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National Flag
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Facts about British Virgin Islands
Airport
Terrence B Lettsome Airport (EIS) | Annual Rainfall
45 inches | Area
150 sq km | Area Code
284 | Banks
Monday - Thursday, 9 am to 3 pm/Friday 9 am to 5 pm | Capital City
Road Town, Tortola | Co-ordinates
18 30' N, 64 30' W | Currency
United States Dollar (US$), credit cards, travelers cheques | Departure Tax
US$20 by air, US$5 by sea, US$7 by cruise ship | Dimensions
60+ islands | Dress
Swim wear on the beach, casual cotton during the day, more elegant at night, nudity illegal | Driving
On the left, local license required, US$10 | Electricity
110V/60 cycles | Exchange Rate
US$1.00 | Highest Point
Mount Sage (1780ft/521 m) | Language
English | Medical
Police & medical, 999 | Population
23 552 | Public Transport
Taxis, ferries between the islands are frequent and reliable | Shopping
Monday - Saturday 9 am to 4 pm | Taxis
Friendly, knowledgeable | Telecommunications
Internet access, local phone cards | Temperature
87F | Time
Atlantic Standard | Tipping
10-15% | Water
Use bottled water |
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ABOUT BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS History
The Virgin Islands were first settled by Arawak Indians from South America around 100 BC, though there is evidence of an Amerindian presence around 1500 BC. The Arawaks were displaced by the Caribs in the 1400s. The first European in these islands was Christopher Columbus in 1493, and he named them Santa Ursula y las Once Mil Vargenes (Saint Ursula and her 11 000 Virgins), which was shortened to Las Vargenes (The Virgins). Spain claimed the islands but never settled them, and the English, Dutch, French, Spanish and Danish all fought for control. The Dutch established a settlement on Tortola in 1648, and in 1672, the English captured the island. Anegada and Virgin Gorda followed in 1680. From 1672 to 1733, the Danish had control of nearby St Thomas, St John and St Croix. The British introduced, and slaves were brought from Africa to work on the plantations. The islands prospered until the mid 1800s, when the combination of the abolition of slavery, several disastrous hurricanes, and the growth of the cheaper sugar beet in Europe and the United States resulted in an economic decline. In 1917, the United States purchased St John, St Thomas and St Croix from Denmark for US$25 million, and renamed them the United States Virgin Islands. The British Virgin Islands were administered with St Kitts and Nevis until 1960s, at which time the islands turned towards tourism and financial services. Several museums throughout the islands attest to their varied history.
Geography
The British Virgin Islands are made up of sixty islands, ranging in size from Tortola, the largest at 12 miles (20 km) long and 3 miles (5 km) wide, to tiny uninhabited islets. Approximately fifteen of the islands are inhabited. They are located a few miles east of the US Virgin Islands. The North Atlantic Ocean lies to the north of the islands, and the Caribbean Sea lies to the south. Most of the islands are volcanic in origin and have a hilly, rugged landscape. Anegada is the exception, being flat island composed of limestone and coral. The BVI are made up of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Jost Van Dyke, Beef Island, Cooper Island, Ginger Island, Great Camanoe, Great Thatch, Guana Island, Mosquito Island, Necker Island, Norman Island, Peter Island and Salt Island.
Economy
The economy of the British Virgin Islands is fueled mainly by tourism and financial services. Nearly 50% of the Government's revenue comes directly from licence fees for offshore companies, and tourism accounts for 45% of national income. The islands are a popular destination for US citizens and cruise ship passengers. As of 2004, over 550 000 companies were registered as offshore companies in the BVI. The small agricultural industry produces fruit, vegetables, sugar cane, livestock and poultry, and there is also a rum industry, construction and boat building. The British Virgin Islands are a major target for drug trafficking, as they function as a gateway to the United States. The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is a British overseas territory.
Religion
The islands are 86% Christian made up of 33% Methodist, 17% Anglican and 10% Catholic.
Language
English is the official language though Creole is spoken amongst locals in more casual settings.
Sport
The most popular sport in the BVI is charter sailing. The islands are arranged along the Sir Francis Drake Channel, and there is an abundance of boats of all sizes from fishing boats to luxury power yachts to single hulled sailing boats to multi hulled trimarans and catamarans. Tortola has many charter companies that specialise in the cruise vacation. Scuba diving and snorkeling are also high on the list of popular sporting activities, especially since visibility of 100 feet is common. Permits are required for both cruising and fishing.
Entry Requirements
Ports of entry are located in Road Harbour and West End Harbour on Tortola, Great Harbour on Jost Van Dyke and St Thomas Bay on Virgin Gorda. All vessels entering the BVI must clear with Customs and Immigration immediately upon arrival. Documents required include ships papers and valid passports for all crew and passengers. Visitors from some countries may require a visa for entry. A cruising permit is required for all cruising in the British Virgin Islands. Visitors by air may be granted entry for up to one month, and all visitors are required to possess a valid passport, return ticket, evidence of adequate means of support and prearranged accommodation. Visitors wishing to stay longer will need to apply for an extension. Ferry services between the bigger of the BVI are frequent, efficient and fast. There are no international flights from North America, the UK or Europe into the BVI. However, there are frequent flights from Puerto Rico, St Thomas in the USVI and Antigua, allowing connections to the rest of the world. |
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