Country Profile: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha is a remote British Overseas Territory located in the South Atlantic Ocean. Comprised of three islands, it features a small population concentrated around its capital, Jamestown, and is characterized by rugged volcanic terrain and a mild marine climate. The economy relies heavily on financial support from the UK, with significant activities in agriculture, fishing, and tourism. Governed as a parliamentary democracy under the UK, the territory operates under English common law.
Geography
Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha is situated in the South Atlantic Ocean, approximately halfway between South America and Africa. The islands are of volcanic origin, with diverse landscapes that include rugged hills and coastal cliffs. The climate varies, with Saint Helena being tropical marine, Ascension island having a semi-arid climate, and Tristan da Cunha characterized by temperate marine conditions.
- 394 sq km total area.
- 2,060 m highest point on Tristan da Cunha.
- 60 km coastline of Saint Helena.
- 12 nm territorial sea claims.
- 30.8% of land used for agriculture (2022 est.).
People and Society
As of 2024, the population is estimated to be around 7,943, with a median age of 45.1 years. The majority of residents are of Saint Helenian nationality, with English as the official language and a predominantly Protestant religious affiliation. The population is mostly concentrated in urban areas such as Jamestown on Saint Helena and Georgetown on Ascension.
- 82.1% of the population are Saint Helenians (2021 est.).
- 40.7% urban population rate (2023).
- 80.9 years life expectancy (2024 est.).
- 1.61 children born per woman (2024 est.).
- 99.1% of the population has access to improved drinking water (2020).
Economy
The territory's economy, classified as upper middle-income, is heavily dependent on tourism, agriculture, and fishing, backed by financial support from the UK. It features a unique land and farming communal structure and military-related economic activities. Exports primarily include fish and shellfish, while imports are dominated by refined petroleum and baked goods.
- 6.962 million kWh of electricity consumed (2023 est.).
- 100% electricity access (2021).
- 33% of exports go to Singapore (2023).
- The local currency, Saint Helena pound, is pegged to the British pound.
Government
Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha operates under a parliamentary democracy as an overseas territory of the UK. The governance structure includes a Governor appointed by the monarch and a Legislative Council. The constitution was last updated on September 1, 2009, and provides for legal jurisdiction based on English common law.
- Governor: Nigel Phillips (since August 13, 2022).
- National holiday: Official birthday of King Charles III.
- Suffrage: Voting age is 18 years.
Military and Security
The defense of Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha is the responsibility of the United Kingdom, which maintains security arrangements for the territory.
Energy
The energy sector of the territory is entirely reliant on fossil fuels, with no renewable energy sources currently utilized. The installed generating capacity is limited, though electrification rates are high.
- 5,000 kW total installed generating capacity (2023 est.).
- 12,000 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions from petroleum (2023 est.).
Environment
Development activities pose threats to the biodiversity of Saint Helena, particularly affecting local wildlife. The islands' climates support unique flora and fauna, with a significant portion of land dedicated to agriculture.
- 30.8% of land is used for agriculture (2022 est.).
- At least 40 species of endemic plants are found on Saint Helena.
Transportation
The territory has limited transport facilities, including a new airport on Saint Helena that began commercial operations in 2017. Air connections to the other islands are minimal, with the military airport on Ascension being inaccessible to civilian flights.
- 4 ports are available, including key locations like Jamestown and Georgetown.
- 2 airports operate on the territory as of 2025.
Communications
The communication infrastructure includes fixed and mobile telephone services, though the penetration of internet access is relatively low. Broadcast media is limited, primarily consisting of local radio stations.
- 4,000 fixed-line and mobile subscriptions each (2021 est.).
- 37.6% of the population are internet users (2021 est.).
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 7,943 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 394 sq km | Total area of the territory |
| GDP | Not specified | Upper middle-income economy |
| Electricity consumption | 6.962 million kWh | 2023 estimate |
| Birth rate | 9.3 births/1,000 | 2024 estimate |
| Life expectancy | 80.9 years | 2024 estimate |
| Urban population rate | 40.7% | Of total population (2023) |
| Highest point | 2,060 m | Queen Mary's Peak on Tristan da Cunha |
| Total fertility rate | 1.61 children/woman | 2024 estimate |
| Electricity access | 100% | Total electricity access (2021) |
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