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Saint Helena flag

Saint Helena

Capital:Jamestown
Population:7,670
Currency:Saint Helana Pound (SHP)
Language:English

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Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of Saint Helena.

Saint Helena Factsheet

Customs and Culture

Cultural Attributes

Saint Helena is a small, remote British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic Ocean, and its culture reflects a rich blend of African, European, and Asian influences that developed over centuries of settlement and trade. The island was uninhabited when first discovered by Portuguese explorers in 1502, and its population today — known as Saints — descends from British colonists, enslaved Africans, indentured laborers from India and China, and sailors from various nations who settled there over time. This diverse heritage is visible in the island's traditions, cuisine, food festivals, and everyday social life. Saints take considerable pride in their close-knit community identity, and the small population of approximately 4,500 people maintains a strong sense of mutual support and local belonging. English is the sole official language and is spoken universally across the island. Religion plays a central role in community life, with Anglican Christianity being the dominant faith. St. James's Church in Jamestown, consecrated in 1774, is one of the oldest Anglican churches in the Southern Hemisphere and serves as a focal point for both worship and cultural heritage. The island's history as a strategic waypoint for ships traveling between Europe, Africa, and Asia has left a lasting cultural imprint. Napoleon Bonaparte's exile and death on Saint Helena from 1815 to 1821 remains one of the most defining events in its identity, and Longwood House — his residence during his captivity — continues to attract visitors and serves as a cultural landmark managed by the French government. Saints have developed their own unique folk traditions, including local music, dance, and storytelling. Wire bird conservation efforts, centered on the endemic Saint Helena plover known locally as the wirebird, also reflect a deep cultural connection to the island's natural environment. The opening of Saint Helena Airport in 2016 marked a significant cultural turning point, gradually increasing the island's connection to the wider world while also bringing new questions about balancing modernization with the preservation of its distinctive heritage and way of life.

Island of Exiles, Volcanic Soul

Dates of Interest

  • Untitled date

What language do people speak in Saint Helena?

English is the sole official language and is spoken universally across the island.

Good to know

  • Locals are known as Saints and take pride in their close-knit community identity

What should I know about social life and religion in Saint Helena?

Saints maintain a strong sense of mutual support and local belonging in a small community of about 4,500 people, and religion plays a central role in community life, with Anglican Christianity being the dominant faith.

Good to know

  • St. James's Church in Jamestown, consecrated in 1774, is a focal point for worship and cultural heritage

What cultural traditions and sites can travelers experience in Saint Helena?

The island has unique folk traditions including local music, dance, and storytelling, along with historical landmarks and food festivals reflecting its African, European, and Asian heritage.

Good to know

  • Visit Longwood House, Napoleon Bonaparte's residence during his 1815–1821 exile, now managed by the French government
  • Learn about wirebird conservation, centered on the endemic Saint Helena plover

What should I know before visiting Saint Helena?

Saint Helena is a small, remote British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic Ocean whose culture blends African, European, and Asian influences developed over centuries of settlement and trade.

Good to know

  • Saint Helena Airport opened in 2016, increasing the island's connection to the wider world
  • Be mindful of the island's efforts to preserve its distinctive heritage and way of life

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Travel and Tourism

Currency
Saint Helenian pound (SHP)
Time Difference
UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Climate
Saint Helena - tropical; marine; mild, tempered by trade winds; Tristan da Cunha - temperate; marine, mild, tempered by trade winds (tends to be cooler than Saint Helena)
Airports
1
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History

Historical Eras

  1. Portuguese Discovery

    1502 – 1658

    Portuguese navigator João da Nova discovered the uninhabited island on Saint Helena's feast day, 21 May 1502. For over a century it served as a remote resupply point for Portuguese vessels on the spice trade routes, with no permanent settlement established. The island's strategic mid-Atlantic position made it a valuable waypoint long before formal colonization.

  2. East India Company Rule

    1658 – 1834

    Lord Protector Richard Cromwell authorized the British East India Company to colonize and fortify Saint Helena in 1658, establishing the island as a key staging post for British commercial and naval power in the South Atlantic. The era's defining episode was the exile of Napoleon Bonaparte, banished here following his defeat at Waterloo in 1815 and remaining until his death in 1821. The island flourished as a vital port of call during this period.

  3. Crown Colony Era

    1834 – 1869

    Saint Helena was transferred from East India Company control to direct British Crown administration in 1834, formalizing imperial governance over the island. The period saw the island serve as a point of detention for notable political exiles, including Zulu chief Dinizulu from 1890, and housed up to 6,000 Boer prisoners of war between 1900 and 1903. The island remained an important Atlantic waypoint and administrative outpost of the British Empire.

  4. Decline & Isolation

    1869 – 1939

    The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 drastically reduced maritime traffic around the Cape of Good Hope, stripping Saint Helena of its strategic commercial importance virtually overnight. The island's economy contracted sharply, and population decline became a persistent challenge. During this period the island's infrastructure turned inward, with former facilities repurposed domestically, including a penal establishment operating from 1867 and a prison farm functioning until official closure in 1932.

  5. Modern Saint Helena

    1939 – present

    The British Crown reclaimed administrative control of key island assets in 1939, and Saint Helena gradually shifted toward a subsidized Crown dependency economy. The island gained renewed international attention with the construction of Saint Helena Airport, which opened in 2016, ending centuries of near-total reliance on sea transport. Today Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha form a single British Overseas Territory, with tourism and heritage linked to Napoleon's exile serving as key economic drivers.

Overview

St Helena was discovered on St Helena day (21 May) 1502 by the Portuguese navigator Joan da Nova. In 1658 Richard, Lord Protector, authorised the British East India Company to colonise and fortify the island. Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled to St Helena in 1815 and remained there until his death in 1821. St Helena became a Crown Colony in 1834. The Zulu Chief, Dinizulu, was exiled to the island in 1890 and up to 6000 Boer prisoners were held there between 1900 and 1903.

Timeline of Key Events

  1. 1826

    Named St Helena after Aboriginal exiled on Island.

    Named St Helena after Aboriginal exiled on Island.

  2. 1867

    Declared Penal Establishment.

    Declared Penal Establishment.

  3. 1921 – 1932

    Became prison farm for low security prisoners.

    Became prison farm for low security prisoners.

  4. 1932

    Official Prison closure.

    Official Prison closure.

  5. 1933

    Opened to the public.

    Opened to the public (under responsibility of Brisbane City Council) First passenger ferry service established from Wynnum Pier (Closed 1934).

  6. 1939

    BCC handed Island back to State Gov’t. Leased as dairy farm to 1973.

    BCC handed Island back to State Gov’t. Leased as dairy farm to 1973.

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Interesting Facts

  • Diana’s Peak is the highest point on St Helena at 823m above sea level and is of volcanic origin.

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Geography and Environment

Terrain
Saint Helena - rugged, volcanic; small scattered plateaus and plains
Climate
Saint Helena - tropical; marine; mild, tempered by trade winds; Tristan da Cunha - temperate; marine, mild, tempered by trade winds (tends to be cooler than Saint Helena)
Natural Hazards
active volcanism on Tristan da Cunha
Current Environmental Issues
NA
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People & Demographics

Languages Spoken

English

  • English

Population

Population
7,670
Population in Major Urban Areas
JAMESTOWN (capital) 1,000
Nationality Noun
Saint Helenian(s)
Ethnic Groups
African descent 50%, white 25%, Chinese 25%

Education

Literacy Definition
age 20 and over can read and write
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Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
SaintHelena

Government Structure

Government Type
NA
Legal System
NA
Executive Branch
chief of state: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022) head of government: Governor and Commander in Chief Andrew BURNS (since 19 April 2021) cabinet: Executive Council consists of the governor, three ex-officio officers, and five elected members of the Legislative Council elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor is appointed by the monarch
Legislative Branch
unicameral Legislative Council (16 seats, including the speaker, 3 ex officio and 12 elected members; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) elections: last held 31 August 2005 (next to be held NA 2009) election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats - independents 12
Judicial Branch
Magistrate's Court; Supreme Court; Court of Appeal
Suffrage
NA years of age
Constitution
1-Jan-89
Independence
none (overseas territory of the UK)
National Holiday
Birthday of Queen ELIZABETH II, second Saturday in June (1926)

Capital City

Capital Name
Jamestown
Capital - geographic coordinate
15 56 S, 5 43 W
Capital Time Difference
UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

founded in 1659 and named after James, Duke of York, who would become King JAMES II of England (r. 1785-1788)

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Economy

Saint Helena's economy remains heavily dependent on financial assistance from the United Kingdom, which provides annual budgetary support of approximately £30 million to fund essential public services and infrastructure. The opening of Saint Helena Airport in 2017 was intended to boost tourism and reduce long-term aid dependency, though passenger numbers have grown more slowly than initially projected.

The local population earns income primarily from fishing, livestock farming, small-scale agriculture, and the sale of handicrafts. Coffee production, while limited in volume, has gained recognition as a premium export. Government employment accounts for a significant share of the workforce, and the public sector remains the island's largest employer.

Because of limited local job opportunities, a substantial portion of working-age Saint Helenians have historically migrated to seek employment on Ascension Island, in the Falkland Islands, and in the United Kingdom. However, the granting of full British citizenship to islanders in 2002 and ongoing development efforts have shaped new patterns of migration and return.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
Saint Helana Pound (SHP)

Banknotes

Saint Helena Money - Front
Saint Helena Money - Front
Saint Helena Money - Back
Saint Helena Money - Back

Budget & Public Finance

Fiscal Year
1 April - 31 March
Annual Budget
$11,000,000 (USD)
Economic Aid
$12,600,000 (USD)

Labor, Industry & Trade

Labor Force by Occupation
agriculture and fishing 6%; industry (mainly construction) 48%; services 46%
Industries
construction, crafts (furniture, lacework, fancy woodwork), fishing
Agriculture Products
corn, potatoes, vegetables; timber; fish, crawfish (on Tristan da Cunha)
Export Commodities
fish (frozen, canned, and salt-dried skipjack, tuna), coffee, handicrafts
Export Partners
US 23.5%, Japan 17.6%, Tanzania 17.6%, Netherlands 11.8%, Indonesia 5.9%, Philippines 5.9%, Spain 5.9%, UK 5.9%
Import Commodities
food, beverages, tobacco, fuel oils, animal feed, building materials, motor vehicles and parts, machinery and parts
Import Partners
UK 50%, South Africa 19%, Italy 11.9%, Tanzania 7.1%, US 4.8%

Energy

Oil Production
0 bbl/day
Oil Consumption
200 bbl/day
Oil Reserves
0 bbl/day
Natural Gas Production
0 cu m
Natural Gas Consumption
0 cu m
Natural Gas Imports
0 cu m
Natural Gas Exports
0 cu m
Natural Gas Reserves
0 cu m

Communications

Telephone System
general assessment: can communicate worldwide domestic: automatic digital network international: country code (Saint Helena) - 290, (Ascension Island) - 247; international direct dialing; satellite voice and data communications; satellite earth stations - 5 (Ascension Island - 4, Saint Helena - 1)
Internet Country Code
.sh

News & Weather

Current Weather

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Latest News

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Climate Overview

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Saint Helena?
The population of Saint Helena is approximately 7,670.
What language do people speak in Saint Helena?
English is the sole official language and is spoken universally across the island. Locals are known as Saints and take pride in their close-knit community identity
What should I know about social life and religion in Saint Helena?
Saints maintain a strong sense of mutual support and local belonging in a small community of about 4,500 people, and religion plays a central role in community life, with Anglican Christianity being the dominant faith. St. James's Church in Jamestown, consecrated in 1774, is a focal point for worship and cultural heritage
What cultural traditions and sites can travelers experience in Saint Helena?
The island has unique folk traditions including local music, dance, and storytelling, along with historical landmarks and food festivals reflecting its African, European, and Asian heritage. Visit Longwood House, Napoleon Bonaparte's residence during his 1815–1821 exile, now managed by the French government Learn about wirebird conservation, centered on the endemic Saint Helena plover
What should I know before visiting Saint Helena?
Saint Helena is a small, remote British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic Ocean whose culture blends African, European, and Asian influences developed over centuries of settlement and trade. Saint Helena Airport opened in 2016, increasing the island's connection to the wider world Be mindful of the island's efforts to preserve its distinctive heritage and way of life
What is the capital of Saint Helena?
Jamestown is the capital of Saint Helena and the island's only town of significant size. Situated on the northwest coast in a narrow valley, it serves as the administrative, commercial, and port hub of the territory. Jamestown retains much of its colonial-era architecture, including the famous Jacob's Ladder — a steep staircase of 699 steps cut into the hillside — giving the settlement a remarkably preserved historical character unusual for such a remote outpost.
Where is Saint Helena located?
Saint Helena is a remote volcanic island located in the South Atlantic Ocean, roughly 1,900 kilometres west of the coast of Angola in Africa. It is part of a British Overseas Territory that also includes Ascension Island and the Tristan da Cunha archipelago. Its extreme isolation — it was one of the most inaccessible inhabited islands on Earth before the opening of an airport in 2016 — has shaped virtually every aspect of its history and culture.
What are the ocean borders of Saint Helena?
As an island nation, Saint Helena has no land borders; it is entirely surrounded by the South Atlantic Ocean. Its nearest major landmass is the African continent to the east, while South America lies approximately 2,900 kilometres to the west. The island's remote oceanic position made it a strategically vital waypoint for sailing ships on the route between Europe, Africa, and Asia during the age of sail, before the opening of the Suez Canal diminished that role.
What currency is used in Saint Helena?
The official currency of Saint Helena is the Saint Helena Pound, ISO code SHP, which is pegged at parity with the British pound sterling. The currency is issued locally and used across the territory, though British pounds are also widely accepted. The Saint Helena Pound exists in both banknote and coin form and reflects the island's status as a British Overseas Territory with a degree of administrative and financial autonomy.
What language is spoken in Saint Helena?
English is the sole official language of Saint Helena and is spoken universally across the island. The local population, known as Saints, speak a distinctive dialect sometimes called Saint Helenian English, which incorporates vocabulary and cadences reflecting the island's diverse historical influences, including African, South Asian, and European heritage. Standard British English is used in government, education, and official communications throughout the territory.
What is the geography of Saint Helena like?
Saint Helena is a small, rugged volcanic island characterised by dramatic terrain, with steep cliffs along much of its coastline and a mountainous interior. Diana's Peak, the island's highest point, rises to 823 metres above sea level and sits at the centre of a small cloud forest that is home to several endemic plant species. The landscape shifts sharply from barren, windswept coastal slopes to lush central highlands, a contrast that surprises many first-time visitors to the island.
What is Saint Helena known for?
Saint Helena is most widely known as the final place of exile of French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, who was held on the island from 1815 until his death in 1821; his former residence, Longwood House, remains a major historic site managed by the French government. The island is also noted for its endemic wildlife, including the wirebird (a critically endangered plover), its exceptionally pure coffee grown in the central highlands, and the ancient Chinese-style Jonathan — a giant tortoise believed to be the oldest living land animal on Earth.
Who discovered Saint Helena and what is its early history?
Saint Helena was discovered uninhabited by Portuguese navigators in 1502 and served as a vital resupply station for ships travelling between Europe and Asia. The British East India Company garrisoned the island during the 17th century, establishing permanent settlement. Its strategic importance as a mid-ocean waypoint diminished sharply after the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, which redirected much of the maritime traffic that had previously made Saint Helena one of the busiest anchorages in the South Atlantic.

Last reviewed 2026

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