People and Society of Saint Helena

Nationality

Saint Helenian(s)

Ethnic Groups

African descent 50%, white 25%, Chinese 25%

Population

5,633

Population in Major Urban Areas

JAMESTOWN (capital) 1,000

Life Expectancy at Birth

Life expectancy at birth on Saint Helena is notably high for such a small, remote island territory, reflecting the community's access to healthcare services, its stable social environment, and its relatively low-stress way of life. Estimates place the overall life expectancy for residents of Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha at approximately 80 years, with women generally living longer than men — a pattern consistent with global trends. Saint Helena's small population, which numbers around 4,500 to 5,000 on the island itself, benefits from a publicly funded healthcare system administered by the Saint Helena Government. The island's primary medical facility is the Jamestown Hospital, which provides primary and secondary care services to residents. For more complex or specialized medical needs, residents may be referred to facilities in South Africa or the United Kingdom, a logistical challenge that has historically influenced health outcomes but has improved significantly since the opening of St. Helena Airport in 2016, which now allows medical evacuations and transfers to take place by air rather than by sea. The territory's relatively high life expectancy can be attributed to several factors. The island experiences low levels of violent crime and industrial hazard, and the population benefits from a close-knit community structure that tends to support elderly residents. Diet traditionally incorporates fresh fish and locally grown produce, though concerns about noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity have become increasingly prominent in recent years, mirroring trends seen in many small island communities worldwide. These conditions represent the primary long-term health challenges facing the island's population and healthcare system. Saint Helena's aging population is a growing demographic reality. A significant proportion of working-age residents have historically emigrated to the United Kingdom and other territories, leaving behind an older demographic profile. This shift places ongoing demands on the island's healthcare infrastructure but also reflects the longer lifespans being achieved by the resident population. Compared to the global average life expectancy of approximately 73 years, Saint Helena's figures are commendably high. The territory consistently performs above the global mean, placing it broadly in line with many higher-income nations despite its remote location and small size. Detailed year-by-year statistical data for the territory remains limited given its status as a British Overseas Territory rather than an independent nation, meaning it is not always captured in major international health databases independently of the United Kingdom.

Infant Mortality Rate

Saint Helena, the remote British Overseas Territory situated in the South Atlantic Ocean, maintains a relatively low infant mortality rate compared to many developing regions of the world, reflecting the territory's access to healthcare services and its small, closely administered population. The infant mortality rate for Saint Helena is estimated at approximately 12 to 14 deaths per 1,000 live births, a figure that places the territory in a moderate range globally. While this rate is higher than those seen in most Western European nations and the United Kingdom — which administers the territory — it remains significantly lower than regional averages across sub-Saharan Africa and many other developing island territories. Several factors influence infant health outcomes on Saint Helena. The island has a small general hospital, the Jamestown Hospital, which provides maternity and neonatal care services to the population of roughly 4,500 residents. Medical staff includes general practitioners and visiting specialists, though the island's geographic isolation can present challenges in accessing advanced or emergency medical care. Serious cases often require medical evacuation, which, prior to the opening of Saint Helena Airport in 2016, was an extraordinarily difficult and time-consuming process. The territory benefits from British administrative oversight, which supports healthcare funding, trained medical personnel, and public health infrastructure. Immunization programs and prenatal care services are available to residents, helping to reduce preventable infant deaths from conditions such as infections and complications during delivery. The population of Saint Helena is aging, and birth rates on the island are low, meaning the total number of infant deaths in any given year is extremely small in absolute terms — sometimes in the single digits. This makes precise statistical analysis difficult and means that year-to-year fluctuations can significantly alter the reported rate. Ongoing improvements in infrastructure, including the operational airport enabling faster medical evacuations, are expected to contribute positively to health outcomes for newborns on the island in the coming years.

Literacy Definition

age 20 and over can read and write

English

• English