Geography | |
---|---|
Location | Pacific Ocean |
Coordinates | 25°04′00″S 130°06′24″W / 25.06667°S 130.10667°W |
Archipelago | Pitcairn Islands |
Area | 4.5 km2 (1.7 sq mi) |
Length | 3.5 km (2.17 mi) |
Width | 1.8 km (1.12 mi) |
Highest elevation | 346 m (1135 ft) |
Highest point | Pawala Valley Ridge |
Administration | |
United Kingdom | |
Demographics | |
Population | 40 (2024) |
Pop. density | 10/km2 (30/sq mi) |
Pitcairn Island is the only inhabited island of the Pitcairn Islands, in the southern Pacific Ocean, of which many inhabitants are descendants of mutineers of HMS Bounty.[1]
The island is of volcanic origin, with a rugged cliff coastline. Unlike many other South Pacific islands, it is not surrounded by coral reefs that protect the coast. The only access to the island is via a small pier on Bounty Bay. Adamstown is the sole settlement.
Pawala Valley Ridge is the island's highest point at 346 m above sea level.
The volcanic soil and tropical climate with abundant rainfall make the soil productive.
The average temperature ranges from 19 to 24°C. The annual rainfall is 1,800 mm.[citation needed]
Indigenous fauna consists of insects and lizards. Since their introduction, rats have become an invasive species.
A large number of seabirds nest along the steep shorelines.[2]
As coral reefs are absent, fishing is offshore. Sharks, sea bream, barracudas and tuna are all abundant. Whale migrations are seen yearly.