Overview of U.S. Virgin Islands

Profile

A tourist destination featuring azure seas, white sandy beaches, and rich coral reefs. The main islands are St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, each with distinct character from shopping havens to pristine nature. Using the U.S. dollar and English, access from the mainland U.S. is easy. A well-established duty-free system makes it a popular cruise ship port.

Official name: Virgin Islands of the United States
Common name: U.S. Virgin Islands
Numeric code: 850
Alpha-3 code: VIR
Alpha-2 code: VI
Population: 87,000 (2020)
Population density: Approximately 250 people/km²
Primary languages: English
Major religions: Protestant Christianity, Roman Catholic
National anthem: Virgin Islands March
Calling code: +1-340
Internet TLD: .vi

History

Flourished as Danish West Indies from the 17th century, purchased by the U.S. for $25 million in 1917, continuing to present.

Islands once inhabited by indigenous Arawak and Carib peoples were settled by Denmark in the 17th century, establishing a plantation economy. After slave rebellions and emancipation in 1848, the U.S. purchased the islands as a military stronghold during World War I. U.S. citizenship was granted to residents in the 1930s, and since 1970, a self-governing administration with a popularly elected governor has governed. One non-voting representative is sent to the federal Congress, but presidential voting rights are absent.

Geography & climate

Volcanic-origin mountains and limestone small islands connected. Island surroundings feature vast coral reefs and turquoise shallow waters, with inland tropical forest and dry cactus zones distributed in mosaic pattern.

Tropical savanna climate (Aw)

Area: North America (Caribbean region) / 347 km²
Capital: Charlotte Amalie
Largest city: Charlotte Amalie
Coastal status: Yes

Natural resources

Coral reefs, Tourism resources, Fishery resources, Mahogany, Limestone, Solar energy, Wind power, Fertile volcanic soil, Coastal lagoons, Sea salt

Politics

Government: Unincorporated and unorganized U.S. territory (Self-government with Governor)

Economy

Currency: United States Dollar (USD)

GDP (nominal): Approximately 4.8 billion dollars (2022)

GDP (PPP): Approximately 5.2 billion dollars (2022)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: English

Time zone: Atlantic Standard Time (AST)

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

African descent, Mixed, Hispanic, European, Indo-Caribbean

Life expectancy

Approximately 80 years

Literacy rate

Approximately 98%

National sports

Cricket, Baseball, Basketball, Sailing, Soccer