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ST HELENA - HER SECRETS REVEALED
Helena
St Helena is a beautiful, volcanic island and up to now it has only been die-hard travellers or native islanders who have made the long trip to get there (a four day boat journey from Cape Town).
An airport is being built in 2016, which will put the island well and truly on the tourist trail and open it up to the world for the first time. Here are some fascinating facts about the island.
1. Napoleon
Did you know that the French Emperor Napoleon I of France was exiled on St Helena in 1815? He remained there until his death in 1821 and you can visit the significant sites linked to him, which include Longwood House, the Briars Pavilion and Napoleon's Tomb (now empty).
2. Vital stats
There are 4,255 people who call St Helena home but it was previously uninhabited until the Portuguese discovered it in 1502. The island measures about 16 km by 8 km (10 miles by 5 miles) and has a total area of 122 km2 (47 sq miles).
3. British Overseas Territory
St Helena is Britain's second oldest remaining overseas territory (once a colony), Bermuda is the oldest. After the Portuguese found the island, it was a Dutch and then a British colony. Jamestown is the capital and this rich mix of history is reflected in the colonial style architecture.
4. Volcanic island
The last volcano may have erupted here 7 million years ago but the island is still very volcanic, chiefly around the coastal areas.
There is a forest in the centre of St Helena and the highlands includes much flora and fauna. The highest point is Diana's Peak, which is at 818 m (2,684 ft).
5. Nature
The national bird of St Helena is the St Helena Plover, known by locals as the Wirebird, it is also on the island's flag and coat of arms. This is fitting as it has been identified as an incredibly important place for bird conservation, especially for the endemic Wirebird and for seabirds.
6. Oldest tortoise
Plantation House, which is home to the island’s governor, has a famous resident in its grounds, the giant tortoise, Jonathan, who is apparently the oldest in the world at over 180 years old.
7. The great outdoors
Did you know that you can go fishing, diving, walking, hiking and bird watching on St Helena.?
It has a mild climate all year round and is also a perfect place to see dolphins.
For more information on St Helena please go to the island’s profile on WAYN, and remember to post your own photos and tips for other WAYN members to see. You can also find our more info at sthelenatourism.com
Ökkeş Bölükbaşı, İstanbul – Mart.2015 – okkesb61@gmail.com,
http://www.medyagunebakis.com/ -okkesb@turkfreezone.com,
https://www.facebook.com/okkes.bolukbasi, -okkesb@telmar.net
Ökkeş Bölükbaşı, İstanbul – Mart.2015 – okkesb61@gmail.com,
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