Ascension Island, a remote volcanic island in the South Atlantic, is part of the British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha. Discovered by the Portuguese in 1501, it was uninhabited until the British established a garrison in 1815 to prevent Napoleon’s escape from nearby Saint Helena. During World War II, it served as a key Allied air and naval base, and later as a vital communications hub for NASA’s Apollo missions. Today, it is known for its unique wildlife, including nesting green turtles, and landmarks such as Green Mountain National Park and Wideawake Airfield. The island has no indigenous population; residents are mostly temporary workers.
