Pitcairn Islands, British archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean.
Pitcairn Islands is a British overseas territory in the southern Pacific and comprises four volcanic islands with steep cliffs and little flat ground. Only one island is inhabited, and its coastline offers few natural anchorages while vegetation consists of dense ferns and low trees.
The islands remained unnoticed by the outside world for nearly two decades after mutineers from HMS Bounty settled there in 1790. After an American ship discovered the colony in 1808, the territory was formally placed under British jurisdiction in 1838.
Residents maintain small gardens where tropical fruits grow alongside imported plants, and many families still practice traditional needlework and wood carving. On weekends the entire community gathers for worship at the church, which has stood at the center of social life for generations.
Entry permits must be requested months in advance, and visitors should expect limited communication options and no regular internet access. Most travelers arrive via Mangareva, with crossings dependent on weather conditions and sea state.
The post office issues its own stamps, which are sought after by collectors worldwide and represent an important revenue source for the small community. New designs appear each year, often showing local animal and plant species or historical themes.
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