Tristan da Cunha is a group of remote islands in the south Atlantic Ocean, inbetween South Africa and South America (but closest to the former). It is a colony of Saint Helena which is 2173 kilometres to its north. This territory contains mostly Tristan da Cunha (the largest island in the territory - which is inhabited), as well as quite a few islands which aren't lived on; for example Inaccessible Island and the Nightingale Islands. Also part of this territory is Gough Island, which is south east to the main island.
Tristan da Cunha holds the record for being the most remote group of related islands (archipelago) in the World.
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Tristão da Cunha, a Portuguese sailor, was the first person to sight these islands (in 1506) - although he did not land. The main island was named after himself - Ilha de Tristão da Cunha ("Island of Tristão da Cunha), however this was later renamed to simply Tristan da Cunha. The French frigate L'Heure du Berger was first to record this island properly, in 1767. A rough survey of the coastline was made, along with the presence of water at Big Watron's waterfall.
Jonathan Lambert from Massachusetts was the first long-term settler, arriving in 1810. He declared that he now owned the islands, however his rule was short lived, as he died in 1812 (boating accident).
In 1815 the United Kingdom formally incorporated the islands, and they were occupied by a British military garrison. As such, a civilian population gradually built up as well. Unfortunately, the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, together with the move to coal-fired steam ships, saw increased isolation of the islands, being no longer needed as a stopping port for long-distance journeys.
The islands were declared a dependency of St Helena in 12th of January 1938 (by Letters Patent)
Tristan Da Cunha saw more usage during World War II - as they were used as a Royal Navy station. Also, Atlantic Isle was used monitor German shipping movements around the Atlantic ocean.
A volcanic eruption in 1961 forced the entire population of this terrority to England. However in 1963, after being judged safe in 1961, most families returned - being lead by Willie Repetto and Allan Crawford.
A few years ago, the island was granted a UK post code (TDCU 1ZZ), making it easier for residents to order goods online.
Executive authority is vested in The Queen, being represented as Governor of Saint Helena. However because the Governor resides permanently in Saint Helena, an Administrator is appointed to represent the Governor.
This Administrator plays the role of (local) Head of Governemnt, and he/she takes council from the Island Council (composed to 8 elected and 3 appointed members).
Tristan Da Cunha sets its own laws, however Saint Helena's law applies whenever it doesn't contradict law set by Tristan's local law (and when it's applicable).
The name "Tristan da Cunha" is also used for the archipelago, consisting of:
Inaccessible Island and the Nightingale Islands are located southwest of the main island, and Gough Island is located SSE (however it's located roughly 300 km further away from the main island than Inaccessible Island and Nightingale Islands).
The main island is relatively mountainous; the only flat area is the location of the capital, Edinburgh. Queen Mary's Peak, a volcano, is the highest peak, being covered by snow in winter. There are small temperature differences between the seaons, and the time of day.
Apart from Gough Island's Weather Station (operated by South Africa with a staff of 6), all other islands are uninhabited.
Tristan da Cunha houses the Tristan Albatrosses.
The main source of foreign income is from the island's lobster factory. Selling coins and stamps to overseas collectors is also a source of income. The majority of people (or working age) have two occupations - often working for the local government, and/or growing potatoes in the plots of land they own.
The volcanic eruption in 1961 destroyed the canned crayfish factory, although this was rebuilt shortly after 1963 when the island was inhabited once again. Workers of this factory are from Overnstone - a South African company (which sells to the US and Japan).
Despite this, the country have recently had to borrow from their reserves. This is for two main reasons:
These financial worries may possibly delay planned improvements in the island's updating of communication equipment and also of education.
Tristan's population of 272 mostly reside on its the main settlement - Edinburgh of the Seven Seas (which is the capital of Tristan Da Cunha's main island) .The predominant religion on this island is Christianity.
There are instances of health problems (including asthma and glaucoma) largely due to the inevitable marriages among distantly related couples (this is inevitable due to having a small gene pool - read "Society" below).
Transport to the outside world is difficult due to the remote locations of these islands. There is no airport, and the islands can only be reached by boat. Fishing boats from South Africa regularly service the islands, however RMS Saint Helena, which formerly connected the islands to South Africa, and the United Kingdom, no longer calls at Tristan da Cunha.
The younger generation tend to want to stay on the island, however some end up moving abroad due to concerns of finding a spouse. Those that do move abroad, though, do hope to marry and then return if possible.
Due to having apopulation of just 272, there are only eight surnames: Glass, Green, Hagan, Laverello, Repetto, Rogers, Swain, and Patterson.
Health care is free, but with just one resident doctor (from South Africa), the delivery and surgery are limited. Serious injury can mean flagging down passing fishing vessels so that the person can be transferred to the nearby Cape Town. Television arrived in the island in 2001, and the sole channel available is the British Forces Broadcasting Service (transmitted from the Falkland Islands).
The education system isn't fully developed yet as children leave school at fifteen. It is possible to take GCSEs a year later, but results are poor.
Tristan da Cunha's isolation has led to an unusual dialect of the English language .
Thanks to Wikipedia for this content