Parallel world: People completely cut off from the outside world

In the most remote corners of the Earth, in dense forests and on isolated islands, there are tribes that have chosen to live entirely outside modern civilization. They continue to live as their ancestors did, resisting technology, industrialization, and the changes of contemporary society. Most of these tribes are found in the dense Amazon forests of South America or in remote parts of Africa, areas considered some of the least explored on the planet.

According to reports from the United Nations and Survival International, more than 100 tribes currently live in isolation. Although the exact number is unknown, experts believe it to be much higher. Most of these tribes reside in the Amazon rainforest; Brazil alone is home to more than 70 uncontacted tribes. This article highlights several of these isolated communities.

Sentinelese tribe that killed the missionary

The Sentinelese people, living on North Sentinel Island, are considered the most isolated tribe in the world. They are direct descendants of ancient African populations and have lived in isolation for more than 60,000 years, possibly making them the oldest tribe on Earth. In the late 1800s, British explorers kidnapped some Sentinelese individuals and forced them into slavery. Many of those enslaved suffered from diseases and died, causing a sharp decline in the tribe’s population. Today, the Sentinelese fiercely protect their isolation and categorically reject any contact with outsiders. This has earned them a reputation as the most aggressive tribe.

In 2018, the tribe drew international attention after the killing of American missionary John Allen Chau, who illegally attempted to visit the island. Since then, India has declared the island a restricted and protected area.

Jarawa tribe that suffers from the modern world

The Jarawa people of the Andaman Islands are another ancient tribe, having lived in the region for around 55,000 years. Unlike the Sentinelese, the Jarawa have had more frequent contact with modern society—often without their consent.

In 2002, the Indian Supreme Court halted the construction of a highway through Jarawa territory, but their land continues to be threatened by hunters and tourists. Despite these pressures, some Jarawa groups still manage to avoid contact with outsiders.

Tribes on Palawan Island, as numerous as the local population

On the Philippine island of Palawan, approximately 40,000 indigenous people live in isolated communities scattered throughout the island’s remote forests. Among them is the Tau’t Bato tribe, meaning “Stone People.” They continue to live in the volcanic caves, maintaining their traditional way of life despite increasing encroachment from mining and settlers.

Carabayo tribe: Enslaved and hidden in the Amazon

The Carabayo tribe lives in the remote Amazon rainforest along the border of Colombia and Brazil. For centuries, they have been subjected to violent attacks by slave traders and rubber tappers. The rainforest here produces latex—a white liquid from certain trees that hardens into rubber—making the area a target for exploitation. This has placed the Carabayo and other indigenous peoples in constant danger.

In 2012, photographs taken by Colombia’s National Parks Department and the Amazon Conservation Group confirmed the presence of isolated people living in Rio Puré National Park. The Carabayo are among the most mysterious and secluded tribes in the world.

Taromenane tribe: A threat to loggers

The Taromenane tribe, living in the remote Ecuadorian Amazon, inhabit an isolated area with limited access to water and resources. They are among the most secretive communities in Ecuador and are known to attack neighboring indigenous groups, particularly oil workers and loggers who enter their territory illegally.

The Ecuadorian government has declared Taromenane land a protected area. Unlike many tribes, the Taromenane do not live in large groups, and their unique language differs from other indigenous peoples in the region.

Taromenane’s rival: The huaorani

The Taromenane’s rival, the Huaorani people—numbering around 200—also live in Ecuador’s dense forests. Some Huaorani have made contact with the outside world, leading to occasional conflicts with the Taromenane. However, most continue to maintain their traditional way of life.

Tacana tribe hidden by oil companies

In 2016, reports revealed that the Bolivian National Oil Company concealed its connections with the little-known Tacana tribe.

Researchers exploring the jungle found evidence of the tribe’s existence but were pressured to keep this information secret by businessmen aiming to continue oil extraction.

Acre tribe: Intolerant of outsiders

In Brazil, the Acre tribe is notorious for its hostility toward outsiders, resulting in very limited research on them. The Brazilian government frequently conducts aerial surveys to monitor signs of life in their territory.

This tribe is known to dislike airplanes and has been known to shoot at unexpected visitors. Their existence was only confirmed after a plane flying over their forest was shot down in 2007. Satellite scans in 2011 later identified their presence.

The Acre people may be descendants of those who fled violence during South America’s rubber boom, forming a new community deep in the forest to escape slavery and death.

West Papuan tribes under pressure from unjust policies

West Papua, the western half of the island of New Guinea governed by Indonesia, hosts over 300 diverse tribes. Many remain unknown to outsiders or live in fearful hiding.

These tribes face ongoing hardships due to violence from the Indonesian government and resource exploitation, both of which threaten their traditional way of life.

Massaco tribes: Armed with large bows and arrows

The Massaco tribes, indigenous to Brazil’s Rondônia state, number about 300 members. Known for their use of large bows and arrows, they have survived in small forested areas amid widespread destruction of their ancestral lands.

Researchers have found abandoned tortoise mounds in their territory, suggesting these animals play an important role in their diet.

Cacataíbo tribe threatened by outside forces

Experts identify the Cacataíbo as one of 15 isolated tribes in Peru, primarily living near river basins. Despite government efforts to protect them, the Cacataíbo face threats from oil and gas exploration, logging, and mining activities.

Akuncu tribe: Only three members remain

The Akuncu, a small Amazonian tribe in western Brazil’s Rondônia state, was nearly wiped out by cattle ranchers in the 1980s. Only three members survive today.

The government is working to protect the remaining tribe members and their land. However, with so few members left, the Akuncu face possible extinction.

"Man in the pit”

Known as “The Man in the Pit,” the last survivor of the Akuncu massacre lived alone deep in the Amazon rainforest. The government designated a small protected area for him, but he refused to communicate with outsiders.

He earned his nickname because he hunted animals while hiding deep in the forest. The last member of the tribe died in July 2022.

Outside threats to isolated tribes

Although little is known about tribes living in isolation, they play a crucial role in the world’s history, culture, and biodiversity. These communities live traditionally through hunting, fishing, gathering, and farming.

They have an intimate knowledge of their environment and use forest resources to craft tools and build shelters. At times, they can be violent, relying on their instincts for survival. While isolation has helped preserve their way of life, it also leaves them vulnerable to disease and external threats.

Many isolated tribes are aware of the modern outside world but choose to live apart from it. Their wariness toward outsiders is often rooted in past experiences of violence and exploitation. It is also important to recognize that some tribes may be completely unaware of the outside world.