Saint Helena

Saint Helena, Ascension & Tristan da Cunha (a group of 4 islands) are a group of islands located in the south Atlantic Ocean, halfway between Africa and South America. In this British Overseas Territory and parliamentary democracy, the Queen/King of England is the chief of state and the governor of Saint Helena is the head of government. The population of the Saint Helena Islands is estimated to be only 6000 people, with the population steadily declining since the 1980s due to emigration.

These volcanic tropical islands were first discovered in the early 1500s by Portuguese explorers. The islands have been used by many countries, for many purposes, over the past 500 years. For example, Saint Helena was used as the place of exile for Napolean Bonaparte, it was used to hold prisoners during the Anglo-Boer war in South Africa, and in the 1960s Ascension island was used as a space tracking station for the United States. Currently, Tristan da Cunha island is the site of a South African meteorological station. Tristan da Cunha island group is home to two world heritage sites.

The economy relies heavily on aid from the UK government, however fishing and agriculture are also sources of income for the people of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha islands.

The islands have a tropical climate and are home to diverse wildlife, including over 40 plant species that are found nowhere else in the world. There is only one airport which is located in Saint Helena. Prior to its opening in 2017, the islands were only accessible by ship – a 5 day journey.

Although the official currency is the Saint Helena Pound, the Pound Sterling is also accepted. Often, however, when paying with the Pound Sterling, change will be returned in the Saint Helena Pound. Credit cards not widely accepted and are not accepted on Tristan da Cunha.