U.S. Virgin Islands

U.S. Virgin Islands

Official name	Virgin Islands of the United States
Type	Unincorporated territory
Charlotte Amalie, capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands
State	Caribbean (Lesser Antilles)
Country	United States
Established	Purchased from Denmark in 1917
Population	87,000
Area (km²)	346
Time zone	Atlantic (AST, UTC−4)
ZIP code(s)	00801–00851
Area code(s)	340

The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) are an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the Caribbean Sea, east of Puerto Rico. The territory consists of three main islands — Saint Thomas, Saint John, and Saint Croix — as well as numerous smaller islets. Known for its stunning beaches, cruise ports, and historical colonial sites, the USVI is a key part of America’s tropical footprint.

Overview

• Acquired from Denmark in 1917 for $25 million
• Residents are U.S. citizens but cannot vote in presidential elections
• The government operates under a territorial constitution with a locally elected governor and legislature

Capital

• The capital is Charlotte Amalie, located on the island of Saint Thomas

History

• Originally inhabited by Arawak and Carib peoples
• Colonized by Denmark in the 17th century as part of the Danish West Indies
• Purchased by the United States for strategic purposes during World War I
• Historic legacy of sugar plantations, colonial architecture, and Afro-Caribbean culture

Culture

• Blend of African, European, Caribbean, and American influences
• English is the official language, but Virgin Islands Creole is widely spoken
• Strong traditions in Carnival, music (calypso, reggae), and cuisine

Economy

• Heavily reliant on tourism, especially cruise ships and resort visitors
• Other sectors: retail, rum production, and some agriculture
• Uses the U.S. dollar and follows U.S. trade and banking systems

Tourism and Attractions

• Virgin Islands National Park on St. John — over two-thirds of the island preserved
• Magens Bay, Coral World Ocean Park, and Blackbeard’s Castle
• Buck Island Reef National Monument off the coast of St. Croix
• Popular for snorkeling, sailing, and historic walking tours

Education

• Public and private K–12 schools operated by the Virgin Islands Department of Education
• Home to the University of the Virgin Islands with campuses on St. Thomas and St. Croix

Transportation

• Cyril E. King Airport (STT – St. Thomas) and Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX – St. Croix)
• Inter-island ferries and taxis; no rail systems
• U.S. traffic laws apply, but vehicles drive on the left side of the road — a unique exception

Fun Facts

• The only U.S. territory where people drive on the left
• Home to one of the busiest cruise ports in the Caribbean
• Often ranked among the best tropical wedding destinations in the U.S.

See Also

• Charlotte Amalie
• U.S. Territories
• United States Geography