Overview of Pitcairn Islands

Profile

Pitcairn is an island group located roughly midway between Tahiti and Easter Island, with no other inhabited islands within 300 km. Nearly all residents live on Pitcairn Island, the only inhabited island. The community was founded in 1790 when mutineers from the British naval ship HMS Bounty and Tahitian women landed there, and most current inhabitants are their descendants. With British support, infrastructure and communications are well-maintained, but without an airport, the only regular transport to the outside world is by ship from Mangareva Island in French Polynesia. Blessed with rich fishing grounds and a subtropical climate, the main income sources are small-scale agriculture, postage stamps, honey, and domain name sales. Despite its small size, the community preserves its unique dialect and culture, welcoming visitors warmly.

Official name: Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands
Common name: Pitcairn Islands
Numeric code: 612
Alpha-3 code: PCN
Alpha-2 code: PN
Population: Approximately 50 (2021)
Population density: Approximately 1.1 per km2
Primary languages: English, Pitkern (Pitcairn Creole)
Major religions: Seventh-day Adventist Church
National anthem: God Save the King
Calling code: +64
Internet TLD: .pn

History

Since 1790 when Bounty mutineers settled here, descendants have maintained the island. It became a British colonial territory in 1838 and continues today as a self-governing overseas territory.

Polynesian inhabitants lived here until the 15th century, but after their departure, British sailor Robert Pitcairn rediscovered the island in 1767. The mutineers who seized the HMS Bounty in 1789 sought refuge on this remote island and arrived in 1790 to establish a settlement. After violent internal conflicts, survivor John Adams rebuilt the community under Christian discipline, and when the British Royal Navy visited in 1814, they reported finding a peaceful society. The islands became an official colony in 1838, and the current territory including all four constituent islands was established in 1938. Following a 2004 sexual assault case involving minor girls, the British government made massive infrastructure investments including judicial, police, and communications systems, establishing modern administrative institutions and living foundations.

Geography & climate

Volcanic rugged main island contrasts with low-lying atoll islands surrounded by coral reefs. Steep cliffs, tropical forests, and turquoise lagoons create striking scenery.

Subtropical oceanic climate

Area: Oceania / 47 km²
Capital: Adamstown
Largest city: Adamstown
Coastal status: Yes

Natural resources

Rich fishing grounds, Phosphate deposits (guano), Manganese nodules, High-purity honey-producing plants, Undeveloped tourism resources, Clear night skies, Coral reef sand, Tropical fruit trees

Politics

Government: British Overseas Territory under constitutional monarchy (British High Commissioner in New Zealand serves as Governor; Island Council provides self-governance)

Economy

Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

GDP (nominal):

GDP (PPP):

Language & timezone

Primary languages: English, Pitkern (Pitcairn Creole)

Time zone: Pitcairn Standard Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Pitcairn Islanders (British-Polynesian mixed), British, Tahitian Polynesians

National sports

Volleyball, Cricket, Touch Rugby, Badminton, Fishing Competitions