Tristan da Cunha

Tristan da Cunha, group of five small volcanic islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, administered as part of the British dependency of St Helena. The islands lie at about latitude 37°6' south and longitude 12°1' west. The total area of the islands is about 202 sq km (78 sq mi). Tristan da Cunha is the largest (98 sq km/38 sq mi) and only permanently inhabited island. Other islands in the group include Gough, Inaccessible, and Nightingale. The island of Tristan da Cunha has a volcano 2,060 m (6,760 ft) high, thought to be extinct until 1961, when an eruption occurred. All inhabitants were evacuated, but returned in 1963.

The islands were first sighted in 1506 by a Portuguese fleet led by Admiral Tristão da Cunha; the first landing took place in 1643 but the islands were not colonized until 1810. They were annexed by Great Britain in 1816. Most of the inhabitants are descendants of British soldiers who were stationed on Tristan da Cunha during the captivity of Napoleon on St Helena; some are descendants of settlers from whaling ships. The islanders support themselves by agriculture, fishing, and livestock raising. Since 1942 the island has served as a British radio and meteorological station. Until 1948 no organized form of government existed. In 1950 the first administrator was appointed by St Helena, and a general election for an island council took place in 1952. The council consists of three appointed and eight elected members, and elections take place every three years.

The environment, flora, fauna, and geology of the islands are, in many respects, unique. All visitors must apply for permission to visit the islands. In 1995, the Gough Island Wildlife Reserve was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the designation was extended in 2004 to include Inaccessible Island. Population 313 (1988).