British Virgin Islands - General Facts and Information

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Known internationally as the Sailing Capital of the World, many travelers come to the British Virgin Islands (BVI) to experience first class sailing and many other activities that revolved around the welcoming turquoise waters of this lovely paradise. In addition to unspoiled beaches of more than 60 idyllic islands and cays there are many other sites and attractions that will grab your attention where the history of the islands comes to life. Hikers will enjoy walking the Ridge Road to Sage Mountain National Park or bird-watching in Tortola where the superb scenery and natural beauty will take your breath away. In the BVI you will enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the Caribbean, its vibrant lifestyle and the warmth of our hearted people.

GEOGRAPHY & LOCATION

Situated some 60 miles east of Puerto Rico, the British Virgin Islands have a total land area of 59 square miles and consist of four main islands which constitutes over sixty uniquely formed islands and cays. Approximately fifteen of the islands are inhabited. The North Atlantic Ocean lies to the north of the islands, while the Caribbean Sea lies to the south. The capital, Road Town, is situated on Tortola, the largest island which is approximately 20 km (12 mi) long and 5 km (3 mi) wide. Virgin Gorda is the third largest with a dimension of eight and a half square miles. The other major island is Jost Van Dyke. Although it measures just four miles by three, with its highest point being 1,054 feet, Jost Van Dyke has fewer than 200 inhabitants. The only coral island in the volcanic BVI chain, Anegada measures 11 miles by three and its highest point is 28 feet above sea level.

All the islands except Anegada are hilly and volcanic in origin, the highest point being Mt. Sage on Tortola, at 1,780 feet.

Castries is the capital city of Saint Lucia and is home to about one third of the population. Major towns include Gros Islet, Soufriere and Vieux Fort.

OUR GOVERNMENT

The British Virgin Islands are a self-governing, United Kingdom dependent territory. The Executive authority of the Queen is executed by an appointed Governor, who also chairs the executive council with five other members. The head of the Government, along with other members of the ruling government are elected through a general election. The Legislative Council has 13 directly elected members, one ex-officio member, and a speaker.

The legal system is based on English Common Law, and the court system is part of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and consist of the local Magistrate’s Court and High Court of Justice, with appeals being made to the Court of Appeal and ultimately to the Privy Council in London.

OUR PEOPLE

The islands have a total population of about 27,000, of whom approximately 18,000 live on Tortola. The BVI has been infused with people from many other islands and countries, which has transformed the islands into a Caribbean and global melting pot. Its series of small villages and close-knit communities give a home-like feel to The British Virgin Islands. The people here are welcoming, hospitable and community-minded.

Always ready to greet you with a smile, the people of British Virgin Islands are genuinely friendly and fun-loving.

CLIMATE

The islands offer a “near perfect” sub-tropical climate with temperatures rarely falling below 75 degrees or exceeding 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Rainfall averages 127 centimetres per year with occasional droughts. Climatically, perhaps the most pleasant aspect of these islands, is the combination of the trade winds that keep humidity low and the Caribbean currents that keep waters warm. The wettest months, August through October, average only about five days of rain.

CURRENCY

The U.S. dollar is the legal tender of the British Virgin Islands. American Express, Diners Club, Visa and MasterCard are accepted in most establishments. Traveler’s cheques are also accepted.

Flora and Fauna

The British Virgin Islands are neither lush nor overly dry. The mountain sides are covered for much of the year in tropical trees, such as the Tamarind, wild and fragrant Frangipani and Turpentine trees.

There are many varieties of cactus and succulents, including Turks Head, Pipe Organ and Prickly Pear at dryer areas of the islands. Other plants include the Century Plant and the national tree of the islands - the White Cedar -, which blooms delicate white or pink flowers. In addition, there are a variety of fruit trees throughout the islands. The breadfruit, and banana trees, mangoes, papaya, sugar apples, guava berry and sour sops are common in valleys and along the mountainsides.

As it relates to flowers, the variety is endless in local gardens. These include hibiscus in delicate shades of red, pink and even yellow; purple and pink bougainvillea; scarlet flamboyant and yellow Allamanda. The Jasmine and Frangipani are two of the most highly fragrant flowers found on the islands.

Among the fascinating array of reptiles found throughout the islands are two types of iguana: the indigenous Anegada Rock Iguana - found on Anegada as well as Guana and Necker Islands - and the Green Iguana, which inhabits Virgin Gorda’s North Sound and on Peter Island. There is also a large variety of lizards including Anoles and Geckos, and small tree frogs, known for their melodic chirping call. The islands only wild mammal is the Mongoose which was introduced to The BVI in the 1800s. Among the common birds are the Green-throated Carib, a small iridescent hummingbird; the delicate yellow and black Bananaquita and the American Kestrel, a falcon that can be seen soaring over the islands’ valleys. There are also several doves, including the Ground Dove and the Zenaida and plenty Magnificent Frigate, Laughing Gulls, Brown Boobies and the comical Brown Pelican.

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