Virgin Islands

The Virgin Islands are an archipelago located in the eastern Caribbean Sea, at the intersection of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Historically, the archipelago has been divided into two main political entities: the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and the United States Virgin Islands (USVI). In the 17th century, parts of the islands came under British and Danish control respectively; in 1917, the islands under Danish control were sold to the United States.^【1】

Today, the British Virgin Islands are an overseas territory of the United Kingdom, while the U.S. Virgin Islands are a territory of the United States with “unincorporated territory” status.

Geography and Island Groups

The Virgin Islands archipelago lies geographically in the northern section of the Lesser Antilles and forms part of the Leeward Islands chain. The main inhabited islands of the British Virgin Islands are Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke, while the U.S. Virgin Islands consist of larger islands such as St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix along with smaller islets. The archipelago generally lies within the tropical climate zone and features a combination of mountainous volcanic islands and low-lying coral islands.^【2】

Tortola is the largest island of the British Virgin Islands, with an area of approximately 55.7 km² and a population exceeding 24,000. The island is characterized by steep slopes and coastal strips on the north and elevated hills in the interior, particularly around Sage Mountain. Road Town, the administrative capital of the territory, is located on Tortola and serves as both the political and financial center.^【3】

Virgin Gorda, with an area of approximately 8 square miles, is the third largest island after Tortola and Anegada. Its geography consists of coves where granite rock formations meet the sea, low hills and beaches stretching along the coast. Rock formations and coves such as “The Baths” and “Devil’s Bay” are central to both the natural landscape and tourist attractions. Anegada is the only major coral island in the archipelago, known for its maximum elevation of about 8–9 meters, extensive salt ponds and coral reefs such as Horseshoe Reef surrounding the island. Jost Van Dyke is smaller, volcanic in origin and steep-sided, associated particularly with dense marine tourism due to its natural coves and coastal settlements.

The U.S. Virgin Islands are included among the islands under the jurisdiction of the Office of Insular Affairs within the U.S. Department of the Interior. The main inhabited islands are St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix; the capital Charlotte Amalie is located on St. Thomas and serves as the administrative center of the territory. Due to its position along Caribbean and Atlantic sea routes, the archipelago has held strategic importance throughout history.^【4】

History

Precolonial Period and Early Contacts

Archaeological findings on the islands now constituting the British Virgin Islands indicate the presence of Arawak communities and possibly earlier Ciboney groups prior to European arrival. While the existence of permanent and intensive settlement on the islands remains debated, evidence points to settlements linked to fishing and seasonal camping activities. It is generally accepted that the Arawak population inhabited the region until the 15th century, after which they were displaced by the Carib communities, who gave their name to the Caribbean islands.^【5】

The region became visible in European records in 1493 during Christopher Columbus’s second voyage. Columbus reportedly named the islands “Santa Ursula y las Once Mil Vírgenes,” a long designation that was later shortened to “Las Vírgenes.” Although the Spanish claimed the islands through discovery, no permanent Spanish settlement developed, and the area remained for centuries a zone used primarily for piracy, small-scale trade and fishing.^【6】

Dutch and British Colonization

From the early 17th century, Dutch seafarer and privateer Joost van Dyk began establishing more regular settlements, particularly around Tortola, creating small-scale production centers combining cotton and tobacco cultivation with trade. The Dutch West India Company assigned strategic importance to these settlements and used the islands as a supply and trade stop between its colonies in South America and New Amsterdam in North America. However, during this period, Spanish attacks repeatedly destroyed the small settlements.^【7】

In 1672, with the outbreak of the Third Anglo-Dutch War, Britain seized Tortola and surrounding islands, initiating a process of permanent British control. Although the Treaty of Westminster following the war theoretically provided for the return of some territories, strategic considerations ensured the islands remained effectively under British control. By the end of the 17th century and into the early 18th century, the islands became one of Britain’s Caribbean colonies, based on sugar cane plantations and slave labor.

The history of the British Virgin Islands is typically divided into periods of British administration, slavery and its abolition, followed by the emergence of modern autonomous political structures. Within this framework, the abolition of slavery in the British Empire in 1834 is regarded as a turning point; from the 1950s onward, the modern era is characterized by the strengthening of representative institutions, constitutional reforms and the development of self-government mechanisms.^【8】

Formation of the U.S. Virgin Islands

Part of the Virgin Islands archipelago came under Danish control from the 17th century and was known as the Danish West Indies. After the abolition of slavery in the 19th century, the decline of the sugar economy led to economic difficulties under Danish administration. In 1917, during the conditions of the First World War, the United States purchased the Danish West Indies for 25 million dollars, and the islands became part of U.S. territory under the name U.S. Virgin Islands.

In 1927, U.S. citizenship was granted to the islanders; in 1931, federal authority was transferred to the U.S. Department of the Interior. The Organic Act of 1936 established the first framework for local governance; the revised Organic Act of 1954 introduced a more comprehensive model of self-government. With the first elections for constitutional offices in 1970, the U.S. Virgin Islands became a territory with an elected governor and a local legislature but limited representation in the U.S. Congress.^【9】

Political Status and Governance

British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands are an overseas territory of the United Kingdom, organized as a parliamentary democracy with extensive self-government in internal affairs. The Governor, representing the British monarch, holds authority over defense and foreign relations, areas under the responsibility of the United Kingdom. The head of the local government, the Premier, is appointed as the leader of the party or coalition that secures a majority in elections; cabinet members are selected from among elected members of the legislature.

The legislative body is the unicameral House of Assembly, composed of 13 elected members, one ex officio member (such as the Attorney General) and the Speaker. The electoral system features a mixed structure in which voters cast ballots for both constituency representatives and at-large members. The judiciary operates as an integrated system with the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Judicial Committee of the United Kingdom Privy Council as the final court of appeal.^【10】

The Constitution of the Virgin Islands is the foundational legal document defining the modern governance structure and the system of fundamental rights and freedoms. The Constitution outlines the distribution of powers among the executive, legislative and judicial branches; regulates the roles of the Governor, Premier and Cabinet; and establishes the electoral system and principles of public administration.^【11】

U.S. Virgin Islands

The U.S. Virgin Islands are an unincorporated territory of the United States, meaning that not all provisions of the U.S. Constitution apply automatically, but only those specifically extended by Congress. Administrative responsibility at the federal level is vested in the Office of Insular Affairs under the U.S. Department of the Interior.

The territory is governed by an elected Governor who serves as head of the local executive. The legislative body has authority to enact local laws within the framework of federal statutes and the supremacy of the U.S. Constitution. The territory is represented in the U.S. House of Representatives by a non-voting delegate.

Demographics

According to Worldometer data, the population of the U.S. Virgin Islands in 2025 is estimated at 84,138. The population, spread over a land area of 350 km², exhibits a relatively high population density of 240 people per square kilometer. The same source notes that the population’s share of the world total is negligible (0%) and ranks 200th globally.^【12】

The demographic profile indicates an aging population. The median age calculated for 2025 is 44.8. The total fertility rate stands at 2.1 children per woman, a level considered sufficient for population replacement without migration.

Life expectancy at birth, combining both sexes, is 75.9 years; for women it is 81.6 years and for men 70.9 years. The infant mortality rate (4.7 deaths per 1,000 live births) and under-five mortality rate (5.4 deaths per 1,000 live births) indicate health indicators consistent with high development levels.^【13】

The population of the British Virgin Islands in 2025 is estimated at 39,000. This structure characterizes BVI as a small-population society significantly affected by internal migration and seasonal movements tied to tourism.^【14】

Economy

British Virgin Islands Economy

The economy of the British Virgin Islands rests on two main pillars: international financial services and tourism. Government assessments indicate that a significant portion of public revenue is derived from corporate registrations and related institutional services, as well as licensing fees and levies; during the 2017/2018 period, nearly half of fiscal revenues were generated by international business companies and financial services.^【15】

In the financial services sector, hundreds of thousands of international business companies are registered in the British Virgin Islands, establishing it as a significant offshore financial center within the global financial architecture. This economic model, with limited diversification, is sensitive to international regulations, tax transparency standards and developments in competitive judicial jurisdictions.^【16】

The tourism sector generates considerable revenue thanks to the islands’ coastlines, coral reefs, yachting facilities and natural parks, particularly on Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke. Cruise tourism, yachting and luxury accommodation facilities are vital for employment and foreign exchange earnings. In addition, construction, small-scale agriculture and fishing play secondary roles in the economy.^【17】

U.S. Virgin Islands Economy

When considering the detailed economic structure of the U.S. Virgin Islands in light of its historical and geographic position, its status as U.S. territory and its location along maritime trade routes, a service-oriented economic profile emerges. Federal and local public expenditures, tourism and port activities are among the main components of the regional economy.^【18】

Culture, Society and Sports (BVI)

The culture of the British Virgin Islands has been shaped by the interaction of an African-descended population, European colonial heritage and the unique island lifestyle of the Caribbean. English is the dominant language, but local dialects and Creole influences are evident in daily life. Local cuisine is recognized through fish and seafood dishes and “fungi,” a cornmeal-based preparation; Fungi & Fish, regarded as the national dish, has become a symbol of cultural identity.^【19】

Music and festivals are important elements of island life. The musical genre known as “fungi” is a traditional expression centered on local instruments and rhythms. Festivals held throughout the year, maritime events and religious/cultural celebrations enliven the social life of both the local population and visitors.

In sports, the British Virgin Islands participate in international competitions in athletics, swimming, sailing, cricket, football and water sports. Athletes and delegations from the territory have competed in events such as the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games and the Nanjing Youth Olympic Games. Such events enhance the international visibility of this small island community and contribute to the emergence of athletes who serve as role models for youth.

National and Regional Symbols

The symbols of the British Virgin Islands reflect a unity that connects both ties to the British monarchy and local cultural elements. The flag features the Union Jack in the upper left corner and the territory’s coat of arms on the right. The coat of arms depicts a saint holding a lamp, surrounded by other lamps; this design carries symbolism linked to the island’s historical and cultural narrative.

The national tree and flower are the White Cedar and its blossom, respectively. This species is significant both as part of the local ecosystem and for traditional uses such as boat building. The national bird is designated as the Turtle Dove; colors associated with the territory include yellow, green, blue, white and red.^【20】

^{Virgin Islands National Symbols (English) -} Government of the Virgin Islands

In the British Virgin Islands, the national anthem is the United Kingdom’s “God Save Our Gracious King”; in addition, the regional song “Oh, Beautiful Virgin Islands” is recognized as a symbolic expression of local identity and belonging.