Island (pop., 2000 est.: 4,647), southern 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 crown colony (area: 119 sq mi [308 sq km]; pop., 2000 est.: 5,930). Discovered in 1502, it became a port of call for ships sailing between Europe and the East Indies. It was owned by the British East India Co. in the 17th century; because of its remoteness, it was used as the final place of exile for Napoleon (181521). It declined in importance after the Suez Canal was opened in 1869.