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St Kilda is an isolated archipelago 64 kilometres (40 mi) west-northwest of North Uist in the North Atlantic Ocean. It contains the westernmost islands of the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. The largest island is Hirta, whose sea cliffs are the highest in the United Kingdom. The Gaelic-speaking population probably never exceeded 180 and was never more than 100 after 1851. Although St Kilda was permanently inhabited for at least two millennia, and despite the inhabitants' unique way of life, the entire population was evacuated in 1930. The only residents are now military personnel. The islands are administratively a part of the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar local authority area. The islands' human heritage includes numerous unique architectural features from the historic and prehistoric periods, although the earliest written records of island life date from the Late Middle Ages. The medieval village on Hirta was rebuilt in the 19th century, but the influences of religion, tourism and the First World War contributed to the island's evacuation in 1930. The story of St Kilda has attracted artistic interpretations, including a recent opera. The entire archipelago is owned by the National Trust for Scotland. It became one of Scotland's four World Heritage Sites in 1986 and is one of the few in the world to hold joint status for its natural, marine and cultural qualities. (more...)
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In the news
Rioting after a contested election in Jos, Nigeria, kills over 381 people and injures hundreds.
Terrorist attacks at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel (pictured), the Nariman House and several other locations in Mumbai, India, kill 183 people and injure hundreds.
The people of Greenland pass a referendum regarding greater autonomy from Denmark.
The Thai political crisis deepens as protesters seize two Bangkok airports.
Brazilian officials declare a state of emergency as flooding in the Southern state of Santa Catarina causes at least 109 deaths and forces the evacuation of over 78,000 people.
The PAIGC wins a majority of seats in the National People's Assembly after legislative elections in Guinea-Bissau.
The eruption of Nevado del Huila, a volcano in southern Colombia, causes at least 10 deaths and the evacuation of 12,000 people.
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On this day...
December 2: National Day in the United Arab Emirates (1971) and Laos (1975)
1409 – The University of Leipzig in Leipzig, Saxony, Germany, one of the oldest universities in Europe, was established.
1805 – Napoleonic Wars: French forces led by Emperor Napoleon I decisively defeated a Russo-Austrian army commanded by Czar Alexander I in the Battle of Austerlitz (pictured).
1908 – Two-year-old Puyi became Emperor of China, the last one before the Republic of China was declared in 1912.
1956 – Cuban Revolution: The yacht Granma, carrying Fidel Castro, Che Guevara and 80 other members of the 26th of July Movement, reached the shores of Cuba.
1975 – The Pathet Lao overthrew the royalist government in Vientiane, forcing King Savang Vatthana to abdicate, and established the Lao People's Democratic Republic.
More events: December 1 – December 2 – December 3
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Today's featured picture
The north face of Mount Everest, as seen from Tibet. Everest is the highest mountain on Earth, as measured by the height of its summit above sea level, which is 8,848 metres (29,029 ft). In 1865, Everest was given its official English name by the Royal Geographical Society upon recommendation of Andrew Waugh, the British Surveyor General of India at the time.
Photo credit: Luca Galuzzi
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