Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
The British overseas territory of
Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha is located in the eastern South Atlantic Ocean, 1,200 mi (1,950 km) west of Africa. The three islands boast an area of 119 sq mi (308 sq km).
Saint Helena is the largest of the three islands, with an area of 47 sq mi (122 sq km). Its capital and port, Jamestown, is home to an estimated 3,800 people (2003 est.). Discovered in 1502, it was owned by the English East India Company in the 17th century and became a port of call for ships travelling between Europe and the East Indies. Infamously, it was chosen as the final place of exile for Napoleon Bonaparte between 1815-1821. After the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, however, its importance declined.
Ascension Island is a remote volcanic island located approximately 800 mi (1,287 km) northwest of Saint Helena. It has an area of 34 sq mi (88 sq km). It is home to around 800 people (2003 est.), mostly concentrated in its capital, Georgetown. It is notable for its role in providing air and sea support during World War II.
Tristan da Cunha is the most remote of the three islands and is situated 2,000 mi (3,219 km) from Saint Helena. With an area of 37 sq mi (96 sq km), it has a population of around 4,300 people (2003 est.), living mainly in the islands' main settlement, Edinburgh of the Seven Seas. It is notable for being the remotest inhabited archipelago in the world.