When discovered the island was uninhabited. The majority of the population are of mixed European (British, Dutch, Portuguese), East Indian and African
Asiatic strain perhaps predominating, the majority of the early settlers having been previously members of the crews of ships returning to Europe from the East. From 1840 onward for a considerable period numbers of freed slaves of West African origin were settled here. Their descendants form a distinct element in the population. Since the substitution of steamships for sailing vessels and the in troduction of new methods of preserving meat and vegetables the population has greatly diminished. The only town, in which live more than half the total population, is Jamestown. Longwood, where Napoleon died in 1821, is 31 m. E. of Jamestown. The estimated population in 1930 was 3,905. A detachment of Royal Marine Artillery is stationed on the island.
Less than a third of the area of the island is suit able for farming. The principal crop is potatoes. Cattle and sheep are raised but there is no outside market. The aloe (Furcraea gigantea) grows wild and the New Zealand flax (Phormium tenax), an introduced plant, is used in the manufacture of fibre. There
are now seven mills engaged in the industry. In 1925, 1,500 ac. were under flax. Fish curing and lace making are also carried on. Trade is chiefly dependent upon the few ships that call at Jamestown—now mostly whalers. In 1925, the imports were valued at L57,805 and the exports at 47,476 of which
475 were from fibre and tow. St. Helena is in direct telegraphic communication with Europe and South Africa, and there is a regular monthly mail steamship service.
St. Helena is a crown colony. The governor (who also acts as chief justice) is aided by an executive council. He alone makes laws, called ordinances, but legislation can also be effected by the crown by order in council. The revenue in 1925 was L21,731 and the expenditure was L19,567. There is no public debt. Elementary education is provided in government and private schools. St. Helena is the seat of an Anglican bishopric established in 1859. Ascension and Tristan da Cunha are included in the diocese.