Alone at home in the US Virgin Islands. US Virgin Islands: history, geography, science and culture. Religion in the British Virgin Islands
British Virgin Islands- 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 northeastern 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. Official language- 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Historical reference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 the American islands you can see ancient castle Blackbird and Fort Christian, where (according to local residents) the prototype of Bluebeard once lived, 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. Prices for accommodation in resort hotels are 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 beckons 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 gather for the International Regatta in St. Thomas Caribbean Sea.
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 type of active recreation. 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. There are 15 national parks and reserves here.
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 the products on the islands are imported, 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. British Isles is rightfully considered the safest territory in the Western Hemisphere.
Where the emerald wave of the Atlantic hospitably extends its arms to the blue waves of the Caribbean Sea, the Virgin Islands are scattered like grains framed in corals, some of which with total area about three hundred and fifty square meters belongs to the United States. About sixty islands, most of them uninhabited, were discovered by Columbus at the end of the fifteenth century. And only in the middle of the seventeenth, the first colonists arrived here - the British and French, who became the founders of the first settlements. Since then, whoever owned the islands - the Spaniards and the French, the British and the Order of Malta.
But perhaps the most significant owner for the Virgin Islands was Denmark, which at the end of the eighteenth century declared them its colony. During his ownership, one of the largest islands, St. Thomas, became a center of slave trade, and the sugar plantations of St. John, processed by thousands of black slaves, brought huge profits to Denmark. Only at the beginning of the twentieth century the islands were sold to the United States for an amount of $25 million.
A century has passed since then, which has decisively changed the way of life of the population of the islands, who became the descendants of those 28 thousand black slaves brought here by the Danes. At the same time, the external attractiveness of the Virgin Islands has not suffered, despite the fact that it has been located here for more than fifty years military base USA.
The humid tropical climate of the islands determines best time for a trip, calling the peak tourist season - from January to April. Although for those who prefer snorkeling (from English snorkeling) - scuba diving with a mask and snorkel, the best time is the beginning of summer, when there are almost no storms, and hotels are much cheaper. This independent type of diving involves swimming and diving to shallow depths and does not require serious training or expensive equipment, therefore it is a constant success among tourists of all ages.
However, every tourist who comes to the islands finds something special for themselves that cannot be found anywhere else. Someone will freeze in admiration when they see beautiful beaches, and will take with them the warmth of a gilded tan and the spicy aroma of the Atlantic; someone will rest their soul in the solitude of the bays, surrounded by the purest corals. Some people will be enthusiastic about virgin tropical forests. And some will like the original music, cuisine and culture of the people who warmly and hospitably welcome tourists in the Virgin Islands. The chic of hotels and the comfort of small hotels, an abundance of wonderful restaurants and world-class shopping will satisfy the needs of the most demanding tourists.
And certainly everyone will enjoy the original, vibrant festivals and holidays. The fireworks sensation from the colorful St. Thomas Carnival at the end of April, filled with masquerade processions and dance competitions, smoothly transitions into the June festival on St. John with a week of parades and various celebrations for Independence Day. And also unforgettable experience from the two-week Carp festival on St. Croix, from the international Rolex regatta, which gathers yachtsmen in St. Thomas... And nowhere else will you be able to see dancing fairy-tale heroes and lots of Santa Clauses at Summer Christmas! The islanders consider the most important official holiday to be March 31 - the day when the Virgin Islands were transferred to the United States by Denmark.
Take with you the feeling of a holiday and the delight of the picturesque National Park occupied most Saint John Island, see the Cruzan wineries and bring your friends a gift - the rum of extraordinary taste that made Santa Cruz famous. The coral reefs of tiny Buck, the huge aquarium of Kok and Bay, and the Huim sugar plantations on St. Croix can not only enrich you with knowledge of the history of the islands and development, but also leave you with a sense of involvement in the events of centuries ago.
By the way, Santa Cruz is famous not only for diving and snorkeling, rum and festival processions for the famous Carambola Golf Club, which was designed by Robert Trent Jones. It is here that the annual LPGA Golf Tournament is held, attracting crowds of fans of the sport from all over the world.
But there is also a charm in those islands that are sparsely populated. When did Reuters publish the rating? Caribbean Islands, which suffered least from civilization, was named St. John. Its comfortable sloping banks, amazing sunsets, comfort, security and silence, occasionally broken by coconuts falling from the trees, will bring pleasure to everyone who decides to come here For have a relaxing holiday away from the bustle of the city.
Christopher Columbus discovered back in 1493. Since then, the island has constantly changed owners: 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 the snow-white beaches and 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 |
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Population |
106,405 people |
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Population density |
307.21 people/km² |
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English |
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Religion |
baptism, catholicism, episcopism, etc. |
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Form of government |
unincorporated organized territory of the United States |
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U.S. dollar |
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Timezone |
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International dialing code |
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Internet domain zone |
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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 highest point is 475 m above sea level. They are of limestone origin, but in places there are volcanic and crystalline rocks. 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 the market square in 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 there 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 of 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 guesthouses 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: coral reefs and underwater caves stretch along the shores, which beckon you to dive in and learn their secrets.
Among the entertainments here, the 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 Crucian 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.
It is customary to bargain at local markets - 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 stores 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: one of the largest oil refineries in the world is located on one of the US Virgin Islands.
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.
Climate
The climate of the British Virgin Islands is tropical, maritime, trade wind type. Comfortable temperatures remain throughout the year. In winter on the islands it is +22-24 °C, in summer +28-29 °C, and with the change of time of day the temperature changes little. The precipitation rate here is up to 1300 mm per year.
In the British Virgin Islands there are 2 dry (winter, summer) and 2 wet (spring, autumn) seasons. The rainy season is most pronounced from September to November, but even then the tropical downpours are short-lived. And in July-October there are hurricanes on the islands.
Nature
The highest point of the US Virgin Islands is only 475 m above sea level. The surface of the islands is hilly, due to their limestone origin. In some places you can see inclusions of volcanic and crystalline rocks.
There are no rivers or lakes on the islands. On the shores of the bays you can see mangrove swamps, while the main part of the islands is covered with tropical forests. Unfortunately, some of them, along with the animal world, were destroyed by humans. You can admire the preserved lushness of nature on the island of St. John, two-thirds of which is occupied by a national park. On the island of St. Thomas one could see woodlands and shrubs that appeared on the site of former plantations. The marine waters of the U.S. Virgin Islands are home to a variety of fish, crustaceans, and molluscs.
Attractions
Top 10 attractions of the islands:
1. US Virgin Islands National Park, where you can get acquainted with rare species animals and birds
2. Fort Christian on the island of St. Thomas
3. Blackbird Castle
4. Market Square in Charlotte Amalie
5. Charlotte Amalie Aquarium with rare tropical fish
6. Mount St Peter Greathouse with botanical gardens and a distillery on its slopes
7. The picturesque Cokey Bay
8. Uim Sugar Plantation on Santa Cruz Island
9. Cruzan Wineries in Christiansted
10. Desert Island Tank
- The tourist season in the US Virgin Islands is from January to April. For lovers of snorkeling and others water activities It makes sense to fly to the islands in early summer, when there are no storms yet and housing prices are down.
- Please note that the hotel bill additionally includes an 8% tax and a 10% service tip. Sometimes 3% is added to the cost of living for electricity.
- In restaurants and cafes, tips for service are 10–15%, and in large restaurants they are initially included in the bill, and in small cafes it is customary to tip the waiter personally.
- Please note that lifting any marine organisms and objects from the bottom, as well as collecting shells washed ashore, is prohibited. A license is required for sport fishing.
Accommodation
There are many hotels in the US Virgin Islands to suit every taste, but the prices can hardly be called low. Room prices resort hotels start from $250–300 per night. Economy class hotels will ask for $150–170 per night, and a room in a budget guesthouse can be rented for $80. At the same time, no matter which accommodation option you choose, you will be pleased with quality service.
Some islands also have tent camps that are popular with young people.
If you are interested in a top-class holiday, then in the US Virgin Islands you can rent a villa on the coast. Prices start at $5 thousand per week.
Transport
Sea and air communications are developed between the islands, and large islands no problem renting a scooter, car or taking a taxi. True, the distances between the resorts here are relatively short, so many travelers prefer to travel on foot or by bicycle.
Purchases
Keep in mind that you can take purchases out of the island duty-free if their total value does not exceed $1,200. By the way, in the US Virgin Islands you can profitably buy watches, jewelry, equipment for photography and video filming, perfumes, leather goods and porcelain. Stores are open strictly according to schedule: Mon-Sat from 9:00 to 17:00.
Also be sure to visit local markets. Sellers are happy to bargain, and you can buy souvenirs quite inexpensively. The most popular are handicrafts, rum, spices, and tea. Treat yourself to fresh fruit.
Entertainment
Top 5 things to do in the US Virgin Islands:
1. Diving
2. Cruise the US Virgin Islands and the Caribbean
3. Helicopter excursion
4. Visiting one of the local festivals (for example, Fireworks Week at the end of June or the Crucian Festival in January)
5. Sport fishing
Business climate
About 2 million travelers come to the U.S. Virgin Islands each year. Accordingly, the tourism and service industries are rapidly developing here.
Industry also plays a special role. The islands are home to one of the largest oil refineries in the world. Locals also engaged in the production of rum, textiles, assembling electronics and watches. Agriculture is underdeveloped, but the financial sector, dependent on the US economy, has all the conditions for rapid growth.
US Virgin Islands- a group of islands in the Caribbean Sea, 60 km east of Puerto Rico; autonomous territory of the United States. The largest islands are St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. There are also many small islands. Area - 344 km².
The US Virgin Islands are a territory purchased by the United States from Denmark on January 17, 1917 (all formalities were completed on March 31 of the same year). Administered by the US Department of the Interior. Residents are considered citizens of the United States.
Geographically, the US Virgin Islands are part of the Virgin Islands (which also includes the British Virgin Islands).
The islands are hilly ( highest point- 475 m), composed mainly of limestone, there are outcrops of ancient crystalline or volcanic rocks.
The absence of rivers and lakes, as well as the deep occurrence of groundwater, for a long time greatly complicated the problem of water supply, despite quite a large number of precipitation. Rainwater was collected in special tanks. After the construction of desalination plants, this problem was largely solved.
Vegetation cover and animal world The islands have been largely destroyed by people. Remnants of evergreens tropical forests preserved mainly on the island of St. John, two-thirds of whose territory is occupied national park. On the island of St. Thomas there are open forests and bushes on the site of former plantations. The sea waters off the islands are rich in fish, crustaceans and mollusks.
Climate of the US Virgin Islands
Climate in the US Virgin Islands- tropical, trade wind, hot and humid with two dry seasons. Average monthly temperature throughout the year it fluctuates slightly - from +22-24 °C in winter to +28-29 °C in summer. Daily temperature changes are also poorly traced.
Precipitation falls up to 1300 mm per year, and there are two dry (winter and summer) and two rainy seasons (spring and autumn). The maximum amount of rain falls between September and November-December, although even then no more than five to six days a month are rainy. In the period from July to October, there is a high probability of tropical hurricanes passing over the territory of the islands, although they are recorded here much less often than over the nearby Windward Islands.
The most favorable time to travel to the islands is from mid-December to the end of April, however, the same period is the peak of the tourist season, so prices are much higher than, for example, from May to August, when weather conditions are also excellent for seaside holidays.
Last changes: 05/15/2013Population
Population of the US Virgin Islands- 109.8 thousand people (2010).
Average life expectancy is 76 years for men, 82 years for women.
Ethno-racial composition: blacks 76.2%, whites 13.1%, mulattoes 3.5%, Asians 1.1%, other 6.1% (according to the 2000 census).
Religions: Baptists 42%, Catholics 34%, Episcopalians 17%, other 7%.
Official language- English. Also popular are Spanish or Spanish-Creole 16.8%, French or Franco-Creole 6.6%, other 1.9%.
Last changes: 05/15/2013About money
Currency unit US Virgin Islands: US dollar ($ or USD), there are 100 cents in 1 dollar. In circulation there are bills in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollars, coins - penny (1 cent), nickel (5 cents), dime (10 cents), quarter (25 cents), half dollar (50 cents) and 1 dollar.
Banks are usually open from Monday to Thursday, from 09.00 to 14.30, on Fridays - 09.00 to 14.00 and from 15.30 to 17.00.
Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks and specialized exchange bureaus. There are branches of almost all major international banking systems on the islands.
Credit cards are widely accepted on the larger islands, but can be difficult to use on smaller islands. Travel checks can be cashed at almost any bank office. To avoid additional costs associated with exchange rate fluctuations, it is recommended to bring checks in US dollars.
Last changes: 05/15/2013Communications
Telephone code: 1 - 340
Internet domain: .vi
Telephone city codes
No area codes are used.
How to call
To call from Russia to the US Virgin Islands, you need to dial: 8 - dial tone - 10 - 1 - 340 - subscriber number.
To call from the US Virgin Islands to Russia, you need to dial: 011 - 7 - area code - subscriber number.
Landline communications
All payphones on the islands are included in the general telephone system of the United States and operate on calling cards, which are sold at post offices, newsstands and tobacco kiosks. Almost all payphones have direct access to international automatic telephone communication and some of them accept ATT cards and credit cards for international calls.
cellular
System cellular communications in the US Virgin Islands is excellently developed and united into a single network with US operators.
Internet
The Internet on the islands is developing at a rapid pace - almost all telephone and cellular companies provide their customers with Internet access. Internet cafes are concentrated in large populated areas and in resort areas.
Last changes: 05/15/2013Shopping
Shops are usually open from Monday to Saturday, from 09.00 to 17.00, but on Thursday many of them close quite early - usually around 15.00-16.00. Many large retail outlets are usually open on Sundays, from 10.00 to 17.00; shops in the port also often open their doors on Sunday, but only during the parking period cruise ships. It is not customary to bargain in local retail establishments, but in markets it is possible and necessary.
Popular souvenirs: rum, jewelry, paintings (there are many art galleries on St. Croix).
Last changes: 05/15/2013Where to stay
Cost of living in local hotels quite high compared to many countries in the Caribbean region.
Last changes: 08/19/2010Sea and beaches
The islands attract many lovers beach holiday their clean beaches with white fine sand.
Almost all beaches are open to the public, only the territories of private property and some large resort complexes have limited entry (permit required).
Some local beaches are natural breeding grounds for endangered sea turtles, so most are protected and access to such areas is limited certain time prohibited.
Last changes: 05/15/2013Story
The Virgin Islands were discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493.
In 1625, English and French colonists settled on the islands and took up agriculture. Then the islands were successively owned by England, Spain, France and the Order of Malta.
In 1666, Denmark took possession of the island of St. Thomas, which soon captured the island of St. John, and in 1733 Denmark bought the island of St. Croix from France. The Danes tried to establish a plantation economy on St. Thomas, but it was not successful due to the low fertility of the land, and the island became one of the centers of trade in rum and slaves. The port of St. Thomas became a base for pirates. St. Croix had more fertile land, and after the transition to Denmark, about 200 sugar cane plantations were established there.
However, by the beginning of the 20th century, sugar production on St. Croix fell into decline and the islands of the Danish West Indies were sold to the United States in 1917 for $25 million.
Last changes: 05/15/2013Helpful information
The most favorable time to travel to the islands is from mid-December to mid-May, however, the same period is the peak of the tourist season, so prices are much higher than, for example, from May to August, when weather conditions are also excellent for seaside holidays. An additional argument in favor of visiting the islands in summer is the significantly greater transparency sea water at this time, which ensures Better conditions for diving.
Local tap water is chlorinated and safe to drink, but bottled water is still recommended.
Fishing of any marine organisms (including lifting to the surface and even collecting beached shells and corals) in the waters of the US Virgin Islands is prohibited, as is the use of harpoon weapons for spearfishing (a license is required). Sport fishing is possible only with the permission of regional authorities (usually included in the package of licenses provided by the fishing tour organizer). It is prohibited to moor vessels and boats in protected areas managed by the National Parks Foundation. Raising to the surface of any objects and things from sunken ships located in the territorial waters of the islands is permitted only with special permission from the government of the country.
Last changes: 05/15/2013How to get there
There are no direct flights from Russia to the US Virgin Islands. The easiest way to get here from Russia is with one transfer to the USA. From American cities (New York, Miami, Boston, Atlanta, Washington and others) there are direct flights to the islands of St. Thomas and St. Croix.
It is quite convenient to fly with Aeroflot + American Airlines: Moscow - New York - St. Thomas. The flight duration from Moscow to New York is about 10 hours, from New York to St. Thomas - 4 hours 10 minutes.
The US Virgin Islands can also be reached via Puerto Rico (64 km away). And from there you can get there by water (ferries or boats) or by air ( small planes) to the US Virgin Islands.