Country Profile: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha form a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic Ocean, known for their remote location between South America and Africa. The territory encompasses a rugged volcanic landscape, with a total area of 394 sq km and a population of approximately 7,943 people. The economy is supported by agriculture, military-related activities, and fishing, with significant reliance on UK financial assistance. Governance is exercised as a parliamentary democracy under the authority of the UK, with the capital located in Jamestown on Saint Helena Island.

Geography

Located midway between South America and Africa, the territory consists of three main islands: Saint Helena, Ascension Island, and Tristan da Cunha. The volcanic terrain features rugged cliffs and varying climates, from tropical marine in Saint Helena and Ascension to temperate marine in Tristan da Cunha.

Total Area: 394 sq km
Highest Point: Queen Mary's Peak (2,060 m) on Tristan da Cunha
Climate: Mild tropical marine, with trade winds moderating temperatures
Coastline: 60 km (Saint Helena), 34 km (Tristan da Cunha)
Natural Resources: Fish and lobster
Land Use (2022): 30.8% agricultural land

People and Society

The population of approximately 7,943 is primarily concentrated on Saint Helena, with significant communities on Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha. The society is characterized by a diverse ethnic composition, primarily of Saint Helenian descent, and English is the official language. The majority of residents practice Anglicanism.

Population Growth Rate (2025 est.): 0.08%
Median Age (2025 est.): 45.5 years
Life Expectancy (2024 est.): 80.9 years
Infant Mortality Rate (2025 est.): 17.5 deaths/1,000 live births
Urban Population (2023): 40.7%
Total Dependency Ratio (2024 est.): 50.4

Economy

The economy is considered upper middle-income, supported by agriculture, military activities, and fishing. Significant trade occurs with the UK and other international partners, including Singapore and the USA. The territory utilizes a unique land and farming structure, allowing for both local production and imports.

GDP: Data not specified
Exports (Major Commodities, 2023): Fish, shellfish
Imports (Major Commodities, 2023): Refined petroleum, baked goods
Exchange Rate (2023): 0.805 Saint Helena pounds per US dollar
Key Industries: Construction, crafts, fishing

Government

As a parliamentary democracy and overseas territory of the UK, governance is maintained under English common law. The capital, Jamestown, serves as the administrative center, with the Governor representing the British monarch.

Chief of State: King Charles III (since 2022)
Head of Government: Governor Nigel Phillips (since 2022)
Suffrage Age: 18 years
Administrative Divisions: Three areas (Saint Helena, Ascension, Tristan da Cunha)
Constitution: Effective since September 2009

Military and Security

The defense and security of the territory are the responsibility of the UK. Military presence is minimal, with no unique forces stationed on the islands.

Energy

Electricity access is complete for the population, with all generation currently derived from fossil fuels. The territory is working to maintain its energy needs efficiently.

Installed Electricity Capacity: 5,000 kW (2023 est.)
Electricity Consumption: 6.962 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electrification Rate: 100% (2021)

Environment

The territory faces environmental challenges, particularly with the development that threatens local wildlife on Saint Helena. Conservation efforts are crucial to preserve its unique biodiversity.

Carbon Dioxide Emissions (2023 est.): 12,000 metric tonnes
Agricultural Land Use (2022): 30.8%
Forest Area (2022): 5.1%

Transportation

The transportation infrastructure includes limited air service, particularly for Saint Helena, where a new airport opened in 2017. Sea transport remains vital, particularly for Tristan da Cunha, which has very few connections.

Airports (2025): 2
Ports (2024): 4 total, including key ports at Jamestown and Georgetown
Civil Aircraft Registration Code: VQ-H

Communications

Communication systems are fairly developed, with telephone and mobile subscriptions available to the majority of the population. Internet access has been increasing, although local media remains limited.

Telephone Subscriptions (2021): 4,000 fixed lines and 4,000 mobile
Internet Users (2021): 37.6% of the population
Broadcast Media: Limited local TV stations, several radio stations operational

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	7,943 (2024 est.)	Total population
Area	394 sq km	Total area of the territory
Electricity Access	100%	Electrification rate (2021)
Life Expectancy	80.9 years (2024 est.)	Average life expectancy
Birth Rate	9.31 births/1,000 (2025 est.)	Birth rate
Infant Mortality Rate	17.5 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)	Infant mortality
Urban Population	40.7% (2023)	Portion of the population living in urban areas
Total Dependency Ratio	50.4 (2024 est.)	Overall dependency ratio