U.S. Virgin Islands: Difference between revisions
Truthseeker (talk | contribs) Created page with "{{Infobox settlement | name = U.S. Virgin Islands | official_name = Virgin Islands of the United States | settlement_type = Unincorporated territory | image_skyline = | image_caption = Charlotte Amalie, capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands | subdivision_name = United States | subdivision_name1 = Caribbean (Lesser Antilles) | capital = Charlotte Amalie | largest_city = Charlotte Amalie | established_date =..." |
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== Economy == | == Economy == | ||
* Heavily reliant on | * Heavily reliant on '''tourism''', especially cruise ships and resort visitors | ||
* Other sectors: retail, rum production, and some agriculture | * Other sectors: retail, rum production, and some agriculture | ||
* Uses the U.S. dollar and follows U.S. trade and banking systems | * Uses the U.S. dollar and follows U.S. trade and banking systems | ||
Revision as of 00:43, 14 June 2025
| 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.