Why is Redonda uninhabited?

Redonda is uninhabited primarily due to its rugged, inaccessible terrain and lack of hospitable conditions. The island is a small, steep-sided volcanic remnant covering only 0.5 square miles (1.3 square km), with cliffs rising nearly 1,000 feet (305 meters) above sea level on all sides.12

Beyond its challenging topography, the island lacks a safe, reliable harbor; the only available anchorage is poor and remains largely unprotected from prevailing winds and swells, making regular access difficult. While the island was once used for mining phosphate found in bird guano during the late 19th century, these operations ceased following the outbreak of World War I, and the island has remained uninhabited since.1