is adapting to changing times.
Cuba is loved by tourists despite the rationing system that still prevails. Creativity is deeply embedded in Cubans, who practice eco-agriculture and are developing a prosperous private sector.
Located at the easternmost point of North America, Newfoundland looks like it's at the edge of the world.
The cradle of Greek mythology, Crete is said to be the birthplace of Zeus. Today, hit by an economic slowdown, many Cretans strive for self-sufficiency by turning towards community initiatives
A small Hindu enclave at the heart of Indonesia, Bali's landscapes and people make for an enchanting experience.
In 1996 the Soufriere Hills volcano erupted, burying two thirds of the island of Montserrat, known as the emerald isle of the Caribbean.
France's youngest region, Reunion Island, is also referred to as the "Intense Island" because of its splendid and sometimes harsh geography. However, life on this island is anything but intense.
Less than 100 km from Auckland, Great Barrier Island offers a spectacular setting for a simple life.
A cluster of islands with white sandy beaches off the coast of Panama, Bocas del Toro is a haven of cultural diversity. Tourism is a growing industry, with locals aiming for sustainable development.
The largest island of the Lesser Antilles,Guadeloupe is home to a very diverse community. Despite the high cost of living, harmony reigns over the archipelago's rich array of cultures and faiths.
The Lofoten Islands' stunning mountains, breathtaking fjords and spectacular northern lights have created a thriving tourism industry, but the locals have stayed true to their authentic lifestyle.
Nature is a great provider in Chile's remote archipelago of Chiloe. Their traditional sharing lifestyle means its people want for nothing, but the rise of modernity is leaving the islands at a crossroads.
Located over 1,500 km from Australia, the beautiful archipelago of New Caledonia has a rucg multicultural history.
Located in the Brahmaputra River in the Indian state of Assam, the isolated island of Majuli is the setting for a colourful, rich blend of cultures.
Located some 500 km off the coast of Argentina, the Falkland Islands are like fragments of land where people enjoy a remarkable quality of life despite the isolation.
Located 1,500 km away from Portugal, the Azores are one of its hidden gems. Sculpted by lava flows and landslides, the nine islands reach towards the sky in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.
Jeju is a little piece of paradise in South Korea. An hour away from Seoul by air, it is known as the island of wind, rocks and strong women, and there is a deep sense of peace, pride and contentment.
Although part of the province of Quebec, people from the Magdalen Islands have a unique and strong cultural identity, where fishing is still the beating heart of the local economy.
Sardinia delights the senses with its local products and its enchanting setting,where traditional songs are still heard. The island also has the world's highest concentration of centenarians.
On Baranof Island, just off the coast of Alaska, nature is both nurturing and unforgivingly harsh. Immersed in nature and far from urban centres, the locals wouldn't have it any other way.
Not even the high winds can detract from the charm of the Outer Hebrides. Rich with history, the magnificent landscapes of these islands shelter an intensely welcoming people who live their lives in peaceful serenity.
The magnificent archipelago of the Independent State of Samoa may seem, at first glance, frozen in time. Faithful to traditions that span 3,000 years, the Samoans live a lifestyle that seems as authentic as ever.
A turquoise sea, white sandy beaches and natural spring waters are the islands of Fiji. In this dream-like setting is a history rich in tradition and a unique people.
Found on the western side of the island of Hispaniola, the Republic of Haiti is slowly rebuilding after devastating misfortune. Its people are resolute in returning it to its former beauty.
Blessed with a vibrant natural environment, the San Andres Archipelago abounds with marvels, like one of the world's largest barrier reefs.
Located in Vietnam, Phu Quoc attracts beach lovers from all over. Traditions and modernity mix peacefully on this island paradise, and environmental awareness seems to be settling in to maintain the island's nature.
Efficiency is key on the ultra-developed island of Taiwan, but it is also a land of breathtaking natural scenery. With its countless natural hot springs and hiking trails this land offers moments of pure tranquility.
Hidden in the Canary Islands, La Gomera is spectacularly mountainous. In order to thrive in such rugged conditions, locals have been extremely resourceful and have developed unique traditions.
Against a magical backdrop, the Aland Archipelago is an autonomous and prosperous land, where public services abound and community participation is a way of life.
A unique culture in a singular landscape, nature seems to have provided Iceland with everything it needs to thrive despite its hardh climate.
In the Broughton Archipelago, not far from Vancouver Island, some families still survive by hunting, fishing and harvesting. Inspired by the Kwakwaka'wakw, native of the region, locals live a life in harmony with nature.
The lush islands of the Puerto Rico archipelago exist in the shadow of the USA and are vulnerable to the devastation of hurricanes, yet people's zest for life persists.
Singapore is an impressive city-state with green skyscrapers, plenty of social housing and policies that promote family life.
Located at the mouth of the Amazon, the Brazilian island of Marajo is as large as Switzerland. It is an often flooded territory, but endowed with a generous nature and shelters a unique and resourceful people.
A little gem off the coast of Maine, the Fox Islands are a well-kept New England secret. In this sparsely populated archipelago, seafood abounds and the atmosphere is serene.
Ibiza is a cult place for hippies and revelers. The flood of travellers is both good and bad, but the local community has redoubled its efforts to protect the island's environment.
An idyllic island of the Pacific, Palau looks like a paradise. A matrilineal society with roles well defined by the rich local culture, its harmony seems palpable.
Even if a territorial limit separates Cyprus' two peoples, they seem determined to build a peaceful and united future together.
A little piece of France off the coast of Newfoundland, the islands of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon are a fusion point of two cultures.