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Tristan da Cunha is the name of the principal island of a group of volcanic islands of the same name. Found in the South Atlantic, this archipelago is typically know as 'the most remote inhabited location on Earth'.
The main island of Tristan has a population of 275, measures 11.27km across and is roughly circular.
The islands were first sighted by Portuguese explorer Tristao da Cunha in 1506. Today Tristan is a British overseas territory and the Union Jack flies proudly from the houses on the island.
Tristan is primarily known for it's wildlife, boasting 13 species of breeding seabirds including the Rockhopper Penguin and Sooty Albatross.
All Tristan families are farmers owning their own livestock. The main source of foreign income is generated by the sale of postage stamps and coins to overseas collectors.
During World War II a top secret weather and radio station codenamed 'HMS Atlantic Isles' was constructed upon Tristan. This was used to monitor German U- boat movements in the South Atlantic Ocean.
In 1961 a dramatic volcanic erruption forced the evacuation of the entire island, but almost all decided to return once the erruption was over.
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