Saint Helena is a volcanic island located in the South Atlantic Ocean, about 1,200 miles (1,950 kilometers) west of the coast of Africa. The island is part of the British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. It has a population of around 4,500 people.

The island was uninhabited until it was discovered by the Portuguese in 1502. The British established a permanent settlement on the island in 1659, and Saint Helena became an important stopover for ships traveling between Europe and Asia.

Saint Helena is perhaps most famous for being the place of Napoleon Bonaparte's exile from 1815 until his death in 1821. Longwood House, where Napoleon lived during his exile, has been preserved as a museum and is a popular tourist attraction.

In addition to its historical significance, Saint Helena is known for its rugged, mountainous terrain and unique biodiversity. The island is home to a number of endemic plant and animal species, including the Saint Helena Plover and the Saint Helena Olive.

In recent years, Saint Helena has undergone significant infrastructure development, including the construction of a new airport in 2016, which has improved access to the island. Despite its remote location, Saint Helena is becoming an increasingly popular destination for tourists interested in history, nature, and adventure.

Geography
Area
total: 394 sq km
land: 122 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Climate
Saint Helena: tropical marine; mild, tempered by trade winds;

Ascension Island: tropical marine; mild, semi-arid;

Tristan da Cunha: temperate marine; mild, tempered by trade winds (tends to be cooler than Saint Helena)

Natural resources
fish, lobster

People and Society
Population
7,935 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
African descent 50%, White 25%, Chinese 25%

Languages
English

Religions
Protestant 75.9% (includes Anglican 68.9, Baptist 2.1%, Seventh Day Adventist 1.8%, Salvation Army 1.7%, New Apostolic 1.4%), Jehovah's Witness 4.1%, Roman Catholic 1.2%, other 2.5% (includes Baha'i), unspecified 0.8%, none 6.1%, no response 9.4% (2016 est.)

Population growth rate
0.11% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
parliamentary democracy

Capital
name: Jamestown

Economy
Economic overview
upper middle-income, British Atlantic Ocean territorial economy; native (but pegged to British pound) currency user on 2 of 3 islands; significant UK financial support; unique land/farming commune structure; military-related economic activity; sport fishing locale

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$31.1 million (2009 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$7,800 (FY09/10 est.)

Agricultural products
coffee, corn, potatoes, vegetables; fish, lobster; livestock; timber

Industries
construction, crafts (furniture, lacework, fancy woodwork), fishing, collectible postage stamps

Exports
$19 million (2004 est.)

Exports - partners
United States 47%, Japan 12%, South Korea 10%, France 9%, Australia 5% (2019)

Exports - commodities
crustaceans, fish, integrated circuits, air conditioners, clothing and apparel (2019)

Imports
$20.53 million (2010 est.)

Imports - partners
United Kingdom 65%, South Africa 21% (2019)

Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, cranes, communion wafers, iron sheeting, cars and vehicle parts (2019)