Turks and Caicos Islands
TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS
A British territory in the southeastern part of the Bahamas archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, between North and South America, consisting of 2 groups of islands with the same name. It comprises more than 30 small islands (only 8 are inhabited).
Area - 430 km². The administrative center is Cockburn Town (3.1 thousand) on Grand Turk Island. Population - 20.5 thousand (2005); over 90% are of African descent. The official language is English. Religion: the majority of the population are Protestants (Anglicanism, Methodism, Baptism). Currency - US dollar.
National holiday - early August - Emancipation Day.
A constitution is in effect, which came into force in September 1976 (amendments in 1988). The Queen of the United Kingdom is represented by a governor; his responsibilities include defense, foreign policy, and internal security. The governor (since 2002 - J. Poston) is the chairman of the Executive Council, which includes 8 members (the chief minister - M. Misick) by position and appointed by the governor. There is a Legislative Council consisting of 19 members (including 13 elected).
Political parties: People's Democratic Movement - ruling, Progressive National Party.
The Union of Industrial Workers of St. George's is active.
The islands were discovered by the Spanish in 1512. In the 17th century, they were settled by colonists from the Bermuda Islands. British possession since 1766. From 1874 to 1962, they were part of Jamaica. In 1959, the colony gained internal self-government. The US Air Force and Navy bases are located on Grand Turk Island, as well as a telemetry station; on South Caicos Island, there is a US Coast Guard station.
The GDP of the islands is over 216 million dollars (2002). The economy is primarily based on servicing foreign tourists. About 2 thousand people are employed in this sector. Approximately 50 thousand people visit the islands annually (mostly from the USA). The islands are an important financial center. The abolition of corporate tax, income tax, and currency transaction controls contributes to attracting foreign companies.
The potential for agriculture is limited. On the Caicos Islands, legumes, corn, fruits, and vegetables are grown. Most food is imported. Fishing, which has export significance, is developing. The world's largest farm for growing shellfish is located on the islands.
Fish processing enterprises operate on South Caicos and Providenciales. There are companies producing building materials. Electricity production - 5 million kWh (2002).
The total length of roads is 121 km. Main ports: Cockburn Town, Providenciales, Salt Cay, Cockburn Harbor. There are international airports on Grand Turk, South Caicos, North Caicos, and Providenciales.
Exports - 169 million dollars (2000), imports - 175 million dollars (industrial goods, food, raw materials, and fuel). Main trading partners: USA, United Kingdom, Jamaica.
A weekly newspaper and a magazine are published. Cable television is available.
