Ascension Island Map

Description: This map shows streets, roads, trails, peaks, beaches, rivers, towns, villages, airport, buildings, golf clubs, and parks on Ascension Island.

Other Maps of Ascension Island

Ascension Island is a remote volcanic island in the South Atlantic Ocean, approximately 1,000 miles (1,600 km) from the coast of Africa and 1,400 miles (2,300 km) from the coast of South America. It forms part of the British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. The island covers an area of approximately 88 square kilometers (34 square miles).

The island was discovered in 1501 by Portuguese explorer João da Nova Castella, though it was later named by Portuguese navigator Afonso de Albuquerque who sighted the island on Ascension Day (May 21) in 1503. Despite its discovery, the island remained uninhabited until 1815, when the British garrisoned it as a precautionary measure following Napoleon Bonaparte's exile to Saint Helena.

Ascension Island has a unique geological history as a relatively young volcanic island. The island's highest point is Green Mountain, rising to 859 meters (2,817 feet) above sea level. The landscape is predominantly characterized by volcanic formations including lava flows, cinder cones, and extensive fields of clinker. The island's coastline features rocky shores with occasional sandy beaches, the most notable being Long Beach, an important nesting site for green turtles.

The climate on Ascension Island is tropical but relatively dry, moderated by the South East Trade Winds. The island receives an average annual rainfall of about 14 cm (5.5 inches) at sea level, though this increases significantly with elevation on Green Mountain, which captures moisture from clouds and fog.

Ascension Island serves important strategic purposes. It hosts a joint UK-US military facility including a significant communications and signals intelligence installation. The island is also home to Wideawake Airfield, constructed during World War II by the United States, which continues to serve as a vital link in trans-Atlantic air routes.

The island's population is approximately 800 people, primarily military personnel, government employees, and contractors. There are five main settlements: Georgetown (the capital), Two Boats, Cat Hill, Traveller's Hill, and the US base at Wideawake Airfield.

Ascension's natural environment has been significantly altered by human introduction of non-native species. However, conservation efforts have made progress in recent decades. The island is home to important seabird colonies, including the endemic Ascension frigatebird. Marine turtles, particularly green turtles, use the island's beaches as nesting grounds. The waters surrounding the island were declared a Marine Protected Area in 2019, covering an area of 445,000 square kilometers.

Flag of Ascension Island
Sovereign state:	United Kingdom
British Overseas Territory:	Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
Capital:	Georgetown
Population (2016 census):	806
Density:	23.7/sq mi (9.15/sq km)
Area:	34 sq mi (88 sq km)
Coordinates:	7°56′S 14°22′W
Highest elevation:	2,818 ft (859 m)
Currency:	Saint Helena pound (£) (SHP)
Calling code:	+247
UK postcode:	ASCN 1ZZ
ISO 3166 code:	SH-AC
Ascension Island Government Website:	www.ascension.gov.ac

Beaches Around Ascension Island

Main sights in Ascension Island