Four small islands make one of the three British colonies (British Overseas Territories) on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Only one is inhabited and one, Gough Island is 432 km to the south.

The islands were discovered by a Portuguese navigator of that name in 1506. The Dutch tried to settle them but did not succeed. In 1816 a British garrison was stationed there to prevent its use by pirates or by potential rescuers of Napoleon (2334 km away on St Helena) and it was annexed to Britain then. A certain Corporal Glass settled there with his family in 1817 after the garrison left. Women from St Helena came in 1827 and various people including wandering sailors settled. There were 97 inhabitants in 1886. It was made a dependency of St Helena in 1938.

The Volcano which created the main island erupted in 1961. 295 people were evacuated to Britain from the volcano. Most returned in 1963.

The population at present is about 300.

English

See this account of the variety of English.

Controlled by the governor of St Helena. There is a British Administrator and an Island Council.

At one time the islanders bartered fresh vegetables and water to East India ships passing and to whalers and sealers, but the end of the Age of Sail ended most of this trade.

There is a small crayfish (Lobsters) industry operated by a South African company which also provides a connection with Cape Town.

The volcano is a threat to life on the main island. Other islands are famous for birds.

Islanders were awarded full British citizenship in 21 May 2002. However, British citizens do not have the right to move there.