British Virgin Islands

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The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is a British Overseas Territory located in the Caribbean to the east of Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands. The islands are part of the Virgin Islands archipelago, which also includes the United States Virgin Islands and the Spanish Virgin Islands.

Geography

The British Virgin Islands consist of the main islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke, along with over 50 other smaller islands and cays. Approximately 16 of the islands are inhabited. The capital, Road Town, is situated on Tortola, the largest island, which is about 20 km (12 mi) long and 5 km (3 mi) wide.

History

The British Virgin Islands were first settled by the Arawak and later by the Carib peoples. Christopher Columbus is credited with the European discovery of the islands in 1493. The islands were subsequently claimed by the Spanish Empire, but were later settled by the Dutch West India Company in the early 17th century. The British took control of the islands in 1672.

Government and Politics

The British Virgin Islands is a parliamentary democracy with a House of Assembly consisting of 13 elected members. The head of state is the British monarch, represented locally by a Governor. The head of government is the Premier, who is the leader of the majority party in the House of Assembly.

Economy

The economy of the British Virgin Islands is one of the most prosperous in the Caribbean. The main pillars of the economy are tourism and financial services. The BVI is known as a global offshore financial center, with a significant number of offshore companies registered in the territory.

Demographics

The population of the British Virgin Islands is approximately 30,000. The majority of the population is of African descent, with smaller numbers of European, Asian, and Latino descent. The official language is English.

Culture

The culture of the British Virgin Islands is a blend of African, Caribbean, and British influences. The islands celebrate several annual festivals, including the BVI Emancipation Festival, which commemorates the abolition of slavery in the territory.

Transportation

The British Virgin Islands are served by several airports, the largest being Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island, which is connected to Tortola by a bridge. There are also numerous ferry services connecting the islands and providing links to the United States Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

Education

Education in the British Virgin Islands is compulsory for children between the ages of 5 and 17. The territory has several primary and secondary schools, as well as a community college, the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.

See also

• Virgin Islands
• Caribbean
• British Overseas Territories
• United States Virgin Islands
• Spanish Virgin Islands

External links

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