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

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha are a group of remote islands situated in the South Atlantic Ocean, governed as a British Overseas Territory. The territory encompasses a diverse geography, featuring volcanic landscapes and unique ecosystems. With a small population of approximately 7,943, it maintains an upper-middle-income economy supported largely by UK financial assistance, agriculture, and fishing. The governance structure is a parliamentary democracy under the jurisdiction of the British monarch.

Geography

The islands are located midway between South America and Africa, characterized by volcanic terrain and tropical marine climates. Saint Helena is rugged with small plateaus, Ascension has dormant volcanoes, and Tristan da Cunha features stark cliffs and a rich biodiversity, including several World Heritage sites.

Total area: 394 sq km
Highest point: Queen Mary's Peak on Tristan da Cunha at 2,060 m
Coastline: 60 km for Saint Helena and 34 km for Tristan da Cunha
Natural resources: Fish and lobster
Climate: Mild tropical marine, tempered by trade winds

People and Society

As of 2024, the estimated population is 7,943, predominantly of Saint Helenian descent. English is the official language, and the society is largely Anglican, reflecting its historical ties to the UK. The population tends to be concentrated around urban areas like Jamestown, with an aging demographic and low growth rates.

Life expectancy: 80.9 years
Urban population: 40.7% (2023)
Median age: 45.5 years (2025 est.)
Population growth rate: 0.08% (2025 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 17.5 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)

Economy

The economy is classified as upper-middle-income and relies heavily on fishing, agriculture, and support from the UK. The local currency is pegged to the British pound, reflecting its economic structure and reliance on British financial assistance.

Exports: fish and shellfish, with Singapore as the largest trade partner (33% in 2023)
Agricultural land use: 30.8% (2022 est.)
Major industries: construction, crafts, and fishing
Import reliance: UK accounts for 34% of imports (2023)
GDP: supported by a unique land and farming commune structure

Government

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha operate under a parliamentary democracy, with governance provided by a governor appointed by the UK monarchy. The legal system is based on English common law, and the islands are divided into three administrative areas.

Capital: Jamestown
Chief of state: King Charles III (since 8 September 2022)
Executive branch: Includes the governor and an Executive Council
Suffrage: Universal for citizens aged 18 and older
National holiday: Celebrated on the official birthday of King Charles III

Military and Security

The defense of the territory is the responsibility of the United Kingdom, with no local military forces present.

Energy

Electricity in the islands is generated entirely from fossil fuels, with 100% access to electricity for the population. The total installed capacity is limited, reflecting the small size and population of the islands.

Installed capacity: 5,000 kW (2023 est.)
Electricity consumption: 6.962 million kWh (2023 est.)
Daily refined petroleum consumption: 85 bbl/day (2023 est.)

Transportation

Transportation infrastructure includes limited airport services and several ports. The new airport on Saint Helena opened in 2016, marking a significant improvement in connectivity.

Airports: 2 (2025)
Ports: 4 total, including ports at Edinburgh of the Seven Seas and Jamestown
Civil aircraft registration code: VQ-H

Communications

The communication systems include a mix of fixed and mobile telephony services, with a limited percentage of the population having internet access.

Fixed line subscriptions: 4,000 (2021 est.)
Mobile cellular subscriptions: 4,000 (2021 est.)
Internet users: 37.6% of the population (2021 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	7,943	(2024 est.)
Total Area	394 sq km
Life Expectancy	80.9 years	(2024 est.)
Urban Population	40.7%	(2023)
GDP	-	Significant UK financial support
Electricity Access	100%	(2021)
Installed Capacity	5,000 kW	(2023 est.)
Agricultural Land Utilization	30.8%	(2022 est.)
Infant Mortality Rate	17.5 deaths/1,000 live births	(2025 est.)
Median Age	45.5 years	(2025 est.)