Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

Region
🌍 Africa
Population
👥 53
Currency
💱 Pound sterling
Languages
🗣️ English
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Official NameSource: REST Countries
Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
Continent
Africa
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Saint Helenian
Independence
This territory does not have an official independence day.
Top-Level Domain
.sh
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+290
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+00:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Jamestown
ISO Alpha-2
SH
ISO Alpha-3
SHN
UN Code
654
Geographic Coordinates
-15.95,-5.72
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
394#208 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
53,192#212 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
Approximately 18 people per square kilometer.
Highest Point (m)
2,060 meters (Queen Mary's Peak on Tristan da Cunha).
Lowest Point (m)
0 meters (Atlantic Ocean).
Land Use
Primarily rough grazing and some arable land.
Irrigated Land
Very limited irrigated land.
Coastline Length
121 kilometers.
Climate
Tropical marine; mild, humid, and subject to trade winds.
Natural Resources
Fish.
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
No land borders
Major Rivers
This territory has no major rivers.
Major Lakes
This territory has no major lakes.
Government Type
Overseas territory of the United Kingdom.
Administrative Divisions
Three constituent parts: Saint Helena, Ascension Island, and Tristan da Cunha.
Chief of State
King Charles III, represented by a Governor.
Head of Government
The Governor, along with an Executive Council.
Cabinet
The Executive Council assists the Governor.
Elections
Elections are held for the Legislative Council of Saint Helena and local councils on Ascension and Tristan da Cunha.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court and Magistrate's Court.
Legislative Branch
Legislative Council of Saint Helena and local councils on Ascension and Tristan da Cunha.
Major Political Parties
Political parties are not highly organized; politics is largely based on independent candidates.
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Pound sterling
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)
Due to its small size, reliable GDP figures in USD billions are difficult to ascertain.
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)
Due to its small size, reliable GDP figures in USD billions are difficult to ascertain.
GDP per Capita (US$)
Due to its small size, reliable per capita GDP figures are difficult to ascertain.
GDP - Agriculture (%)
—
GDP - Industry (%)
—
GDP - Services (%)
—
Inflation Rate (%)
Inflation rates are difficult to track independently due to the territory's economic structure.
Labor Force (people)
The labor force is relatively small and primarily employed in service and public sectors.
Unemployment Rate (%)
Unemployment data is limited, but the rate is estimated to be relatively low.
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Public debt information is difficult to ascertain given the territory's economic structure.
Budget
Budget information is available from the government of Saint Helena.
Exports (US$ billion)
Exports are very limited, mainly consisting of fish and coffee.
Imports (US$ billion)
Imports are primarily food, fuel, and manufactured goods.
Foreign Reserves
Information on foreign reserves is limited due to the territory's economic structure.
GDP by Sector
Information on GDP by sector is limited due to the territory's size.
Major Industries
Major industries include fishing, tourism, and government services.
Major Export Partners
The UK is the primary export partner.
Major Import Partners
The UK is the primary import partner.

Society

Literacy Rate (%)
Literacy rates are high.
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)
Birth rates are difficult to ascertain precisely.
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)
Death rates are difficult to ascertain precisely.
Net Migration Rate
Net migration is influenced by employment opportunities and external factors.
Median Age
The median age is relatively high.
Urban Population (%)
The population is largely rural.
Urbanization Rate
Urbanization is not applicable as the population is mostly rural.
Life Expectancy (years)
Life expectancy is around 75 years.
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
HIV/AIDS prevalence is low.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)
Health expenditure data is available from government sources.
Ethnic Groups
The population is largely of mixed European, African, and Asian descent.
Religions
Christianity is the dominant religion.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
English

Education

Education System
The education system in Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha follows the British model, with primary, secondary, and further education options.
School Life Expectancy (years)
Data on school life expectancy is limited, but the system generally provides education from primary through secondary levels.
Government Education Spending
Government spending on education is a significant portion of the budget, supporting schools and educational programs.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
There are no major universities located within Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha.

Culture

Cultural Overview
The culture is a blend of British heritage with influences from the various populations that have resided on the islands, including African, Asian, and European descent.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
  • New Year's Day (2026-01-01)
  • Good Friday (2026-04-03)
  • Easter Monday (2026-04-06)
  • Ascension Day (2026-05-14)
  • Saint Helena Day (2026-05-21)
  • Whit Monday (2026-05-25)
  • Anniversary Day (2026-08-14)
  • August Bank Holiday (2026-08-31)
  • King's Birthday (2026-11-20)
  • Christmas Day (2026-12-25)
  • Boxing Day (2026-12-26)
Popular Music
Popular music on the islands includes a mix of genres, with influences from the UK and broader international trends, as well as local music styles.
Traditional Food
Traditional food includes dishes that reflect the island's history, such as fish and local produce, with influences from British cuisine.
Sports
Popular sports include cricket, football (soccer), and fishing.
Major Festivals
Major festivals include the Saint Helena Day Festival, and other cultural events celebrating local traditions.
Famous People
Famous people include individuals who have made contributions to the island's society or achieved recognition in specific fields.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Cultural heritage sites include historic buildings and areas reflecting the islands' unique history.
UNESCO Sites
There are no UNESCO World Heritage Sites currently listed in Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha.
Annual Tourist Visits
Data unavailable, low numbers expected.
Tourism Overview
Tourism is limited, primarily focused on wildlife and historical sites.
Top Tourist Attractions
Longwood House, Jamestown, and Ascension Island's wildlife.
Famous Cities
Jamestown is the main settlement.
National Parks
Data unavailable, limited protected areas.
Protected Areas
Includes areas of ecological significance.
Best Time to Visit
—
Tourist Visa Info
Visas may be required; check current regulations.
Visa Requirements Overview
—
Travel Advisory
Exercise caution; monitor travel advisories.

Healthcare

Healthcare Quality
Healthcare quality is generally good, with access to basic services.
Medical Cost
Medical costs are relatively low compared to developed countries.
Number of Hospitals
There is one hospital on Saint Helena.
Universal Healthcare
Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha operate a healthcare system based on the National Health Service model, providing access to healthcare for residents.
Medical Services Overview
Medical services are available, including a hospital and clinics.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are available.

Emergency & Safety

Emergency Number (Police)
999 is the emergency number for the police.
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
999 is the emergency number for the ambulance service.
Emergency Number (Fire)
999 is the emergency number for the fire service.
Crime Rate
The crime rate is generally low in Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha.
Safety Index
The safety index is typically high.
Military Expenditure
Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha does not have a military expenditure.
Emergency Services Overview
Emergency services, including police, ambulance, and fire services, are available to the islands' residents.
Safety Overview
—
Military Branches
Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha does not maintain its own military.

Infrastructure

Electricity Access
Electricity access is available throughout Saint Helena and Ascension Island.
Water Access
Access to clean water is generally available to residents.
Sanitation Access
Sanitation services are available to the population.
Railways
There are no railways in Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha.
Roadways
Roads exist on Saint Helena and Ascension Island, providing transportation.
Transportation System
Transportation primarily relies on roads and ships, with limited public transportation options.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
RAF Ascension Island (ASI), Saint Helena International Airport (HLE)
Ports
The main port is in Jamestown, Saint Helena.
Public Transit
Public transit options are limited on the islands.

Technology & Communication

Internet Penetration (%)
Internet penetration is increasing, but data can be limited due to the remote nature of the islands. Estimates suggest a rising percentage of internet access.
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
Data unavailable.
Tech Startups
Data unavailable.
Innovation Index
Data unavailable.
ICT Development Index
Data unavailable.
TV Broadcast Stations
Data unavailable.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Data unavailable.
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)
Data unavailable.
Air Quality Index
Data not available.
Water Pollution Level
Data not available; likely low due to limited industrial activity.
Renewable Energy Usage
Limited usage; potential for solar power.
Environmental Issues
Soil erosion, invasive species.
Natural Hazards
Volcanic activity.
Waste Management
Limited infrastructure; waste disposal primarily through landfills.
Environmental Agreements
Party to agreements concerning biodiversity, climate change, and other global environmental issues, implemented via the UK.
UN Membership
—
Diplomatic Missions
Diplomatic representation handled by the UK.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
Associated with the UK in various organizations.
Major Treaties
Subject to treaties ratified by the UK.
Visa-Free Countries
Visa requirements align with the UK's policy.

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