Country Profile: Pitcairn Islands

The Pitcairn Islands, a small British overseas territory located in the South Pacific, are known for their rugged volcanic terrain and rich history tied to the mutiny on the HMS Bounty. Today, only Pitcairn Island is inhabited, with a population of around 50 descendants of the original Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian companions. The economy is minimal, reliant on subsistence agriculture, crafts, and some aid from the UK. Governed as a parliamentary democracy, the islands reflect a unique blend of British colonial history and indigenous culture.

Geography

The Pitcairn Islands are situated approximately midway between Peru and New Zealand, encompassing a total area of 47 square kilometers. The only inhabited island, Pitcairn, features a rugged landscape with a rocky coastline and no natural harbor, necessitating supplies to be delivered via longboat. The climate is tropical, characterized by hot and humid conditions, with a rainy season from November to March.

47 sq km: Total area of the islands
51 km: Total coastline length
347 m: Highest point on Pitcairn Island

People and Society

As of 2025, the estimated population of the Pitcairn Islands is just 50 residents, primarily living in the village of Adamstown. The inhabitants are mainly descendants of the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian partners, contributing to a unique cultural identity. The official language is English, alongside Pitkern, a blend of English and Tahitian dialects. The entire population adheres to the Seventh-day Adventist faith.

0%: Population growth rate (2014 est.)
100%: Population identifying as Seventh-day Adventist

Economy

The economy in the Pitcairn Islands is small and largely dependent on UK and EU assistance, with exports primarily including postage stamps, handicrafts, honey, and tinctures. Due to its limited infrastructure, the islands remain reliant on imports, with the United States and New Zealand as the main partners. Recent efforts have been made to reopen borders following COVID-19 restrictions, aiming to revitalize trade and tourism.

21%: Exports to the UK (2023)
59%: Imports from the USA (2023)

Government

The Pitcairn Islands are administered as a parliamentary democracy and remain a British overseas territory. The governance is localized, with an elected mayor and an Island Council responsible for managing internal affairs. The islands' legal system is based on local by-laws, with the highest authority being the Pitcairn Court of Appeal, consisting of appointed judges. The British monarch is represented locally by a governor.

10: Seats in the Island Council
18 years: Minimum voting age

Military and Security

Defense responsibilities for the Pitcairn Islands fall under the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom, ensuring protection and security for the small population.

Energy

Energy consumption details were not provided in the source data.

Environment

The main environmental concern for the Pitcairn Islands is deforestation, as only a small portion of the original forest remains due to settlement practices. The islands' unique ecosystem is influenced by the tropical climate, which supports a diverse array of flora and fauna.

74.5%: Forest cover (2022 est.)

Transportation

Transportation information was not available in the source data.

Communications

The Pitcairn Islands have access to satellite television from Fiji, providing a variety of international channels. Internet usage is notably high, with 96.2% of the population connected as of 2021, utilizing the country code .pn.

96.2%: Internet usage among the population (2021 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	50	Estimated for 2025
Area	47 sq km	Total area of the islands
Climate	Tropical	Hot and humid with a rainy season
Highest Point	347 m	Elevation of Palwala Valley Point
Exports to the UK	21%	As of 2023
Imports from the USA	59%	As of 2023
Forest Cover	74.5%	Deforestation concern (2022 est.)
Voting Age	18 years	Universal suffrage requirements