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Saint Helena

Saint Helena lies in the South Atlantic Ocean and is one of the most secluded islands in the world. It is in the east of Rio de Janeiro and in the west of southwestern Africa. Its name was taken from Saint Helena of Constantinople. This tropical island nation is only about 16 by 8 kilometers and is the second-oldest protectorate of Great Britain. Saint Helena was a stop-off for travelers sailing from Southern Africa or even from Asia to Europe.

 The nation’s economy is dependent on financial aid from the UK totaling about $27 million during the fiscal year 2006 - 2007, an amount that’s more than twice of Saint Helena’s annual revenue. Aside from fishing, livestock, and handicrafts, the island nation also produces the most expensive coffee in the world. In addition, Saint Helena is known for the Tungi Spirit made from the Opuntia ficus-indica fruit which is endemic to the island. As there are only a few jobs available on the island, about 25% of its workers migrate to its neighboring islands such as Ascension Island, the Falklands, and the United Kingdom.

Saint Helena uses the Saint Helena pound as its currency, although the British pound sterling and the South African rand were also circulating in the island nation. A set of banknotes was released in 1976 by the Government of Saint Helena Currency Board. These banknotes bear a picture of Queen Elizabeth II and the emblem of the East India Company that reflects flags, lions, and a shield. Another family of notes was introduced in 2004 with Queen Elizabeth II's new portrait. 

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