British Virgin Islands on the map

The Virgin Islands are an overseas possession of Great Britain that occupy part of the Virgin Islands archipelago in the Lesser Antilles belt, on the border of the confluence of waters Caribbean Sea and Atlantic. Neighboring Islands and the reefs belong to the United States (American Virgin Islands) and Spain.

British Virgin Islands on the world map

They include about forty large and small islands, of which only sixteen are inhabited. The population of the Virgin Islands is 24 thousand inhabitants. The most large islands: Tortola ( administrative center with the capital Road Town, where more than 80% of all residents live), Anegada, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke. The total land area is 153 square kilometers.
Legal status The Virgin Islands changed a little after the adoption of the Constitution in 1977, local government received more opportunities and freedom of action. Official language English is English here and the roads drive on the left, just like in Britain.
Interestingly, the British Virgin Islands are economically developed much better than others in the West Indies region. Their prosperity is based on two main industries: tourism (almost 20% of residents work in this field) and finance. The British Virgin Islands have long been the leader in the list of countries where a large number of offshore companies (more than 40% of them were registered here). Agriculture is poorly developed; sugar cane, coconuts, and bananas are grown on plantations. Cattle breeding is widespread.

Map of the British Virgin Islands in Russian

The geography of the region is similar, with predominantly hilly terrain (the peak of Tortola Island is 530 meters high), some islands are flat. Fauna and vegetation have been seriously damaged by human actions. The climate is typical for a tropical region - hot, with seasonal rainfall; tropical hurricanes are possible here from July to October.
Tourists are attracted by affordable prices, beautiful sandy beaches, cozy and warm atmosphere. There are scuba diving and diving centers here, sailing is common, and an elite seven-day sailing regatta is held annually.
Tourism is a priority direction for the country's development. Mostly guests come here from the United States of America. international Airport located on Beef Island, there are airports on other islands. Tortola is the center of the Virgin Islands, active life and entertainment. The main attractions of the area are picturesque harbors, green hills, numerous rocky reefs and a diverse underwater world. Photo materials used from Wikimedia © Foto, Wikimedia Commons

Christopher Columbus discovered back in 1493. Since then, the island's owners have constantly changed: the British, the French, the Spaniards, the Danes... Only in 1917 did the United States buy the islands from Denmark.

Today US Virgin Islands- this is a paradise for tourists who come here to enjoy snow-white beaches and the hot sun, and at the same time learn more about the life of the islanders. Both families and groups come to the islands: there is entertainment for everyone.

Capital	Charlotte Amalie
Population	106,405 people
Population density	307.21 people/km²
	English
Religion	baptism, catholicism, episcopism, etc.
Form of government	unincorporated organized territory of the United States
	U.S. dollar
Timezone
International dialing code
Internet domain zone
Electricity

Climate

On A tropical maritime climate of the trade wind type reigns. It features pleasant warm temperatures throughout the year. in winter average temperature equal to approximately +24 °C, in summer - +29 °C.

There are two dry and two wet seasons here. The dry seasons include winter and summer, but autumn and spring are considered to be the rainy seasons. Most precipitation falls in September - November. Although it is worth noting that it rarely rains here for long periods of time.

Hurricanes are possible in July - October.

Nature

The US Virgin Islands are located in Caribbean Sea. They include more than 60 islands and reefs. The three largest of them are St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix.

The islands are hilly. The most high point— 475 m above sea level. They are of limestone origin, but in some places volcanic and crystalline rocks appear. There are no rivers or lakes.

The islands are covered with dense subtropical forests, the shores of the bays are covered with mangrove swamps.

Earlier US Virgin Islands could boast of a rich fauna - now it is almost destroyed. Now the only wild animals you can find here are lizards, mongooses, and rats. Live here different kinds birds.

Coastal waters are rich in mollusks, crustaceans and fish.

The climate is well suited for growing sugarcane, vegetables and citrus fruits.

Attractions

St. Thomas, the main island, attracts tourists Fort Kristjan. Also worth visiting is Blackbird Castle and market square V Charlotte Amalie. Be sure to visit the mountain St Peter Greathouse, because it offers amazing views of the surrounding area! On the slopes of this mountain are botanical gardens, as well as an old distillery and souvenir shops.

In the northeast of the island is located a unique beauty Coke Bay, as well as an aquarium with a variety of tropical fish and marine life.

On Saint John Island It's worth a visit for what's here Virgin Islands National Park. Here you can get acquainted with rare species birds and animals.

Main attraction Santa Cruz- This city ​​of Christiansted, which used to be a town of Danish colonialists. It's worth a visit here too Cruzan wineries, and then enjoy your holiday on the local beaches.

Northeast of Santa Cruz is a tiny Buck Island. It is uninhabited, but regular excursions are organized for tourists.

If possible, visit Wim- sugar plantation on Santa Cruz. This is where you can plunge into the atmosphere of the past Virgin Islands, find out how the planters and colonialists lived.

Nutrition

Perhaps it is not surprising that the basis of the islands’ cuisine is seafood dishes. Soup callaloo, which you can’t help but try when you come here, is prepared from stewed vegetables, seafood, meat, herbs and spices.

TO traditional dishes local cuisine include and sause. This is an assortment of pork by-products. However, there are several dozen recipes for this dish, so each chef has his own signature sauce secret.

Try it conk— seafood fritters, as well as soups and clam chowders (you are unlikely to find such exotic food anywhere else). You will also always find on the menu... fish steaks! The recipes for their preparation are very intricate.

Well, you should definitely try shark soup, charcoal-fried fish and fish fillet with fruits and vegetables, which is called "old wife".

Potato pudding or fungi- grains prepared in a special way. Sometimes fish or meat dishes accompanied by fried bananas or local bread similar to pita bread. It is often used as a base for a dish: this bread is stuffed with various seafood and vegetables, and then fried or baked.

Tropical fruits are usually served for dessert.

Among the drinks on the islands, they drink a local analogue of mate, which is called here bush tee(tea made from local herbs). Locals also love coffee and freshly squeezed juices.

The preferred alcohol here is rum and cocktails made from it. Local strong rum is popular Cruzan.

Accommodation

The number of hotels on the islands is quite large, but a holiday here, let’s face it, is not a cheap pleasure. Local hotels and boarding houses can be classified in the upper price category. A price in the range of $250-300 per day per person is considered minimal if you are focusing on resort hotels.

There are, of course, options with a more modest budget, but even here you shouldn’t count on cheap holiday: simpler hotels charge $150-170 per night, and budget guesthouses will cost $80-100. However, it is worth noting that the service in any of the local hotels is of high quality.

Tent cities are popular among tourists. But not every island has them.

If you are not short on funds, you can rent an apartment or villa on the coast. If an apartment costs your wallet $1,000 a week, then for a villa you will have to pay at least 5 times more.

Entertainment and relaxation

Beaches US Virgin Islands simply created for a peaceful, calm, almost heavenly holiday. The finest snow-white sand is washed by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Here, nature has created excellent conditions for diving: along the shores there are Coral reefs and underwater caves that beckon you to dive in and discover their secrets.

Among the entertainments here, carnivals will undoubtedly seem the most colorful to you. For example, in St. Thomas, a carnival is held in April, which is particularly colorful. During it, you can see masquerade processions, dance competitions and musical performances. Believe me, this sight will remain in your memory for a long time.

And also on St. Thomas in April all yachtsmen gather Caribbean Sea to the International Rolex Regatta.

On Saint John A similar festival takes place, but in the summer, at the end of June, and its celebration smoothly transitions into Fireworks Week.

On Santa Cruz at the beginning of the year they organize the Carp Festival - a fun and exciting holiday for the whole family.

Another interesting entertainment- Helicopter excursion. Take a bird's eye view of the islands - these views are impressive even for those who have seen a lot beautiful places on the planet.

For an active holiday US Virgin Islands It is worth including sport fishing. Even beginners can do it here: there is a lot of fish, excellent conditions, and equipment can be rented on any of the islands.

But there are few nightclubs in the Virgin Islands - they are mainly located in Charlotte Amalie. So, fans of active nightlife, you should go there.

Purchases

Without collecting duties, you can export goods and souvenirs from the islands, the cost of which in total does not exceed $1,200. It is also worth noting that prices for a number of goods are lower here than in many European countries. For example, it is profitable to purchase watches, jewelry, photo and video equipment, perfumes, leather goods and porcelain here.

Shops are open here from Monday to Saturday and strictly according to schedule - from 9:00 to 17:00. Shops are closed on Sundays, with rare exceptions.

On local markets It is customary to bargain - you will please the sellers and spend less on souvenirs. By the way, the most popular souvenirs among tourists are crafts from local artisans, rum, spices, and local tea.

The market is also a good place to buy fresh fruits and vegetables.

Transport

The islands actively use road transport, and sea and air communications are developed between them.

True, the cities and resorts here are relatively small, so tourists like to walk or ride bicycles, which can be rented.

If you wish, you can rent a scooter or car. Taxis are also plentiful and popular on the islands.

Connection

On US Virgin Islands perfectly developed mobile connection. You can use the services of local operators by purchasing a SIM card in shops and supermarkets.

Russian mobile operators also provide roaming to the US Virgin Islands, so you can always stay connected.

You can also order a call from the hotel - its cost will then be included in the final bill.

There are Internet cafes in cities, and hotels and in public places Wi-fi is available for tourists.

Safety

There is no threat to your life or property on the islands. There is no violent crime here, and petty theft and fraud are quite rare. The usual precautions will be enough: do not display jewelry and money in crowded places, do not walk alone on the outskirts of the city in the dark, and just be careful.

You should only drink bottled water, otherwise you can get an intestinal infection. Food is safe.

Business climate

Every year, up to 2 million tourists visit the islands, so tourism and the service sector are actively developing here and attracting foreign investors.

Industry has recently also begun to play an important role in the economy. They do oil refining here: on one of the US Virgin Islands there is one of the world's largest oil refineries.

Light industry includes the production of rum and textiles, pharmaceuticals, and the assembly of electronics and watches.

Agriculture is poorly developed.

Today, a number of measures are being taken to develop the financial sector.

The business climate is generally favorable, as it largely depends on the US economy.

Real estate

Buying real estate in the US Virgin Islands is not that easy. There is not much of it here, the demand is high - accordingly, prices continue to rise.

According to official data, the average cost of a home in the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands is Saint John- is now equal to $1,800,000. Such high prices are also justified by ecology: the absence of large industries on some islands and a minimum of transport make these places ideal for living.

True, real estate here is worth buying only for living or as a financial investment: you won’t earn much by renting out here.

The best time to visit the Virgin Islands is January–April. This period is the peak season. If you decide to go here to snorkel, it is better to do it at the beginning of summer: at this time there are no storms here, and prices for accommodation drop.

The British Virgin Islands are a territory consisting of 60 small islands. Its area is 153 km2. The British Virgin Islands are an overseas land of Great Britain. Located in the northeast Caribbean, 1770 km south of Florida. They are the southeastern part of the archipelago of islands, which includes the US Virgin Islands. Road Town, located on the island of Tortola, is the capital. The official language is English.

Currently, the archipelago of the Virgin Islands is divided by two states - Great Britain and the USA.

Historical reference

These lands in the 1st century BC. e. inhabited by Arawak Indians. In the 15th century The warlike tribes of the Caribs who lived in the Lesser Antilles conquered the Indians.

The great Christopher Columbus discovered the Virgin Islands in 1493 during his second voyage. Spain declared them its possession, but did not begin to develop them. The Dutch, English, Danes, and French showed interest in them. The Indian population was exterminated almost completely.

In 1672, the island of Tortola was captured by England. And eight years later (1680), the British captured the islands of Virgin Gorda and Anegarda. They began to grow sugar cane in the occupied territories. To do this, they brought here black slaves from Africa.

When slavery was abolished in England in 1834, contract workers from Portugal and India began working on the plantations.

Virgin Islands on the world map

The United States acquired its part of the islands in 1917. Basically, they are uninhabited. The US Virgin Islands (this is clearly visible on the map) are adjacent to the Virgin Islands (British) in the east and Puerto Rico in the west.

The largest of them are St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John. The total area of ​​the entire territory is 346.36 km2. The US Virgin Islands are divided into two large districts. In addition, there are 20 small subdistricts. The population is 108 thousand people. These are mainly people from South America and African Americans. 30% of the population is employed in the tourism business.

Today it is one of the most popular resort destinations in the world. The islands' capital, Charlotte Amalie, is located on St. Thomas.

Vacations in the US Virgin Islands

The most suitable time for a holiday on the islands is from the second half of December until the very end of April. This time is the peak season, so the cost of services is much higher than from May to August, despite the fact that weather excellent at this time.

Developed resorts of St. Thomas with its snow-white beaches, picturesque bays, bays with turquoise water - all this is a vacation on the American Islands.

There are about 40 beaches here, most of which are well equipped. The calmest and most deserted of them is snow-white Limetri, located in the south of St. Thomas.

Hotels on the islands are classified according to the star system accepted throughout the world and comply with generally accepted standards.

What to see

On American islands you will be able to see ancient castle Blackbird and Fort Christian, where he once lived (allegedly local residents) prototype of Bluebeard, those who wish can climb Mount St. Peter and walk around Charlotte Amalie Square.

On the island of Santa Cruz you can visit sugar cane plantations. The city of Kristianstend was once a city of Danish colonialists. Here you will be invited to visit the Cruzan wineries. You can see all of the Virgin Islands while taking to the skies in a twin-engine plane.

In the north of the island of St. Thomas there is an amazingly beautiful Cokey Bay and a unique aquarium with numerous tropical fish and other marine life.

Where to stay

There are quite a lot of hotels on the American islands. However, holidays here are not cheap. Accommodation prices in resort hotels at least $300 per day per person. Moreover, this amount is considered minimal.

Many tourists enjoy staying in tent camps, but they are not available on all islands.

If you have the required amount, you can rent a villa on the coast or an apartment.

Entertainment

The US Virgin Islands are simply created for a calm and peaceful holiday.

Nature has created unique conditions for diving here. Underwater caves and coral reefs invite you to dive into the bright turquoise sea waters.

The most colorful entertainment here is undoubtedly carnivals. The brightest takes place in St. Thomas. Here you can see masquerade, musical performances, and dance competitions. Once you see this sight, it is impossible to forget it.

In April, all famous yachtsmen of the Caribbean gather for the International Regatta in St. Thomas.

A similar event takes place in early June in Saint John. The celebration flows smoothly into Fireworks Week.

At the beginning of the year, Santa Cruz hosts an exciting and very fun holiday - the Carp Festival. Sport fishing is also a variety active rest. Even a beginner can become a champion here - there is a lot of fish, equipment can be rented.

British Virgin Islands

As on the American islands, tourism flourishes on these lands. This is one of best places for diving, yachting, windsurfing. In addition, the British Virgin Islands (you see the photo in our article) are an abundance of historical and cultural attractions. You can visit unique art galleries and exhibitions of magnificent handmade samples from local residents. Fans of ecotourism will also find a lot of interesting things here. The islands have developed interesting walking routes, striking with unique vegetation.

Tourists can enjoy comfortable hotels, wonderful cafes and restaurants, and nightclubs. If we add to this the excellent level of service and hospitality local population, then it becomes clear that a vacation on the islands can be unforgettable.

Climate

The average annual air temperature ranges from 23 to 28 degrees. This stable climate makes it possible to visit the Virgin Islands all year round. The peak season occurs between November and March. At this time, prices here increase significantly. Although even in May - October, holidays on the islands can hardly be called cheap.

Attractions

The most vivid impressions on the islands, according to our compatriots who have already been here, excursions taking place in Road Town - the very big city and the main port located in the south of the island of Tortola. Road Town is surrounded by the sea and three large hills.

Here you can see the 18th century post office, St. Phillips Cathedral, the former governor's residence, which over time turned into Public Museum. In the southwest of the city stands Fort Carlotte, which in ancient times was a defensive structure and then a prison.

The Virgin Islands (British) are rich and natural monuments. Here is 15 national parks and nature reserves.

Restaurants

The national cuisine of the Virgin Islands is a very vibrant and original mixture of culinary schools from around the world. There are a sufficient number of restaurants here that use various recipes, most often borrowed from the best chefs in Asia, Africa and Europe. It is interesting that they are mixed so talentedly and originally that they form something of their own, unique, island menu. Most of Products are imported to the islands, but local fruits and seafood occupy a special place of honor.

Safety

The standard of living in the Virgin Islands is the highest among other Caribbean countries. The banking and offshore sectors of the economy provide the island treasury with a steady flow of funds, which is why there is a low level of unemployment and crime. The British Isles are rightfully considered the safest territory in the Western Hemisphere.

The US Virgin Islands group is located in the Caribbean Sea. On big islands St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix and Water with total area about 364 sq. km live approximately 106,000 citizens. Numerous small islands and atolls are uninhabited. Together with the British Isles, the American Isles are part of the Lesser Antilles archipelago.

The islands have a tropical maritime climate with constant comfortable temperatures. Summer +28 °C gives way to 24 °C in winter, daily fluctuations are insignificant.

The relief of the islands is hilly, the highest point rises only 475 m. The soil is limestone, interspersed with crystalline and volcanic rocks. There are no rivers or lakes in the US Virgin Islands; in some bays there are mangrove swamps. Rainforests cover almost the entire surface, but their area is steadily shrinking, and at the same time destroyed animal world. The pristine nature is best preserved in National Park on Saint John. On the island of St. Thomas, former plantations are overgrown with bushes and open forests. There are a lot of fish, shellfish and crustaceans in the sea.

Earthquakes and hurricanes often occur in this part of the world, and heavy rainfall does not compensate for the lack of reservoirs with fresh water. Desalination plants and rainwater tanks partially solve the problem.

British Virgin Islands
British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are a group of 36 islands and islets (with a total area of ​​153 km?) located northeast of the US Virgin Islands. Only 16 islands and islets are inhabited.
The capital is Road Town. located on the island of Tortola. The population of all islands is about 25 thousand people, with approximately 90% of them living on Tortola.
Content
History [edit | edit source text ]
Executive power is exercised by the governor. There is a unicameral Legislative Assembly. Laws passed by the Legislative Assembly are subject to approval by the governor. Community oversight of the islands is provided by the US Department of the Interior. In April 1973, a law was passed granting the right to send one representative to the US Congress (without voting rights). The main political parties are the Virgin Islands Democratic Party, the Virgin Islands Progressive Republican Party, and the Independent Citizens Movement. In 1973, the United People's Party was created, advocating independence for the islands.
The basis of the economy is tourism. In 1977, the country was visited by 565.8 thousand tourists. Agriculture is poorly developed; vegetables and fruits are grown. Efforts are being made to develop livestock farming and fisheries. There are enterprises for the production of rum, for the assembly of watches and the production of jewelry, enterprises for aluminum smelting, and oil refining, owned by US monopolies. The length of highways is 505 km. The airport serves international routes.
The monetary unit is the US dollar. Exported: sugar, citrus fruits, fruits, coffee. Imported: food, industrial products. tbwars. Main trading partners: USA, UK, Canada.
British Virgin Islands. Map from satellite
Once upon a time, the islands were inhabited by tribes of peaceful Indian farmers - the Arawaks, but they were destroyed by the Caribs, also Indians, but warlike and bloodthirsty. Biting the quivering hearts torn out of the enemy's chest during battle is their famous custom. This continued until the arrival of the Europeans, who put an end to these innocent entertainments, simply slaughtering the locals.
Columbus discovered these islands. but was not interested, and they were subsequently settled by the British. Of course, they settled mainly not with themselves, but with black sheep to work on the sugar cane plantations. Cane continues to be grown to this day, despite the fact that the price of cane sugar has long fallen hopelessly. Rum is now made from it, which has been supplied to all the islands of the Caribbean since the times of pirates.
Populated mainly by blacks 80%, official language– English, and religion Protestant.
There is little fresh water on the islands and what is available lies very deep, so they use the ancient method of collecting rainwater. Virgin Islands on the world map; there are several desalination stations operating on the islands.
They are also famous in financial circles, here is one of largest centers registration of offshore companies. More than 650 thousand registered.
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The Virgin Islands is one of the centers of tourism Caribbean region. Especially popular among English-speaking tourists. Unfortunately these islands are not included in the list visa-free countries for Russians. however, the regret is not too big, since a tourist can live and photograph freely for up to 6 months, provided he has a return ticket.