British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is a British overseas territory located in the Caribbean Sea. The territory consists of around 60 islands, cays, and islets, with the largest and most populous islands being Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke. The capital and largest city is Road Town, located on Tortola.

The BVI has a population of around 30,000 people, with the majority of residents being of Afro-Caribbean descent. English is the official language, and the currency is the US dollar.

The economy of the BVI is highly dependent on tourism and offshore financial services. The territory is known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and excellent sailing and diving opportunities. Many visitors also come to the BVI to explore the islands' rich cultural heritage, which includes indigenous Carib and Arawak settlements, as well as the ruins of 17th-century Dutch and British colonial settlements.

In recent years, the BVI has faced challenges related to natural disasters, including hurricanes and flooding. Despite these setbacks, the territory has shown resilience and is continuing to rebuild and develop its infrastructure.

The BVI is a parliamentary democracy under British jurisdiction, with a governor appointed by the British monarch as the head of state. The territory has a unicameral legislature, the House of Assembly, whose members are elected by popular vote. The legal system is based on English common law.

Overall, the British Virgin Islands is a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty, warm weather, and laid-back Caribbean lifestyle.

National holiday
Territory Day, 1 July (1956)

Telephone Code
284

Local Emergency Phone
999 (British)

Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations

Climate
Subtropical, tempered by easterly trade winds, relatively low humidity, little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season September to November

Currency (Code)
Dollar (USD)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
110 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B

Major Languages
English

Major Religions
Protestant 70.2%, Roman Catholic 8.9%, Jehovah's Witness 2.5%, Hindu 1.9%

Potable Water
Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Left

Tourist Destinations
The Baths; Dolphin Discovery; Cane Garden Bay; Jost Van Dyke; Rhone National Marine Park

Major Sports
Soccer, cricket, sailing

Cultural Practices
Swimwear off the beach is frowned upon.

Tipping Guidelines
Tipping 15-20% is customary in bars and restaurants. Tip the bellhop $1-2 per bag and housekeeping $2 per day.

Souvenirs
Carved wooden and straw woven items, batik fabric, luxury items, rum, pottery, spices, handmade jewelry

Traditional Cuisine
Fish and Fungi — cornmeal and okra cooked into a thick mash served with fried whole fish seasoned Creole-style and topped with a sweet onion gravy

Geography
Area
total: 151 sq km
land: 151 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Climate
subtropical; humid; temperatures moderated by trade winds

Natural resources
NEGL; pleasant climate, beaches foster tourism

People and Society
Population
39,369 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
African/Black 76.3%, Latino 5.5%, White 5.4%, mixed 5.3%, Indian 2.1%, East Indian 1.6%, other 3%, unspecified 0.8% (2010 est.)

Languages
English (official), Virgin Islands Creole

Religions
Protestant 70.2% (Methodist 17.6%, Church of God 10.4%, Anglican 9.5%, Seventh Day Adventist 9.0%, Pentecostal 8.2%, Baptist 7.4%, New Testament Church of God 6.9%, other Protestant 1.2%), Roman Catholic 8.9%, Jehovah's Witness 2.5%, Hindu 1.9%, other 6.2%, none 7.9%, unspecified 2.4% (2010 est.)

Population growth rate
1.87% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
Overseas Territory of the UK with limited self-government; parliamentary democracy

Capital
name: Road Town

Economy
Economic overview
British Caribbean island territorial economy; strong tourism and services industries; vulnerable to hurricanes; navigating public debt insolvency since 2008 Crisis; considered a tax haven; high electrification costs; major rum exporter

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$500 million (2017 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$34,200 (2017 est.)

Agricultural products
fruits, vegetables; livestock, poultry; fish

Industries
tourism, light industry, construction, rum, concrete block, offshore banking center

Exports
$23 million (2017 est.)

Exports - partners
Malta 30%, Seychelles 29%, Switzerland 14% (2019)

Exports - commodities
recreational boats, aircraft, diamonds, paintings, precious stones (2019)

Imports
$300 million (2017 est.)

Imports - partners
Germany 32%, United States 22%, Italy 9%, France 7%, Seychelles 7% (2019)

Imports - commodities
recreational boats, aircraft, refined petroleum, cars, furniture (2019)