Ascension

views updated May 23 2018

Ascension Island in the s Atlantic Ocean; a UK dependency administered from the colony of St Helena. Discovered by the Portuguese in 1501, it was occupied by Britain in the early 19th century. It now serves as an Anglo-American intercontinental telecommunications centre, and was an important base for British forces and supplies during the Falklands War. Area: 88sq km (34sq mi). Pop. (1993) 1117.