U.S. Virgin Islands

U.S. Virgin Islands

  [[File:|frameless|alt=]]

Map of the U.S. Virgin Islands

Other names
Etymology
Location	Caribbean Sea
Coordinates
OS grid reference
Type
Archipelago
Adjacent to
Total islands	50+

The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) are a group of islands in the Caribbean that are an unincorporated territory of the United States. The main islands are Saint Thomas, Saint John, and Saint Croix, along with numerous smaller islands. The capital is Charlotte Amalie on Saint Thomas.

History

The islands were originally inhabited by the Ciboney, Arawak, and Carib peoples. Christopher Columbus is credited with the European discovery of the islands in 1493. Over the centuries, the islands were controlled by various European powers, including Spain, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, France, and Denmark.

In 1917, the United States purchased the islands from Denmark for $25 million in gold, primarily to improve military positioning during World War I. The islands were initially administered by the U.S. Navy until 1931, when they were transferred to the Department of the Interior.

Geography

The U.S. Virgin Islands are located in the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, about 40 miles east of Puerto Rico. The islands are volcanic in origin and feature a rugged terrain with lush tropical vegetation. The climate is tropical, moderated by easterly trade winds, with little seasonal variation in temperature.

Economy

The economy of the U.S. Virgin Islands is primarily driven by tourism, manufacturing, and services. The islands are a popular destination for tourists, with attractions such as beaches, coral reefs, and historical sites. The manufacturing sector includes rum distilling and watch assembly. The islands also benefit from federal aid and tax incentives as a U.S. territory.

Demographics

The population of the U.S. Virgin Islands is approximately 104,000 as of 2023. The majority of the population is of African descent, with smaller communities of European, Hispanic, and Asian descent. English is the official language, although Spanish and Virgin Islands Creole are also spoken.

Culture

The culture of the U.S. Virgin Islands is a blend of African, European, and Caribbean influences. Music, dance, and festivals play a significant role in the cultural life of the islands. The annual Carnival is a major event, featuring parades, music, and traditional foods.

Government

As an unincorporated territory of the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands have a local government with a governor and a legislature. Residents are U.S. citizens but do not vote in presidential elections and have non-voting representation in the U.S. Congress.

Also see

• Puerto Rico
• Caribbean
• United States territories
• Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
• Saint John, U.S. Virgin Islands
• Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands