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

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha are British Overseas Territories located in the South Atlantic Ocean. These islands are characterized by their rugged volcanic terrain, unique ecological profiles, and a small population primarily concentrated in the capital, Jamestown. The economy is sustained by British financial support, military-related activities, and fishing, with Saint Helena being the most developed among the three islands. Governance is structured as a parliamentary democracy under the UK's jurisdiction, providing a unique blend of local and British influence.

Geography

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha are situated in the South Atlantic Ocean, approximately midway between South America and Africa. The islands have a combined area of 394 sq km, with Saint Helena being the largest at 122 sq km. They feature volcanic landscapes, with the highest point being Queen Mary's Peak on Tristan da Cunha, rising 2,060 m above sea level. Each island possesses distinct climatic conditions, with Saint Helena having a tropical marine climate that is mild and tempered by trade winds.

60 km coastline on Saint Helena
1,300 km northwest of Saint Helena to Ascension Island
4,300 km southwest of Saint Helena to Tristan da Cunha
40 species of unique plants on Saint Helena

People and Society

As of 2024, the population of Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha is estimated at 7,943, with the majority living in and around Jamestown. The ethnic composition is predominantly Saint Helenian (82.1%), with English being the official language. The society is characterized by a mix of religions, with Anglicanism being the most prominent at 63.2%. The average life expectancy is 80.9 years, reflecting a relatively healthy population.

40.7% of the population lives in urban areas (2023)
0% of the population lacks access to improved sanitation (2022)
99.1% of the population has access to improved drinking water (2022)

Economy

The economy of Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha is classified as upper middle-income, heavily supported by the UK. The islands utilize the Saint Helena pound, pegged to the British pound, and focus on industries such as fishing and construction. Agricultural activities include the cultivation of coffee, corn, and vegetables. Despite its remote location, the islands serve as a sport fishing locale, enhancing their economic prospects through tourism.

33% of exports to Singapore (2023)
34% of imports originate from the UK (2023)
Local industries include crafts and collectible postage stamps

Government

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha operate under a parliamentary democracy as an overseas territory of the UK. The Governor serves as the head of government, with local administrative divisions for each island. The Constitution, last updated in 2009, lays the groundwork for governance. The legal system is based on English common law, and citizens have the right to vote at 18 years of age.

The capital is Jamestown, coordinates 15 56 S, 5 43 W
King Charles III is the head of state (since September 2022)
National holiday celebrates the monarch's official birthday

Military and Security

The defense of Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha is the responsibility of the United Kingdom. As such, the islands do not maintain their own military forces and rely on British military support in matters concerning defense and security.

Energy

Electricity access across all the islands is complete, with 100% of the population having electricity as of 2021. The installed generating capacity is 5,000 kW, and the total electricity consumption was approximately 6.962 million kWh in 2023. The islands rely entirely on fossil fuels for electricity generation.

85 bbl/day of refined petroleum consumption (2023)
1.5 million kWh in transmission and distribution losses (2023)

Transportation

Transportation to and within Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha is limited, especially for Tristan da Cunha, which has very few connections. The new airport on Saint Helena began limited operations in 2016, with commercial flights starting in 2017. There are a total of 4 ports across the islands, with significant facilities in Jamestown and Georgetown.

2 airports operational by 2025
4,000 fixed line telephones (2021)

Communications

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha have a limited telecommunications infrastructure. As of 2021, there were approximately 4,000 mobile cellular subscriptions, indicating that 37.6% of the population uses the internet. Broadcast media is available, with radio stations serving both local and military needs.

74 mobile subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2021)
Internet country code is .sh

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	7,943 (2024 est.)
Area	394 sq km	Total area of the islands
Life Expectancy	80.9 years	Estimated for 2024
Electricity Access	100%	Access as of 2021
Unemployment	Data not available
Birth Rate	9.31 births/1,000 (2025 est.)
Dependency Ratio	50.4	Total dependency ratio (2024 est.)
Total Energy Consumption	6.962 million kWh (2023 est.)
Median Age	45.5 years	Estimated for 2025