|RConstitution:|N British colony. Neighbouring islands Ascension and Tristan da Cuhna are administrated from Saint Helena.
|RNature and climate:|N Mountainous island of volcanic origin in the southern Atlantic Ocean. Highest peak, Diana's Peak, reaches 823 m.a.s.l.
Average temperature between 24 and 29°C in January and between 18 and 24°C in July.
Percipitation varies between 300 and 900 mm.
|RPeople:|N -
|REconomy:|N Less than 30% of the land is arable. Most important crops are maize, potatoes and vegetables.
The most important natural resources are timber and fish. Fishing industry mainly produces frozen fish for export and forestry has been developed during recent years.
Wood handicrafts. e.g. manufacturing of furniture, occupies many labourers.
Many islanders work in foreign countries.
|RHistory:|N Saint Helena was discovered by Portuguese sailors in 1502 and in 1641 occupied by the British Eastasian Company. It was an important point of support for their ships in their way to and from Asia.
From 1815 to 1821 Napoleon Bonaparte was held prisoner here and he is buries on the island.
