Saint Helena
Saint Helena (/ˌsɛnt (h)ɪˈliːnə, ˌsɪnt-, sənt-/, US: /ˌseɪnt-/) is one of the three constituent parts of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, a British overseas territory located in the South Atlantic Ocean. Saint Helena is a remote volcanic tropical island 1,950 km (1,210 mi) west of the coast of south-western Africa, and 4,000 km (2,500 mi) east of Rio de Janeiro in South America.
Saint Helena | |
|---|---|
| Motto: "Loyal and Unshakable" | |
| Anthem: "God Save the King" | |
| Unofficial anthem: "My Saint Helena Island" | |
Map of Saint Helena | |
Location of Saint Helena in the southern Atlantic Ocean | |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Colonial charter | 1657 |
| Crown colony | 22 April 1834 |
| Current constitution | 1 September 2009 |
| Capital | Jamestown 15°56′S 05°43′W |
| Largest city | Half Tree Hollow 15°56′0″S 5°43′12″W |
| Official languages | English |
| Demonym(s) |
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| Government | Devolved parliamentary dependency under a constitutional monarchy |
• Monarch | Charles III |
• Governor | Nigel Phillips |
| Julie Thomas | |
| Legislature | Legislative Council |
| Government of the United Kingdom | |
• Minister | Vacant |
| Area | |
• Total | 121.8 km2 (47.0 sq mi) |
| Highest elevation | 820 m (2,690 ft) |
| Population | |
• 2021 census | 4,439 |
• Density | 36.5/km2 (94.5/sq mi) |
| Currency | Pound sterling Saint Helena pound (£) (SHP) |
| Time zone | UTC±00:00 (GMT) |
| Calling code | +290 |
| Internet TLD | .sh |
Saint Helena measures about 16 by 8 km (10 by 5 mi) and has a population of 4,439 per the 2021 census. It was named after Helena, mother of Constantine I. It is one of the most remote islands in the world and was uninhabited when discovered by the Portuguese enroute to the Indian subcontinent in 1502. For about four centuries, the island was an important stopover for ships from Europe to Asia and back, while sailing around the African continent, until the opening of the Suez Canal. Saint Helena is the United Kingdom's second-oldest overseas territory after Bermuda.
Saint Helena is known for being the site of Napoleon's second exile, following his final defeat in 1815.