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An overview of the history, geography, politics and culture of the British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean. Learn about the islands' name, population, economy, government and relations with other countries.
The British Virgin Islands enjoy a unique position — easy to get to, but still a hidden enclave of secluded serenity. A network of boat docks and airports form a cascade of connections that ensure your every travel experience will always be wholly unique.
- Overview
- Relief
- Climate
- Plant and animal life
- People
- Economy
- Agriculture
- Trade
- Transportation
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British Virgin Islands, British overseas territory in the eastern Caribbean Sea. It is part of an island chain collectively known as the Virgin Islands, which makes up the northeastern extremity of the Greater Antilles. Puerto Rico lies to the west. The British territory consists of 4 larger islands (Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda, and Jost Van Dyke) and 32 smaller islands and islets, of which more than 20 are uninhabited; lesser islands include Great Tobago, Salt, Peter, Cooper, Norman, Guana, Beef, Great Thatch, Little Thatch, and Marina Cay. The chief town and port is Road Town on Tortola (21 square miles [54 square km]), the largest of the islands. The total area of the colony is 59 square miles (153 square km). Pop. (2010) 28,054.
For information about regional aspects of the British Virgin Islands, see Virgin Islands.
The British Virgin Islands are a geologic extension of the central fault-block mountains of Puerto Rico and present a variety of physical features, including low mountains, lagoons with coral reefs and barrier beaches, and landlocked harbours. Except for Anegada, the islands are hilly. The highest point is Mount Sage (1,709 feet [521 metres]), on T...
The British Virgin Islands have a subtropical climate that is pleasant and mild for most of the year, a factor in the islands’ important tourist industry. Although they are located in the tropics, the heat is tempered by gentle trade winds that blow from the northeast most of the year. Temperatures average 78 °F (26 °C) annually, and humidity is low. The dry season lasts from February to July and the wet season from September to December. Hurricanes—averaging perhaps four in a century—usually occur between August and October, and there are occasional light earthquakes.
Britannica Quiz
Islands and Archipelagos
Water scarcity is a serious problem. Rainfall averages about 50 inches (1,270 mm) a year, but much of it runs off unused. In the driest sections of the large islands, rainfall usually averages a little less than 30 inches (760 mm), with possibly as much as 80 inches (2,030 mm) on the upper slopes of Mount Sage on Tortola. Rainfall is erratic, however, varying widely from year to year. British Virgin Islanders have long depended almost entirely upon their own cisterns and wells, and nearly all buildings, both private and public, have their own water catchments. In addition, water is imported in barges to meet the needs for fresh water—needs now rapidly increasing in proportion to population and industrial growth. Only Road Town has a piped supply.
Vegetation is tropical. Supported in most places by thin soil, it includes royal poinciana (flamboyant) trees and other lush blooms, but the islands’ generally sparse stands of shrubs and trees are not sufficient to be of commercial value. Among the tree species are mangoes, soursop (a small tropical tree with a large, succulent fruit), coconut palms, and breadfruit. Cacao and wild orchids grow in the hills, while cactus, acacia, grass, and sugarcane flourish in the lowlands. The woodlands are not dense, and there are numerous species of birds and small game, such as deer. Sailfish, tarpon, marlin, kingfish, and wahoo abound in the coastal waters and offshore.
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The great majority of British Virgin Islanders are the descendants of African slaves. Those of European descent constitute a small minority, although their number grew markedly since 1960, as the number of immigrants from the United States and Great Britain increased. Of all the islands, Tortola has by far the largest population, some four-fifths o...
The economic mainstays of the British Virgin Islands are tourism and financial services. Tourism—based on the nearly perfect climate, sparkling beaches, tropical vegetation, and undersea coral reefs—provides about half of the islands’ income and is the largest employer. Also important is the offshore financial services sector. Since the mid-1980s t...
Agriculture was the backbone of the economy until tourism replaced it in the 1970s. Farms are usually smallholdings worked by owner-occupiers, many of whom are also engaged part-time in fishing. The most important agricultural activity is livestock raising. The main crops are bananas, sugarcane, citrus fruits, coconuts, mangoes, and various root cr...
Imports—mostly from the United States, Puerto Rico, and the United Kingdom—consist chiefly of foodstuffs, beverages, machinery, motor vehicles, building materials, and petroleum products. Exports, mainly to the U.S. Virgin Islands, include fresh fish, rum, sand and gravel, charcoal, fruits, and vegetables.
Tortola has two main highways and numerous side routes; Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke also have road systems. In the mid-1990s the British Virgin Islands began an extensive overhaul of its road network. Small boats ply to and from the U.S. Virgin Islands. The main entry point by air, Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, is located...
Learn about the British Virgin Islands, a British overseas territory in the Caribbean Sea, with information on its physical features, climate, people, economy, and more. Explore maps, photos, and facts about this island chain and its culture.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Discover the Caribbean islands of the British Virgin Islands, a sailing hot spot with stunning beaches, national parks and pirate-ship bars. Find out the best attractions, activities and articles to plan your trip.
Discover the Caribbean's most treasured jewels, each with its own unique character, history, and beauty. Learn about Anegada, Virgin Gorda, Tortola, Jost Van Dyke and more, and find your ideal island getaway.
Jun 26, 2019 · Plan your trip to the BVI, a boater's paradise in the Caribbean with 40 islands, hidden beaches, and marina bars. Find out about the weather, attractions, hotels, restaurants, culture, events, and nightlife in this comprehensive guide.
Discover the beauty and diversity of the British Virgin Islands, a collection of more than 60 islands and cays in the Caribbean. Explore the rich history, culture and natural wonders of this British overseas territory, and plan your trip with helpful tips and FAQs.
