Turks and Caicos Islands is a British Overseas Territory located in the Caribbean Sea. The archipelago consists of 40 islands and cays, of which only eight are inhabited. The islands are known for their stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and coral reefs, making them a popular destination for tourists.

The islands have a total area of 948 square kilometers and a population of around 38,000 people. The official language is English, and the currency is the US dollar. The economy of the Turks and Caicos Islands relies heavily on tourism, offshore financial services, and fishing.

The islands were inhabited by the Taino and Lucayan peoples before the arrival of European explorers. The Turks and Caicos Islands were claimed by several European powers, including Spain, France, and Great Britain, before they were eventually granted to Britain in 1766.

The Turks and Caicos Islands have a parliamentary system of government, with a Governor appointed by the British monarch as the head of state. The Premier is the head of government and leads the executive branch of government. The House of Assembly, made up of 19 elected members, is the legislative body of the islands.

The islands are known for their natural beauty, including the world-famous Grace Bay Beach, which is consistently rated as one of the best beaches in the world. Other popular attractions include the Caicos Conch Farm, the Turks and Caicos National Museum, and the Chalk Sound National Park.

Despite being a British Overseas Territory, the Turks and Caicos Islands are not part of the European Union. The islands maintain a relationship with the EU through their membership in the Caribbean Forum, a grouping of Caribbean countries that cooperate with the EU on various issues.

Telephone Code
649

Local Emergency Phone
999, 911

Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations

Climate
Tropical; marine; moderated by trade winds; sunny and relatively dry

Currency (Code)
Dollar (USD)

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

Major Languages
English

Major Religions
Protestant 72.8%, Roman Catholic 11.4%, Jehovah's Witness 1.8%

Potable Water
Yes

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Left

Tourist Destinations
Crossing Place trail hike; Mudjin Harbour; Pine Cay; Salt Cay; Conch Bar Caves National Park; Grand Turk Lighthouse; Turks & Caicos National Museum

Major Sports
Soccer, sailing

Cultural Practices
Dining does not usually call for formal wear, but stylish and appropriate clothing is expected.

Tipping Guidelines
Check your bill to see if a 10% service charge has been added. If so, you may supplement it by 5% or even more if service was outstanding. If no service charge has been added, then tip as you would in the US, about 15%. Be aware that when a large party dines together, a hefty service fee may be added at the end. Taxi drivers expect about a 10% tip.

Souvenirs
Handmade baskets and plaited straw hats, hand-screened cloth, ocean-themed wood carvings including wooden boats and models, conch shell items, sea glass and other beaded jewelry, wind chimes, rum, ceramics

Traditional Cuisine
Cracked Conch — conch meat pounded with a meat tenderizer, seasoned, coated in a flour batter, and then deep fried

Geography
Area
total: 948 sq km
land: 948 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Climate
tropical; marine; moderated by trade winds; sunny and relatively dry

Natural resources
spiny lobster, conch

People and Society
Population
59,367 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
Black 87.6%, White 7.9%, mixed 2.5%, East Indian 1.3%, other 0.7% (2006 est.)

Languages
English (official)

Religions
Protestant 72.8% (Baptist 35.8%, Church of God 11.7%, Anglican 10%, Methodist 9.3%, Seventh Day Adventist 6%), Roman Catholic 11.4%, Jehovah's Witness 1.8%, other 14% (2006 est.)

Population growth rate
1.81% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
parliamentary democracy

Capital
name: Grand Turk (Cockburn Town)

Economy
Economic overview
British Caribbean island territorial economy; GDP and its tourism industry hit hard by COVID-19 disruptions; major biodiversity locale; US dollar user; fossil fuel dependent; negative trade balance; increasing unemployment

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$835.171 million (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$18,500 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
corn, beans, cassava (manioc, tapioca), citrus fruits; fish

Industries
tourism, offshore financial services

Exports
$827 million (2018 est.)

Exports - partners
France 31%, United States 16%, Zambia 13%, Singapore 9%, Republic of the Congo 8% (2019)

Exports - commodities
plastic building materials, stone processing machinery, iron structures, crustaceans, integrated circuits (2019)

Imports
$544.219 million (2018 est.)

Imports - partners
United States 76% (2019)

Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, cars, jewelry, furniture, soybeans (2019)