Virgin Gorda Island's Rocky Coast
Government
Overseas territory of the UK with internal self-governing.
Location
Caribbean, east of Puerto Rico.
Area
153 sq km (59 sq miles)
Terrain
Coral islands are relatively flat; the volcanic islands steep and hilly.
Climate
Subtropical; humid; temperatures moderated by trade winds.
Economy
One of the most prosperous in the Caribbean; highest income generators – tourism and financial services.
Nationality
British Virgin Islander(s)
Population
22, 000
Ethnic Groups
Black 83%, White, Indian, Asian and mixed.
Religions
Christianity
Languages
English, Spanish
Literacy
98%
Capital City
Road Town (on Tortola)Natural resources: Sun, sand, sea, surf.
Agriculture products
Fruits, vegetables; livestock, poultry; fish.
Industries
Tourism, light industry, construction, rum, concrete block, offshore financial service.
Exports partners
Virgin Islands (US), Puerto Rico, USA
Imports partners
Virgin Islands (US), Puerto Rico, USA
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Clear Blue Trunk Bay
History
The British Virgin Islands comprise more than 40 Caribbean islands and islets, 16 of them are inhabited. First settled by the Dutch in 1648, the islands were annexed in 1672 by the English.
During the 17th century, the archipelago was divided into two territorial units, one English and the other Danish. Sugarcane, produced by slave labor, drove the islands’ economy during the 18th and early 19th centuries. In 1917, the US purchased the Danish portion, which had been in economic decline since the abolition of slavery in 1848.
The economy of BVI is closely tied to the larger and more populous US Virgin Islands to the west; the US dollar is the legal currency.
Culture and history walk side by side on these islands. Amerindians populated them 1,000 years ago and their presence remains in some of our foods like cassava and sweet potatoes, and in our language – hurricane and canoe are among the words that are still in use today. Influences can also be felt today from the Dutch and British settlers who first came here in the mid-1600s. One can still view the stone remnants of forts, rum distilleries and churches dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Cultural influences can be felt through the islands’ music and food – whether it be indigenous fungi, reggae or steel pan, or the taste of local savoury chicken, fish, conch and lobster dishes enhanced with exotic spices.
