Ascension Island cannot be called a favorite tourist route. It is more correct to say that tourists on this small piece of land are rare. Even lovers of "wild" rest who do not favor expensive hotels and crowded beaches do not call here. This will seem strange to many, because the geographical location of the island is very interesting. But the nature of the island is simple and unpretentious, there is simply no riot of colors and exotic plants. Tourism infrastructure is not developed. Well, what should tourists do there? Anyway, what do we know about this place?
Island location
Ascension Island is volcanic. Location - South Atlantic Ocean. On the maps you can see that it is located about halfway from South America to Africa. From Ascension Island to the West African coast - about 1600 km.
The area of the island is not very large, it is about 91 km. The coastline without strong breaks, but with a large number of small bays and bays. The coast has many underwater cliffs and shallows.
The story that began with the discovery
What is interesting about Ascension Island? The history of its discovery began in 1501. It was then that the Portuguese Juan da Nova discovered an unknown land on his way. The traveler sailed to India and did not want to waste time exploring a desert island. The only thing he did was to display his find in the logbook.
In 1503, an uninhabited island appeared on the path of another Portuguese - Alfonso d'Albouquerque. The "discoverer" was more curious. He landed on a new island, examined its territory and gave the name in honor of the Christian holiday of the Ascension of the Lord.
For several centuries after the discovery, Ascension Island remained officially uninhabited. Sometimes pirates came here to replenish fresh water reserves. By the way, the source was found by robbers who crashed near the island. It was a ship of the famous British pirate William Dampier.
Island Settlement
Permanent residents on the island appeared in 1815. During this period, Great Britain decided to equip Ascension Island with a small military outpost. It was assumed that the garrison would be very small, but even with it there were financial problems. There was simply no money in the corresponding budget line. Then the British went to the trick. In documents, they began to refer to the island “Her Majesty's Ascension Ship”, and the financing of the garrison flowed from another budget item.
In 1821, the military base on Ascension Island was expanded, British ships began to enter. In addition, patrolling ships replenished supplies that prevented slave traders from delivering “live goods”.
In the last century, a space observation base was placed on the territory of Ascension Island. Today, the personnel of this base make up the population of the island. The average number, according to ten years ago, slightly exceeds 1000 people who serve one of the antennas of the satellite navigation system.
Territorial affiliation
In fact, Ascension Island is part of the Overseas British territories. This term appeared in 2002 and replaced the term "British Dependent Territories." This overseas territory unites the island of St. Helena, Ascension Island and the Tristan da Cunha archipelago. Education is subordinate to the power of the British Crown, but has self-government and broad autonomy.
The administrative center of the overseas territory is located on the island of St. Helena. The autonomy is so wide that each member of the education has its own emblems and flags. Ascension Island and nearby territories (St. Helena and Fr. Tristan da Cunha) are not officially part of the UK. However, this country is their main economic partner. Yes, and its development education is fully indebted to the inventiveness of the British government. All symbols of overseas territories are approved and approved by the British crown.
Description: Ascension Island Coat of Arms, flag
Until 2012, if necessary, Ascension Island used the symbols of the United Kingdom. Although one part of this formation, and specifically on the island of St. Helena, the flag and coat of arms appeared in 1984. At Tristan da Cugna, the official coat of arms appeared in 2002.
Since 2012, the flag of the Ascension Island is considered to be a blue panel, the flag of Great Britain is shown at the flagpole . In the opposite corner is the coat of arms of Ascension Island. It is an image of one of the attractions of the island - Green Mountain. On the sides are two green turtles holding a shield with images of three albatrosses against the background of the ocean and sky. The design of the coat of arms was developed taking into account the wishes of the inhabitants of the island. In honor of the approval of the flag and coat of arms, the UK Mint was minted the commemorative coin “New Coat of Arms of Ascension Island”.
To the tourist note: climate and nature
Despite the military base and the lack of tourist infrastructure, visitors to the island will find something to see. The main attraction is the space tracking station. Small tourist groups are allowed here by special order. The rest of the guests admire the majestic antennas from afar. The island has a small military museum worthy of the attention of tourists.
Guests arrive on the island with British Air Force flights once a week and at the Royal Postal Ship once a month. The main stream of tourists is private yachts calling to replenish supplies.
On the island you can climb to the highest point - Green Mountain. Here, despite volcanic rocks, flowers and ferns grew. Many of the plants and insects are found only in this part of the world, which may interest connoisseurs. The coast is inhabited by large marine green turtles and birds.