United States Virgin Islands

   Coordinates:
   
       18.34°N 
       64.93°W
   

The United States Virgin Islands (USVI) is a group of islands in the Caribbean that are an unincorporated territory of the United States. The main islands are Saint Thomas, Saint John, and Saint Croix. The capital is Charlotte Amalie on Saint Thomas.

History

The islands were originally inhabited by the Ciboney, Carib, and Arawak peoples. Christopher Columbus was the first European to visit the islands in 1493. The islands were later colonized by the Danish West India Company in the 17th century. They were sold to the United States by Denmark in 1917 for $25 million in gold, and have been a U.S. territory since then.

Geography

The USVI is located in the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico. The territory consists of three main islands and several smaller ones. The islands are volcanic in origin and have a tropical climate.

Demographics

The population of the USVI is approximately 106,000 people. The majority of the population is of African descent, with a significant Hispanic and Latino population as well. English is the official language, but Spanish and Virgin Islands Creole are also spoken.

Economy

The economy of the USVI is primarily based on tourism, manufacturing, and services. The islands are a popular destination for tourists, with attractions such as Magens Bay and the historic towns of Charlotte Amalie and Christiansted.

Culture

The culture of the USVI is a blend of African, European, and Caribbean influences. Music, dance, and festivals are important aspects of life on the islands. The territorial anthem is "Virgin Islands March".

Government

The USVI is an unincorporated territory of the United States, with a local government consisting of a governor and a legislature. The territory is represented in the U.S. Congress by a non-voting delegate.

Transportation

Transportation in the USVI includes public buses, ferries, and taxis. The main airport is Cyril E. King Airport on Saint Thomas. The islands are also served by Virgin Islands Transit (VITRAN) buses and ferries.

Education

The University of the Virgin Islands is the main institution of higher education in the territory. There are also several public and private schools on the islands.

Related pages

• Puerto Rico
• Caribbean
• Danish West Indies

Gallery

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  Territorial anthem

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  Petroglyphs on St. John

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  Bark Mary and Frederiksted

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  Hurricane damage in 1995

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  Map of the Virgin Islands

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  Legislature Building

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  Subdivisions of the USVI

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  Charlotte Amalie

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  Christiansted

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  Fort Frederik

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  Anna's Retreat

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  Charlotte Amalie West

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  Cruz Bay

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  Police officers in Christiansted

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  Map of the USA and Virgin Islands

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  Magens Bay

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  Cruise ship in the USVI

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  Cyril E. King Airport

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  VITRAN public bus

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  VITRAN ferry

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  Trunk Bay, St. John

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  Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral

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  Danish street name in Charlotte Amalie

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  University of the Virgin Islands