Virgin Islands
Official Country Name
United States Virgin Islands
Virgin Islands Overview
During the 17th century, the archipelago was divided into two territorial units, one English and the other Danish. Sugarcane, produced by slave labor, drove the islands' economy during the 18th and early 19th centuries. In 1917, the US purchased the Danish portion, which had been in economic decline since the abolition of slavery in 1848.
Virgin Islands Economy
Tourism is the primary economic activity, accounting for 80% of GDP and employment. The islands hosted 2.6 million visitors in 2005. The manufacturing sector consists of petroleum refining, textiles, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and watch assembly. One of the world's largest petroleum refineries is at Saint Croix. The agricultural sector is small, with most food being imported. International business and financial services are small but growing components of the economy. The islands are vulnerable to substantial damage from storms. The government is working to improve fiscal discipline, to support construction projects in the private sector, to expand tourist facilities, to reduce crime, and to protect the environment.
Virgin Islands Location
Virgin Islands is located in Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico
Region
Virgin Islands is located in Caribbean
Virgin Islands Population
Virgin Islands has population of 108,605 (July 2006 est.)
Virgin Islands Climate
Virgin Islands has subtropical, tempered by easterly trade winds, relatively low humidity, little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season September to November
Virgin Islands Terrain
mostly hilly to rugged and mountainous with little level land
Virgin Islands Natural Resources
sand
Ethnic Groups in Virgin Islands
Virgin Islands has the following ethnic groups - black 76.2%, white 13.1%, Asian 1.1%, other 6.1%, mixed 3.5% (2000 census)
Virgin Islands Religions
Baptist 42%, Roman Catholic 34%, Episcopalian 17%, other 7%
Virgin Islands Languages
English 74.7%, Spanish or Spanish Creole 16.8%, French or French Creole 6.6%, other 1.9% (2000 census)
Virgin Islands Capital
Virgin Islands capital is Charlotte Amalie
Virgin Islands Currency
Virgin Islands currency is US dollar
Map of Virgin Islands
