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.