Country Profile: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha is a British Overseas Territory located in the remote South Atlantic Ocean. Comprising three islands, it features a diverse geography with rugged volcanic terrains and a mild tropical marine climate. The estimated population of 7,943 is predominantly Saint Helenian, with a rich cultural heritage tied to its colonial history. The territory's economy is supported by agriculture, fishing, and significant UK financial aid, alongside a parliamentary democracy that is influenced by British governance.
Geography
Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha is situated in the South Atlantic Ocean, approximately midway between South America and Africa. The territory encompasses rugged volcanic landscapes, with elevations reaching up to 2,060 meters at Queen Mary's Peak on Tristan da Cunha. The climate varies slightly among the islands, featuring tropical marine conditions in Saint Helena and Ascension, while Tristan da Cunha experiences a cooler temperate marine climate.
- 394 sq km total area across the territory
- 0 km land boundaries, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean
- 60 km coastline of Saint Helena
- 5.1% forested area (2022 estimate)
- Significant volcanic activity threatens local ecosystems
People and Society
The population of the territory is around 7,943 (2024 estimate), with a majority identifying as Saint Helenian. Most residents reside in the capital, Jamestown, and other small communities. English is the primary language spoken, and the predominant religion is Anglicanism. The demographic structure shows a median age of 45.1 years and a slight growth rate of 0.1%.
- 3,978 males and 3,965 females
- 14.3% of the population is aged 0-14 years
- 19.2% are 65 years and older
- 80.9 years is the life expectancy at birth (2024 estimate)
- 40.7% urbanization rate (2023)
Economy
The economy of Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha is classified as upper middle-income, largely dependent on agriculture and fishing, with notable support from the UK government. The territory's unique land and farming structure contribute to its economic activity, supplemented by military-related undertakings. Noteworthy industries include construction and crafts like furniture and lacework.
- 34% of imports come from the UK (2023)
- 6.962 million kWh electricity consumption (2023)
- 85 bbl/day refined petroleum consumption (2023)
- 33% of exports to Singapore (2023)
- 10.3% arable land as of 2022
Government
Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha operates under a parliamentary democratic system as an overseas territory of the UK. The capital, Jamestown, serves as the governmental center, and local governance is structured into three administrative areas. The Chief of State is King Charles III, while the head of government is the Governor, currently Nigel Phillips.
- Suffrage begins at age 18
- Last constitutional update took effect on September 1, 2009
- No significant political parties operate within the territory
- Judicial system includes a Court of Appeal and subordinate courts
- National holiday celebrates the King’s official birthday
Military and Security
The defense of Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha is the responsibility of the United Kingdom, with no local military forces. The territory maintains strategic importance due to its location in the Atlantic Ocean.
- Defense efforts are entirely under UK oversight
Energy
Electricity access in the territory is complete, with all residents connected. The energy generation relies exclusively on fossil fuels, primarily for electricity production.
- 5,000 kW installed generating capacity (2023)
- 1.5 million kWh losses from transmission/distribution (2023)
- 12,000 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions (2023)
Transportation
Transportation infrastructure includes a mix of air and sea options. The new airport on Saint Helena opened for limited operations in 2016, with commercial flights beginning in 2017. The islands host multiple ports but have limited air connections among them.
- 2 airports, including one operational for commercial use
- 4 ports, including Edinburgh of the Seven Seas and Jamestown (2024)
- Military airport on Ascension Island is inaccessible to civilians
Communications
Communication facilities include a limited number of fixed and mobile telephone subscriptions, alongside radio broadcasting capabilities. Internet access is comparatively restricted with a penetration rate of 37.6% as of 2021.
- 4,000 fixed-line and mobile subscriptions each (2021)
- 1,000 fixed broadband subscriptions (2018 estimate)
- .sh is the internet country code
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 7,943 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 394 sq km | Total area |
| Life Expectancy | 80.9 years | 2024 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 9.3 births/1,000 population | 2024 estimate |
| Urbanization Rate | 40.7% | 2023 estimate |
| Electricity Consumption | 6.962 million kWh | 2023 estimate |
| Refined Petroleum Consumption | 85 bbl/day | 2023 estimate |
| Agricultural Land | 30.8% | 2022 estimate |
| Installed Generating Capacity | 5,000 kW | 2023 estimate |
| Dependency Ratio | 50.4 | Total dependency ratio (2024 est.) |
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