Geography and Environment

Geography and Environment of Saint Helena

Terrain, climate, natural resources, hazards, and environmental conditions of Saint Helena.

Terrain: Saint Helena - rugged, volcanic; small scattered plateaus and plains
Climate: Saint Helena - tropical; marine; mild, tempered by trade winds; Tristan da Cunha - temperate; marine, mild, tempered by trade winds (tends to be cooler than Saint Helena)
Highest Point: 2060 — Queen Mary's Peak on Tristan da Cunha 2,060 m
Lowest Point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Natural Resources: Fish, particularly tuna and other pelagic species, represent the primary natural resource of Saint Helena. The island's surrounding waters in the South Atlantic Ocean support both subsistence and commercial fishing activities. Saint Helena has limited terrestrial natural resources due to its small land area and remote location, though the island possesses some arable land used for small-scale agriculture. The rugged volcanic landscape offers modest potential for natural building materials such as stone. The island's relative isolation and scenic environment also position tourism as a growing resource, particularly following the opening of Saint Helena Airport, which has expanded access to the island and its unique biodiversity, including endemic plant and animal species that hold ecological and scientific value.
Natural Hazards: active volcanism on Tristan da Cunha

Detailed geography