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South America and South Atlantic Islands
Tristan da Cunha (British Overseas territory) |
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Last reviewed - 16 July 2009 |
Country information
TRISTAN DA CUNHA TODAY
Country Facts
Status: Dependency of St Helena
Area: 98 sq km
Population: 275
Capital City: Edinburgh Of The Seven Seas
Languages: English
Religion: Christian
Currency: Pound Sterling
Governor: Mr Andrew Gurr (resides in St Helena)
Administrator: David Morley. The Chief Islander, Mr Conrad Glass, acts as Administrator in his absence.
TRAVEL
Travel Advice: Tristan da Cunha
There is no airport. Fishing vessels, currently operated by Ovenstone Agencies in Cape Town, carry passengers, cargo and mail to and from the Island 9 times a year. The South African Antarctic Research Vessel, SA Agulhas visits in September each year. Except for the Agulhas, which carries helicopters, all passengers have to be landed by boat and weather conditions can sometimes make this difficult.
Visits to the Gough Island World Heritage Site and other islands in the group require the express permission of the Administrator.
You will need the prior permission of the Island Council to land on Tristan. You should apply to the Administrator for this permission, which is normally granted. You must have a confirmed and fully paid return passage; comprehensive travel and medical insurance that covers the cost of medical treatment and evacuation to Cape Town; and sufficient funds to cover the cost of your visit. A small landing fee is payable on arrival at the Island. Further details can be found at www.tristandc.com
Once permission has been granted, you should contact Ovenstone Agencies in Cape Town to book a place on their vessels:
Tel +27 21 4216177
Fax +27 21 4198678
Contact: Dorrien Venn
Mobile (Cape Town ) 824587717
ECONOMY
The island is mostly self-sufficient, with an average income per capita of about $3,000 (although those who fish can earn a great deal). There is little unemployment - people work for either government or the fishing factory. The economy is based on crayfishing carried out by 2 ocean-going vessels owned by a South African company, Ovenstone Agencies, and by small powerboats run by Tristanians. Ovenstone holds the exclusive concession to fish for crayfish around the other islands in the Tristan group. The company has a shore based processing plant on Tristan, which is supplied by small powerboats which catch crayfish in the waters around the Island. Octopus is a useful by-catch.
Ad hoc licenses are issued from time to time for longline fishing. The maintenance of a long-term sustainable fishing resource is of primary importance.
HISTORY
Tristan da Cunha was discovered in 1506 by the Portuguese navigator Tristao da Cunha. Britain garrisoned it in 1816 to prevent it being used as a base to rescue Napoleon from St Helena. The settlement that has developed relies on income from fishing and stamp and coin sales.
GEOGRAPHY
Tristan da Cunha is the most remote inhabited island in the world lying 2,778 kilometres west of Cape Town. It is almost circular in shape and has an area of 98 sq. km. The Settlement of Edinburgh of the Seven Seas in the Northwest is its only inhabited area. Tristan da Cunha and the neighbouring islands of Nightingale, Inaccessible and Gough comprise the Tristan da Cunha group. Gough and Inaccessible Island are World Heritage Sites.
POLITICS
Constitutional Status
An Administrator, who is advised by an Island Council, represents the Governor. The Council consists of 8 elected and 3 nominated members. At least 1 member of the Council must be a woman. The member with the most votes becomes Chief Islander.
Elections are held every 3 years. The last elections took place on 19 March 2007.
Administrator
The AdministratorThe Administrator's Office
Edinburgh of the Seven Seas
Tristan da Cunha
South Atlantic Ocean
TDCU 1ZZ
Tel: + 44 (0)203 014 2000
Fax: + 44 (0) 203 014 2020
E-mail: enquiriestdc@gmail.com
