Most unusual places in the world where people live

The world is home to astonishing places where people have adapted to live in seemingly impossible conditions, from extreme climates to unconventional landscapes. These eight extraordinary places demonstrate the incredible adaptability of humans to thrive in the most unconventional and extreme environments. From underground deserts to volcanic craters and floating lakes, each location is remarkable to say the least.

This town in the South Australian Outback is also called the Opal Capital. Residents live underground in "dugouts" carved into sandstone to escape temperatures reaching 50 degrees Celsius. For the residents, living underground is cooler than over ground. Literally. And most interestingly, there are even churches, bars, and hotels below ground.

Here’s what's most unusual about this island–this remote island, located 200 miles south of Tokyo, has a village of about 170 people nestled inside an active volcano’s crater. Yes, you read that right–an active volcano. The residents of this village rely on fishing and farming, and use geothermal springs to cook meals! That’s some serious flex.

Also known as Africa’s "Venice," Ganvie is the largest floating village in Africa, and here, the homes are built on stilts over Lake Nokoué. About 20,000 people live in this water-based community. Even their homes, schools, and markets float on the lake.

Did you know that up until 2015, a single monk used to live atop this 130-foot limestone monolith? The top of the cliff even had a small church and living quarters. This place of residence was also a spiritual retreat of extreme isolation. No one resides at the top of the cliff nowadays but there are monks living at the base of the cliff.

It’s hard to believe that there are people still living in Centralia. This near-ghost town has an underground coal fire burning since 1962! This makes the ground unstable and air toxic. There are evacuation orders in place but fewer than 10 residents remain. Those still residing in Centralia seal their homes to keep harmful gas out.

The Dogon people of Bandiagara in Mali live in mud-brick homes and granaries carved into the cliffs. These cliffside dwellings are also a UNESCO World Heritage site, and they help preserve ancient Dogon traditions. These dwellings protect against harsh desert conditions. Some of them are hundreds of years old!.

If you are a Star Wars fan, you know this already. Tunisia’s Berber residents live in underground homes carved into the desert. These underground homes are designed to stay cool in the scorching climate. Several of these homes were used as Star Wars filming locations.

This small town of 3,000 is literally built under massive overhanging cliffs and rock formations. It’s true. The homes and businesses are actually carved directly into or beneath the rocks. Talk about living under a rock! Don’t be too worried about sun exposure here because the streets are shaded by natural rock canopies. Interestingly, some homes even use the cliff as a ceiling or wall.