Ascension is a small, rugged, volcanic island in the South Atlantic Ocean, about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) from the coast of Africa and 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles) from the coast of South America. The island is about 8 kilometers (5 miles) long and 6 kilometers (4 miles) wide.
The highest point on the island is Mount Ascension, which rises to an elevation of 859 meters (2,818 feet) above sea level. The island is uninhabited, except for a small military garrison.
Ascension is a British Overseas Territory. The island was discovered by the Portuguese in 1503, and was claimed by the British in 1815. The island was used as a coaling station by the Royal Navy from 1827 to 1922.
The island is now a dependency of Saint Helena, which is also a British Overseas Territory.