British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands are comprised of over 60 islands with a total area of 150sq.mi/395sq.km. Of these 60 islands and cays only 16 are inhabited, with a total population of 19,000 people. The archipelago, found between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, is adjacent to the U.S. Virgin Islands and north of the Leeward Islands. The principal islands of the British Virgin Islands are Tortola (BVI Capital, Road Town), Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke. Other frequented "Out Islands" are Marina Cay, The Dogs, Mosquito, Fallen Jerusalem, Cooper, Salt, Dead Chest, Pelican and the Indians, Peter, and Norman Island. The topography of the British Virgin Islands is characterized by volcanic, mountainous islands covered with miles/kilometers of beaches as well as exotic and indigenous flora and fauna. The exception to the rule is Anegada, which is almost completely flat and comprised of coral and limestone. All of the islands are idyllic spots for diving, snorkelling and sunbathing. The region is particularly known for excellent sailing, yachting, and chartered boat voyages. Deep sea, bonefishing and reef fishing are also popular activities.

The British Virgin Islands were initially populated by the Ciboney and Taíno (Arawak) Native groups. Warriors from the Carib group, the last natives to inhabit the islands, were said to be the Caribbean's "first true pirates". Columbus "discovered" the islands in 1493 and in 1555 claimed them for Spain, however the islands were deemed to small for settling. In the subsequent centuries there was frequent pirate and buccaneer activity throughout the island chain. In 1666 British planters took over the islands from the original Dutch settlers, and the islands attained the status of British colony. The islands were part of the Leeward Islands from 1872 until 1956 when BVI became a separately administered entity. The Territory remains under the British Crown today.

The official language of the British Virgin Islands is English and the United States dollar is the main currency. The sub-tropical climate of the region is a major draw for tourism, which generates an estimated 45% of the national income. Agricultural products cultivated in the BVI include fruits, vegetables, fish, livestock and poultry. The main exports are rum, fresh fish, fruits, animals, gravel, and sand.

Not generally visited by major cruise lines, large cruise ships have started reaching Tortola. Other cruise ports are found on Jost Van Dyke, Norman, Peter, Salt, and Virgin Gorda Islands. The BVI National Parks Trust was established in the 1960s and currently protects and manages 17 sites throughout the island chain.