A British territory in the northern part of the Lesser Antilles, east of Puerto Rico, between North and South America. It includes over 40 islands (of which 16 are inhabited). The largest islands are Tortola, Virgin Gorda, and Anegada. The total area is 153.4 km². The administrative center is Road Town (4,000) on Tortola Island. The population is 22,643 (2005); of which more than 80% is concentrated on Tortola Island. The majority of the population are Black and Mulatto. The official language is English. The predominant religion is Protestant (Methodism). The currency is the East Caribbean dollar = 100 cents (alongside which the US dollar is also in circulation).
The national holiday is July 1 — Territory Day.
A constitution is in effect, which came into force in June 1977. The Queen of the United Kingdom is represented by a governor (since October 14, 2002 - Tom McAn), who is responsible for defense, internal security, foreign policy, and government services. The governor heads the Executive Council, which consists of members of the Legislative Council. The Legislative Council comprises 15 members, including a speaker elected from among those who are not members of the council, the Attorney General, and 13 elected members. Elections are held at least once every four years. The last elections were held in May 2003. The Chief Minister of the Executive Council is Orlando D. Smith (since June 17, 2003). The 1977 constitution expanded the powers of local authorities in matters of domestic policy.
The National Democratic Party (8 seats in the Legislative Council) and the Virgin Islands Party (leader - R. O’Neal, has 5 seats in the Legislative Council) are active, as well as two trade union organizations: the Association of Working Citizens and the Teachers' Association.
Membership in international organizations: associate member of the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM); Caribbean Development Bank; International Olympic Committee; associate member of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States; associate member of UNESCO; Universal Postal Union.
Expedition X. Columbus reached the islands in 1493. The first European settlers were the Dutch (since 1648). The English first landed on the islands in 1666. With their arrival, plantation agriculture developed, based on slave labor. A total of 7,000 enslaved Africans were brought to the islands before the abolition of slavery (mid-19th century). Officially a British colony since 1762. From 1872 to 1956, the Virgin Islands were part of the Leeward Islands colony, and in 1960 they were officially proclaimed a separate territory. In 1967, the islands were granted limited self-government.
The GDP of the islands is over 100 million USD. The economy is primarily based on servicing foreign tourists, which employs about 20% of the economically active population. Approximately 300,000 people visit the islands annually (the majority from the USA).
Tourism revenues in 2004 accounted for 45% of total income. Agricultural development is hampered by poor soil. About 2% of the economically active population is engaged in agriculture, which accounts for 4% of GDP. Livestock farming predominates. Pastures cover 4,000 hectares. The livestock count is approximately: cattle - about 2,000, sheep - 6,500, pigs - over 3,000, goats - 12,000. Arable land does not exceed 2,000 hectares. Sugarcane, coconuts, bananas, and vegetables are grown. Fishing for fish and seafood is conducted for domestic consumption and export.
16% of the economically active population is employed in industry. There is minor salt extraction. There are small enterprises producing light industry goods, rum, cement, and other construction materials. A power plant with a capacity of 5,000 kWh is in operation.
As a result of tax incentives adopted in 1984, the islands have become an important financial center - over 12,000 foreign companies are registered here.
The main port is Road Town. Beef Island Airport (on the island of the same name) is located 16 km from Road Town.
Exports amount to about 25.3 million USD (rum, fresh fish, fruits, gravel, sand), imports exceed 187 million USD (food - 30% of total imports, building materials, cars, machinery). 90% of exports go to the USA, 70% of imports come from the USA, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands (USA).
The average annual inflation rate is 2.5% (2003). The unemployment rate is minimal (about 3%). Immigration is strictly regulated.
Two weekly publications are issued. There is a broadcasting service and cable television.
