 Country name conventional long form: United States Virgin Islands
conventional short form: Virgin Islands
former: Danish West Indies Background During the 17th century, the archipelago was divided into two territorial units, one English and the other Danish. Sugarcane, produced by slave labor, drove the islands" economy during the 18th and early 19th centuries. In 1917, the US purchased the Danish portion, which had been in economic decline since the abolition of slavery in 1848.Location Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico Area total: 352 sq km
water: 3 sq km
land: 349 sq km Area - comparative twice the size of Washington, DC Coastline 188 km Climate subtropical, tempered by easterly trade winds, relatively low humidity, little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season May to November Terrain mostly hilly to rugged and mountainous with little level land Elevation extremes lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Crown Mountain 474 m Natural hazards several hurricanes in recent years; frequent and severe droughts and floods; occasional earthquakes Environment - current issues lack of natural freshwater resources Geography - note important location along the Anegada Passage - a key shipping lane for the Panama Canal; Saint Thomas has one of the best natural deepwater harbors in the Caribbean Population 124,778 (July 2003 est.) Age structure 0-14 years: 26% (male 16,685; female 15,794)
15-64 years: 64.4% (male 36,241; female 44,157)
65 years and over: 9.5% (male 5,078; female 6,823) (2003 est.) Median age total: 31.2 years
male: 28.6 years
female: 33.7 years (2002) Sex ratio at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.82 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female
total population: 0.87 male(s)/female (2003 est.) Nationality noun: Virgin Islander(s)
adjective: Virgin Islander Ethnic groups black 78%, white 10%, other 12%
note: West Indian 81% (49% born in the Virgin Islands and 32% born elsewhere in the West Indies), US mainland 13%, Puerto Rican 4%, other 2% Religions Baptist 42%, Roman Catholic 34%, Episcopalian 17%, other 7% Languages English (official), Spanish, Creole Internet country code .vi Literacy definition: NA
total population: NA%
male: NA%
female: NA% Government type NA National holiday Transfer Day (from Denmark to the US), 27 March (1917) Legal system based on US laws International organization participation ECLAC (associate), Interpol (subbureau), IOC Economy - overview Tourism is the primary economic activity, accounting for more than 70% of GDP and 70% of employment. The islands normally host 2 million visitors a year. The manufacturing sector consists of petroleum refining, textiles, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and watch assembly. The agricultural sector is small, with most food being imported. International business and financial services are a small but growing component of the economy. One of the world"s largest petroleum refineries is at Saint Croix. The islands are subject to substantial damage from storms. The government is working to improve fiscal discipline, support construction projects in the private sector, expand tourist facilities, reduce crime, and protect the environment. Exports - partners US, Puerto Rico Currency US dollar (USD) Currency code USD Exchange rates the US dollar is used Airports 2 (2002) Airports - with paved runways total: 2
1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 (2002) Airports - with unpaved runways Disputes - international none |
