Tristan da Cunha

Tristano_da_Acugna_(Giovio_Series)_(cropped2)

Augustus_Earle,_(Self_Portrait)_Solitude,_Tristan_da_Cunha,_1824

Gough_and_Inaccessible_Islands-113067

Cleaning_oil_off_penguins_after_the_spillage_from_the_MS_Oliva,_Tristan_da_Cunha_(7413022602)

Tristan_da_Cunha,_British_overseas_territory-20March2012

Settlement_on_Tristan_(7089086383)

Gough_island_top_view

Template:Infobox islands

Tristan da Cunha is a remote group of volcanic islands in the south Atlantic Ocean. It is part of the British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. The main island is also named Tristan da Cunha and is located approximately 2,400 kilometers (1,500 miles) from Saint Helena, the nearest inhabited land, and 2,800 kilometers (1,750 miles) from the nearest continental land, South Africa.

Geography[edit | edit source]

The Tristan da Cunha archipelago consists of six islands: Tristan da Cunha, Inaccessible Island, Nightingale Islands, and Gough Island. The main island, Tristan da Cunha, has an area of 98 square kilometers (38 square miles) and is dominated by Queen Mary's Peak, a volcano that rises to 2,062 meters (6,765 feet) above sea level. The island has a rugged terrain with steep cliffs and limited flat land.

History[edit | edit source]

Tristan da Cunha was first discovered in 1506 by the Portuguese explorer Tristão da Cunha, after whom the island is named. The islands were annexed by the United Kingdom in 1816 to prevent them from being used as a base by the French during the Napoleonic Wars. The islands have been continuously inhabited since then, primarily by descendants of shipwrecked sailors and settlers.

Economy[edit | edit source]

The economy of Tristan da Cunha is primarily based on subsistence agriculture, fishing, and the sale of postage stamps and coins to collectors. The island also exports crayfish and other seafood. Tourism is limited due to the island's remote location and the difficulty of access.

Government[edit | edit source]

Tristan da Cunha is a dependency of the British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. The island is governed by a local council, which is elected by the island's residents. The Administrator, appointed by the British government, acts as the representative of the Governor of Saint Helena.

Demographics[edit | edit source]

As of 2021, the population of Tristan da Cunha is 245. The residents are primarily of British, South African, Italian, and American descent. The community is close-knit, with most people living in the settlement of Edinburgh of the Seven Seas.

Culture[edit | edit source]

The culture of Tristan da Cunha is a blend of British and local traditions. The islanders celebrate British holidays and have their own unique customs and traditions. The island has a small school, a hospital, and a church.