Saint Helena15.95° S, 5.71° W
Population of 4,534 — the 7th lowest of 235 countries.
population 4,534 · 229th/235
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Saint Helena was sighted and named by Spanish navigator Joao da Nova, sailing for Portugal, on the feast day of Saint Helena in 1502. The conventional long form, Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha, combines the island names: Ascension was renamed after its feast day, while Tristan da Cunha was named for Portuguese explorer Tristao da Cunha.
Source: CIA World Factbook · 2026-02-01 · text generated from this source, approved by a person
These islands lie in the South Atlantic Ocean, about midway between South America and Africa. Ascension Island lies northwest of Saint Helena, and Tristan da Cunha lies southwest.
The islands are volcanic in origin and associated with the Atlantic Mid-Ocean Ridge. Saint Helena has rugged volcanic terrain, with small scattered plateaus and plains. Ascension has lava flows and cinder cones from dormant volcanoes, while its terrain rises to the east. On Tristan da Cunha, sheer cliffs line the coast, and the flanks of its central volcanic peak are deeply dissected. Saint Helena harbors plants unknown elsewhere in the world. Fish and lobster are natural resources.
Source: CIA World Factbook · 2026-02-01 · text generated from this source, approved by a person
Tempered by trade winds, Saint Helena has a mild, tropical marine climate.
Source: CIA World Factbook · 2026-02-01 · text generated from this source, approved by a person
The population includes people identified as St. Helena, UK, South Africa, and Ascension, along with others. Religious affiliations include Anglican, no religion, Jehovah's Witness, Baptist, Salvation Army, Roman Catholic, Seventh Day Adventist, New Apostolic, and other Christian.
People are concentrated in and around the capital of Jamestown in the northwest, with another significant cluster in the interior Longwood area.
Source: CIA World Factbook · 2026-02-01 · text generated from this source, approved by a person
A parliamentary democracy governs Saint Helena. Its legal system combines English common law and local statutes. The latest constitution took effect 1 September 2009. Saint Helena has no independence and is an overseas territory of the UK; its national holiday is the Official birthday of King Charles III, celebrated in April or June as designated by the governor.
Source: CIA World Factbook · 2026-02-01 · text generated from this source, approved by a person
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