Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha Rate of Natural Increase

The rate of natural increase (RNI) for Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha—a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic—is notably low, and in recent years has even been negative or close to zero. This is primarily due to low birth rates and relatively high rates of emigration, leading to a stagnant or declining population. In contrast, neighboring African countries such as Angola and Namibia exhibit much higher RNIs, driven by higher fertility rates and younger populations. For example, Angola’s RNI is over 2% per year, reflecting rapid population growth, whereas Saint Helena’s RNI hovers around 0% or slightly negative, indicating little to no natural population growth. This stark difference highlights the demographic challenges faced by small, isolated territories compared to the youthful and growing populations of mainland African nations nearby.

Data from US Census International Database