Facts

Geographical Uniqueness: The two islands, Big Diomede (Russia) and Little Diomede (USA), are only 3.8 km (2.4 miles) apart, but they are separated by the International Date Line, meaning they are in different days.

Nicknames: The islands are sometimes called “Tomorrow Island” (Big Diomede) and “Yesterday Island” (Little Diomede) because of the time difference.

Separation During the Cold War: Before World War II, the Inupiaq people traveled freely between the islands, but after the war, the Soviet Union closed the border, making it one of the most restricted borders in the world.

Climate & Weather: The islands experience harsh Arctic weather, with winter temperatures dropping to -40°C (-40°F), strong winds, and thick sea ice in winter.

Migration of Animals: The surrounding waters are home to walruses, seals, and whales, and the islands are a key stop for migratory birds like puffins and murres.

Transportation Challenges: No roads exist on Little Diomede, and the only way to get around is by foot or snowmobile in winter.

Mail Delivery: There is no regular postal service. Supplies and mail are typically delivered by helicopter or bush planes, and in extreme cases, the U.S. military has air-dropped supplies when bad weather prevents other deliveries.

Isolation: Little Diomede is one of the most isolated communities in the U.S., with no direct internet or cellular service. Communication is usually through satellite phones and shortwave radio.

Subsistence Lifestyle: The people of Little Diomede depend on hunting and fishing, catching seal, walrus, and fish for food.

Disappearing Ice Bridge: In the past, a natural ice bridge formed in winter, connecting the two islands. However, due to climate change, the ice bridge has become unreliable, making travel even more difficult.

No Tourism: There are no hotels, restaurants, or tourist infrastructure on Little Diomede, and outside visitors rarely go there.

Extreme Daylight Changes: The islands experience polar conditions, with only a few hours of daylight in winter and almost 24-hour sunlight in summer.

Potential Land Crossing: The Bering Strait is one of the places where a land bridge once connected Asia and North America, allowing early human migration to the Americas.

Strategic Military Location: The islands are strategically important to both the U.S. and Russia, with Big Diomede hosting a Russian military outpost.

Tough Living Conditions: Little Diomede has no sewage system—waste is disposed of using a “honey bucket” system, and water is collected from melted snow or rain.

Schooling: The island’s one school is often at risk of closure because of the low student population. If it closes, families would have to leave the island.

The Closest U.S. Territory to Russia: Big Diomede is only 25 miles (40 km) from the U.S. mainland, making it the closest Russian land to the U.S.

Television Feature: The island and its unique lifestyle have been featured in documentaries and shows like the National Geographic series “Life Below Zero.”