Country Profile: Pitcairn Islands

The Pitcairn Islands, a small British overseas territory in the South Pacific, comprise four islands, with only Pitcairn Island inhabited. The population is about 50, primarily descendants of the HMS Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian companions, and resides chiefly in the village of Adamstown. The local economy is modest and relies on limited exports such as postage stamps and honey, along with financial aid from the UK. Governed as a parliamentary democracy, the islands are represented by a mayor and an Island Council, with a unique blend of cultural heritage and environmental challenges.

Geography

The Pitcairn Islands are located between Peru and New Zealand, representing Britain's most isolated dependency. The sole inhabited island, Pitcairn, features a rugged volcanic terrain with a rocky coastline and an elevation that reaches 347 meters at its highest point. With an area of 47 square kilometers, the islands have no formal agricultural land, and 74.5% of their area is forested.

51 km of coastline
12 nm territorial sea
200 nm exclusive economic zone
74.5% forest cover (2022 est.)
0% agricultural land (2022 est.)

People and Society

The population of the Pitcairn Islands is approximately 50, primarily consisting of Pitcairn Islanders, descendants of the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian wives. The community speaks English and Pitkern, a creole language. The entire population adheres to the Seventh Day Adventist faith, and there is minimal population growth, with most residents living near Adamstown.

100% of the population practices Seventh Day Adventist religion
0% population growth rate (2014 est.)
Inhabitants reside mainly in Adamstown

Economy

The economy of the Pitcairn Islands is small and relies heavily on a few primary industries, including the production of postage stamps, handicrafts, and honey. The territory is dependent on financial aid from the UK and EU, with imports significantly outweighing exports. The reopening of borders post-COVID-19 has been an important step for the local economy.

21% of exports go to the UK (2023)
59% of imports come from the USA (2023)
Limited infrastructure with a focus on niche markets

Government

The Pitcairn Islands function as a parliamentary democracy and are an overseas territory of the UK. The governance system includes a mayor, who is elected for a three-year term, and an Island Council of ten members. The constitution was last updated in 2010, and the legal system comprises local by-laws.

Governed under a parliamentary democracy
10 members in the Island Council
Mayor's term is 3 years

Military and Security

The defense of the Pitcairn Islands is handled by the United Kingdom, ensuring that the islands are protected and supported as needed.

Defense responsibility lies with the UK

Environment

The islands experience a tropical climate influenced by southeast trade winds, with a rainy season from November to March. Environmental issues include deforestation due to land clearing and burning for settlement, although a significant portion of the original forest remains.

74.5% forest cover as of 2022
Subject to occasional tropical cyclones

Transportation

No specific information available on transportation.

Communications

Communication in the Pitcairn Islands is facilitated by satellite TV services from Fiji and internet connectivity, with about 96.2% of the population being internet users. The internet country code for the islands is ".pn".

96.2% internet penetration (2021 est.)
Satellite TV providing international channels

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	50 (2025 est.)	Estimated population
Area	47 sq km	Total land area
Forest cover	74.5%	As of 2022
Agricultural land	0%	As of 2022
Exports to UK	21%	As of 2023
Imports from USA	59%	As of 2023
Highest point	347 m	Elevation at Palwala Valley Point
Coastline	51 km	Total coastline length
Defense responsibility	UK	Defense managed by the UK
Official religion	Seventh Day Adventist	100% of the population