Among the most intriguing geographical curiosities on the planet, highlights a place where two countries separated by ideologieshistory and borders share an unusual proximity. Even though their territories seem distant, there is a point where It is possible to cross the United States to another country by walkingat least during certain months of the year.
This little-known phenomenon It is located in a remote and hostile regionmarked by its extreme climate and its isolation. Discover how geography creates a unique bond between these two nations.
Which country can you walk to from the United States?
The answer to this question is Russia. And for those who didn’t know, the Diomede Islands These are two small rock formations located in the Bering StraitExactly between Alaska and the Russian peninsula of Chukotka. These islands mark the border between the United States and Russia.
- Minor Diomedes (or Little Diomede): belongs to the United States and is inhabited by a small community of Iñupiaq Eskimos, numbering around 160 people, according to the latest surveys.
- Major Diomedes (or Great Diomede): Under Russian sovereignty, it has been completely uninhabited since its population was displaced to the continent during the Second World War.
The two islands are separated by a narrow channel of only 3.7 kilometers, which allows you to walk from one to the other in winter, when the water freezes. This fact makes it the only place on the planet where one can cross on foot. from the United States to Russia and vice versa.
The history of the islands that connect the United States and Russia
The history of these islands is marked by their isolation and the dynamic between their inhabitants and the powers that control them.
- Archaeological origins: Archaeologists estimate that the islands were initially inhabited more than 3,000 years ago. Hunter-gatherers used these lands as a strategic point for whaling in the spring.
- Eskimo culture: Before the arrival of Western explorers, the Inuit developed a social and ritual structure around hunting. Its economy was based on trade with Siberia and other Alaskan communities.
- Impact of World War II: With the start of the war, the inhabitants of Diomede Major were transferred to Siberia by the Soviet government, leaving the island uninhabited. It was not until 1988, after the end of the Cold War, that contacts between separated families resumed.
Curiosities about the Diomede Islands: Can you really walk from the United States to Russia?
The Diomede Islands are not only interesting for their location, but also for its geographical and political singularity:
- International Date Line: The imaginary line that divides the days of the calendar crosses the two islands, creating a time difference of almost 24 hours. While in Diomedes Minor it is midday on Monday, in Diomedes Major it is already Tuesday. For this reason, they are called “the island of tomorrow” and “the island of yesterday”.
- Yes, you can walk there, but…Although it is technically illegal to cross on foot due to the lack of customs checks, the icy strait has sometimes been used for winter travel.
- Symbolic polarity: During the Cold War, these islands became a physical symbol of tension between the United States and the Soviet Union. Today, despite their low strategic relevance, they represent a curious point of connection between two worlds.
What is the current situation of the Diomede Islands?
Currently, Diomedes Minor is still inhabitedeven if its population faces challenges linked to its isolation. Most residents rely on fishing for a living, while connections to Alaska are limited.
In contrast, Diomedes Mayor remains deserted except for occasional visits by border guards and survey teams.
Additionally, winters in the Bering Strait are extreme, with temperatures that can freeze the canal for months, making it easier to cross on foot. However, this crossing is prohibited by the laws of both countries.
