Overview of BVI

Profile

The British Virgin Islands are a small island group centered on Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke, with a total area of only about 150km². A mix of volcanic-origin islands and coral-raised islands, with white sandy beaches and turquoise shallow seas forming the main tourist attractions. English is the official language, and the US dollar is used as currency, reflecting strong ties with the United States. The economy is built on tourism and offshore finance, with registered companies numbering more than a hundred times the population. Transportation is mainly by small aircraft and ferries/yachts, and the territory is popular as a cruise ship port of call. Except during hurricane season, the climate is warm year-round, attracting travelers from around the world for sailing, diving, and lobster cuisine.

Official name: British Virgin Islands
Common name: BVI
Numeric code: 092
Alpha-3 code: VGB
Alpha-2 code: VG
Population: Approximately 31,000 (2023)
Population density: Approximately 200
Primary languages: English
Major religions: Christianity (Protestant, Catholic, others)
National anthem: God Save the King (Regional song: 'Oh, Beautiful Virgin Islands')
Calling code: +1-284
Internet TLD: .vg

History

Sighted by Columbus in 1493 during his voyage; claimed by Britain in 1672. It has remained British territory since, expanding autonomy to the present day.

After Spanish "discovery," Dutch settlers arrived in the mid-17th century, but Britain occupied the islands in 1672 and introduced sugar plantations and slave labor. After slave emancipation in 1834, plantations declined, and in the 20th century, maritime trade and tourism expanded. The US dollar was introduced in 1959, and the 1967 constitution granted internal self-government. From the 1980s onward, rapid corporate registration as a tax haven led to its emergence as a financial center. In 2017, Hurricane Irma caused severe damage, but recovery came through international aid and tourism revival. Today, it is one of the Caribbean's highest-income regions, fusing tourism, finance, and sailing culture.

Geography & climate

Diverse island scenery with volcanic islands' steep ridges, the flat limestone Anegada Island, and lagoons framed by coral reefs.

Tropical savanna climate (Köppen Aw) with warm, dry conditions year-round due to trade wind influence

Area: North America (Caribbean) / 151 km²
Capital: Road Town
Largest city: Road Town
Coastal status: Yes
Bordering countries: US Virgin Islands

Natural resources

Coral reefs, Mangrove wetlands, Rich fishing resources including lobster, Sea salt, Tropical timber (mahogany), Tourism landscape resources, Limestone, Trade wind energy, Conch, Shipwreck dive spots

Politics

Government: Constitutional monarchy (Self-governing parliamentary system with the British monarch as head of state)

Economy

Currency: United States Dollar (USD)

GDP (nominal): 1.12 billion USD (2022)

GDP (PPP): 1.34 billion USD (2022)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: English

Time zone: AST

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Afro-Caribbean, Mixed, White, South Asian, Others

Life expectancy

79.5 years

Literacy rate

97%

National sports

Cricket, Sailing, Basketball, Soccer, Athletics