Saint Helena summary

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Below is the article summary. For the full article, see Saint Helena.

Beach and volcanic rocks, Ascension Island, South Atlantic Ocean.

Saint Helena , Island (pop., 2003 est.: 3,800), eastern South Atlantic Ocean. Located 1,200 mi (1,950 km) west of Africa, Saint Helena has an area of 47 sq mi (122 sq km). The capital and port is Jamestown. With Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha, it constitutes a British overseas territory (area: 119 sq mi [308 sq km]; pop., 2003 est.: 5,104). Discovered in 1502, it became a port of call for ships sailing between Europe and the East Indies. It was owned by the English East India Co. in the 17th century; because of its remoteness, it was used as the final place of exile for Napoleon (1815–21). It declined in importance after the Suez Canal was opened in 1869.

Atlantic Ocean, with depth contours and submarine features

Atlantic Ocean Summary

Atlantic Ocean, body of salt water covering approximately one-fifth of Earth’s surface and separating the continents of Europe and Africa to the east from those of North and South America to the west. The ocean’s name, derived from Greek mythology, means the “Sea of Atlas.” It is second in size to

United Kingdom Summary

United Kingdom, island country located off the northwestern coast of mainland Europe. The United Kingdom comprises the whole of the island of Great Britain—which contains England, Wales, and Scotland—as well as the northern portion of the island of Ireland. The name Britain is sometimes used to