[[File:TurksAndCaicosIslands2021OSM.png|Map of the Turks and Caicos Islands|thumb]]
[[File:Blue_Tang_and_Squirrelfish.jpg|Blue Tang and Squirrelfish|thumb|left]]
The '''Turks and Caicos Islands''' are a British Overseas Territory located in the [[Lucayan Archipelago]] of the [[Atlantic Ocean]] and northern [[West Indies]]. The islands are known for their tourism industry and as an offshore financial centre.
The '''Turks and Caicos Islands''' are a British Overseas Territory located in the [[Lucayan Archipelago]] of the [[Atlantic Ocean]] and northern [[West Indies]]. The islands are known for their tourism industry and as an offshore financial centre.
==History==
==History==
The islands were originally inhabited by [[]] and [[Lucayan]] peoples. The first European to sight the islands was [[Christopher Columbus]] in 1492. The islands were later claimed by the [[Spanish Empire]], but were not colonized. In the 17th century, the islands became a haven for [[Bermuda|Bermudian]] salt rakers. The islands were later controlled by the [[British Empire]] and became a British Overseas Territory.
The islands were originally inhabited by [[Ta�no]] and [[Lucayan]] peoples. The first European to sight the islands was [[Christopher Columbus]] in 1492. The islands were later claimed by the [[Spanish Empire]], but were not colonized. In the 17th century, the islands became a haven for [[Bermuda|Bermudian]] salt rakers. The islands were later controlled by the [[British Empire]] and became a British Overseas Territory.
==Geography==
==Geography==
Line 26:
Line 28:
* [[Caribbean]]
* [[Caribbean]]
* [[Lucayan Archipelago]]
* [[Lucayan Archipelago]]
==References==
* "Turks and Caicos Islands." CIA World Factbook. Accessed October 2023.
==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Turks_and_Caicos_Islands_raking_salt_stamp_1938.jpg|Turks and Caicos Islands raking salt stamp, 1938
File:Historic_Lighthouse_Park_on_Grand_Turk.jpg|Historic Lighthouse Park on Grand Turk
File:TurksAndCaicosIslands2021OSM.png|Map of the Turks and Caicos Islands
File:Blue_Tang_and_Squirrelfish.jpg|Blue Tang and Squirrelfish
File:Whale-off-south-caicos.jpg|Whale off South Caicos
File:Cockburn_Town.jpg|Cockburn Town
File:Grand_Turk_-_Cockburn_Town,_St._Mary's_Cathedral_-_panoramio.jpg|St. Mary's Cathedral, Cockburn Town
File:Turks_&_Caicos_National_Museum.jpg|Turks & Caicos National Museum
File:TC-grand-turk-cruiseterminal-2.jpg|Grand Turk Cruise Terminal
File:Turks_and_Caicos_Islands_sunset.jpg|Sunset in the Turks and Caicos Islands
File:Grand_Turk_beach.JPG|Beach on Grand Turk
File:Grand_Turk,_Replica_of_Friendship_7_-_panoramio.jpg|Replica of Friendship 7 on Grand Turk
</gallery>
[[Category:Turks and Caicos Islands]]
[[Category:Turks and Caicos Islands]]
== Turks and Caicos Islands ==
The '''Turks and Caicos Islands''' are a British Overseas Territory located in the [[Lucayan Archipelago]] of the [[Atlantic Ocean]] and northern [[West Indies]]. The islands are known for their tourism and as an offshore financial centre.
=== Geography ===
The Turks and Caicos Islands consist of two groups of tropical islands in the [[West Indies]], the larger [[Caicos Islands]] and the smaller [[Turks Islands]]. The islands are southeast of the [[Bahamas]] and north of [[Hispaniola]].
=== History ===
The islands were first inhabited by [[Taíno]] and [[Lucayan]] peoples. The first European to sight the islands was [[Juan Ponce de León]] in 1512. The islands have changed hands between [[Spain]], [[France]], and [[Britain]] over the centuries.
=== Economy ===
The economy of the Turks and Caicos Islands is based on [[tourism]], [[offshore finance]], and [[fishing]]. The islands are a popular tourist destination, known for their beautiful beaches and clear waters.
=== Government ===
The Turks and Caicos Islands are a [[British Overseas Territory]], meaning they are under the jurisdiction and sovereignty of the [[United Kingdom]]. The islands have a [[Governor]] appointed by the [[Monarch of the United Kingdom]].
=== Demographics ===
The population of the Turks and Caicos Islands is primarily of [[African]] descent, with a significant number of [[European]] and [[North American]] expatriates. The official language is [[English]].
=== Culture ===
The culture of the Turks and Caicos Islands is a blend of [[African]], [[European]], and [[Caribbean]] influences. The islands celebrate several festivals, including the annual [[Conch Festival]].
=== Education ===
Education in the Turks and Caicos Islands is overseen by the [[Ministry of Education]]. The islands have several primary and secondary schools, as well as a community college.
=== Health ===
Healthcare in the Turks and Caicos Islands is provided by both public and private facilities. The islands have a hospital and several clinics.
=== Transportation ===
The islands have several [[airports]], with the main international airport being [[Providenciales International Airport]]. There are also ferry services between the islands.
=== See also ===
* [[List of islands of the Turks and Caicos Islands]]
* [[Geography of the Turks and Caicos Islands]]
* [[History of the Turks and Caicos Islands]]
=== References ===
{{Reflist}}
=== External links ===
* [https://www.gov.tc/ Official Government Website]
* [https://www.visittci.com/ Official Tourism Website]
[[Category:British Overseas Territories]]
[[Category:Caribbean]]
[[Category:Islands of the Atlantic Ocean]]
{{Turks and Caicos Islands topics}}
{{Turks and Caicos Islands topics}}
Latest revision as of 04:00, 29 March 2025
Turks and Caicos Islands raking salt stamp, 1938Historic Lighthouse Park on Grand TurkSharlene Cartwright-RobinsonMap of the Turks and Caicos IslandsBlue Tang and Squirrelfish
The Turks and Caicos Islands are a British Overseas Territory located in the Lucayan Archipelago of the Atlantic Ocean and northern West Indies. The islands are known for their tourism industry and as an offshore financial centre.
The islands were originally inhabited by [[Ta�no]] and Lucayan peoples. The first European to sight the islands was Christopher Columbus in 1492. The islands were later claimed by the Spanish Empire, but were not colonized. In the 17th century, the islands became a haven for Bermudian salt rakers. The islands were later controlled by the British Empire and became a British Overseas Territory.
The economy of the Turks and Caicos Islands is based on tourism, offshore finance, and fishing. The islands are a popular tourist destination, known for their beautiful beaches and clear waters. The financial services sector is also significant, with many international banks and companies operating in the territory.
The population of the Turks and Caicos Islands is approximately 38,000. The majority of the population is of African descent, with a significant number of expatriates from the United States, Canada, and Europe. The official language is English.
The Turks and Caicos Islands are a British Overseas Territory with a Governor appointed by the Monarch of the United Kingdom. The islands have a Premier and a locally elected House of Assembly.
