World · permanent entity record · VI
British Virgin Islands
Thirty-second orientation
British Virgin Islands at a glance
- Capital
- name: Road Town geographic coordinates: 18 25 N, 64 37 W time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: name refers to the nautical term "roadstead" or "roads," a body of water less sheltered than a harbor but where ships can still lie at anchor
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08
- Population
- total: 40,102 (2024 est.) male: 19,042 female: 21,060
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08
- Area
- total : 151 sq km land: 151 sq km water: 0 sq km note: comprised of 16 inhabited and more than 20 uninhabited islands; includes the islands of Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda, Jost van Dyke
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08
- Nationality / demonym
- noun: British Virgin Islander(s) adjective: British Virgin Islander
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08
- Government
- Overseas Territory of the UK with limited self-government; parliamentary democracy
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08
- Languages
- English (official), Virgin Islands Creole
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08
This permanent record currently carries the preserved final Factbook profile. Independently maintained Almanac fields have not yet superseded it.
Preserved public-domain record · not maintained current data
Final CIA World Factbook profile
This is the preserved historical baseline from the Factbook’s final public snapshot. It is presented as the CIA stated it, not as a current Standard American Almanac finding. Current, independently maintained facts appear above when available.
CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · profile updated · pinned source record · commit d81154954b8b
Introduction1 fields
- Background
- First inhabited by Arawak and later by Carib Indians, the Virgin Islands were settled by the Dutch in 1648 and then annexed by the English in 1672. The islands were part of the British colony of the Leeward Islands (1872-1960); they were granted autonomy in 1967. The economy is closely tied to the larger and more populous US Virgin Islands to the west, and the US dollar is the legal currency. In 2017, Hurricane Irma devastated the island of Tortola. An estimated 80% of residential and business structures were destroyed or damaged, communications disrupted, and local roads rendered impassable.
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Geography17 fields
- Location
- Caribbean, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Map references
- Central America and the Caribbean
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Area
- total : 151 sq km land: 151 sq km water: 0 sq km note: comprised of 16 inhabited and more than 20 uninhabited islands; includes the islands of Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda, Jost van Dyke
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Area - comparative
- about 0.9 times the size of Washington, D.C.
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Maritime claims
- territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Climate
- subtropical; humid; temperatures moderated by trade winds
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Terrain
- coral islands relatively flat; volcanic islands steep, hilly
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Elevation
- highest point: Mount Sage 521 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Natural resources
- NEGL; pleasant climate, beaches foster tourism
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Land use
- agricultural land: 46.7% (2023 est.) arable land: 6.7% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 6.7% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 33.3% (2023 est.) forest: 66.5% (2023 est.) other: 0% (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Population distribution
- a fairly even distribution throughout the inhabited islands, with the largest islands of Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda, and Jost Van Dyke having the largest populations
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Natural hazards
- hurricanes and tropical storms (July to October)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Geography - note
- strong ties to nearby US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
People and Society23 fields
- Population
- total: 40,102 (2024 est.) male: 19,042 female: 21,060
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Nationality
- noun: British Virgin Islander(s) adjective: British Virgin Islander
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Ethnic groups
- African/Black 76.3%, Latino 5.5%, White 5.4%, mixed 5.3%, Indian 2.1%, East Indian 1.6%, other 3%, unspecified 0.8% (2010 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Languages
- English (official), Virgin Islands Creole
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Religions
- Protestant 70.2% (Methodist 17.6%, Church of God 10.4%, Anglican 9.5%, Seventh Day Adventist 9.0%, Pentecostal 8.2%, Baptist 7.4%, New Testament Church of God 6.9%, other Protestant 1.2%), Roman Catholic 8.9%, Jehovah's Witness 2.5%, Hindu 1.9%, other 6.2%, none 7.9%, unspecified 2.4% (2010 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Age structure
- 0-14 years: 16.6% (male 3,298/female 3,351) 15-64 years: 71.3% (male 13,455/female 15,152) 65 years and over: 12.1% (2024 est.) (male 2,289/female 2,557)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Dependency ratios
- total dependency ratio: 40.2 (2024 est.) youth dependency ratio: 23.2 (2024 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 16.9 (2024 est.) potential support ratio: 5.9 (2024 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Median age
- total: 38.8 years (2025 est.) male: 38.1 years female: 38.9 years
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Birth rate
- 10.8 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Death rate
- 5.58 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Net migration rate
- 12.54 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Population distribution
- a fairly even distribution throughout the inhabited islands, with the largest islands of Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda, and Jost Van Dyke having the largest populations
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Urbanization
- urban population: 49.7% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 1.73% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Major urban areas - population
- 15,000 ROAD TOWN (capital) (2018)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Sex ratio
- at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.89 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/female total population: 0.9 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Infant mortality rate
- total: 13 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 16 deaths/1,000 live births female: 10.7 deaths/1,000 live births
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Life expectancy at birth
- total population: 80.1 years (2024 est.) male: 78.6 years female: 81.7 years
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Total fertility rate
- 1.39 children born/woman (2025 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Drinking water source
- total: 99.9% of population (2022 est.) total: 0.1% of population (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Education expenditure
- 3.2% of GDP (2023 est.) 13.6% national budget (2025 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
- total: 11 years (2022 est.) male: 11 years (2022 est.) female: 11 years (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Environment6 fields
- Environmental issues
- limited natural freshwater resources; water pollution from sewage and mining/industry waste; coral reef preservation
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Climate
- subtropical; humid; temperatures moderated by trade winds
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Land use
- agricultural land: 46.7% (2023 est.) arable land: 6.7% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 6.7% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 33.3% (2023 est.) forest: 66.5% (2023 est.) other: 0% (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Urbanization
- urban population: 49.7% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 1.73% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Carbon dioxide emissions
- 188,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 188,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Waste and recycling
- municipal solid waste generated annually: 21,100 tons (2024 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Government21 fields
- Country name
- conventional long form: none conventional short form: British Virgin Islands abbreviation: BVI etymology: the islets, cays, and rocks surrounding the major islands reminded explorer Christopher COLUMBUS in 1493 of Saint Ursula and her 11,000 virgin followers (Santa Ursula y las Once Mil Virgenes), which over time was shortened to the Virgins (las Virgenes)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Government type
- Overseas Territory of the UK with limited self-government; parliamentary democracy
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Dependency status
- overseas territory of the UK; internal self-governing
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Capital
- name: Road Town geographic coordinates: 18 25 N, 64 37 W time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: name refers to the nautical term "roadstead" or "roads," a body of water less sheltered than a harbor but where ships can still lie at anchor
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Constitution
- history: several previous; latest effective 15 June 2007 (The Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007) amendment process: initiated by any elected member of the House of Assembly; passage requires simple majority vote by the elected members of the Assembly and assent by the governor on behalf of the monarch
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Executive branch
- chief of state: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor Daniel PRUCE (since 29 January 2024) head of government: Premier Dr. Natalio WHEATLEY (since 5 May 2022) cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the governor from members of the House of Assembly election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the governor usually appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as premier note: on 5 May 2022, Premier Andrew FAHIE was removed from office by a no-confidence vote in the House of Assembly after his arrest on drug-trafficking and money-laundering charges; Premier Dr. Natalio WHEATLEY was sworn in as premier on 5 May 2022
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Legislative branch
- legislature name: House of Assembly legislative structure: unicameral number of seats: 15 (directly elected and appointed) scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 4 years most recent election date: 4/24/2023 parties elected and seats per party: VIP (6); NDP (3); PVIM (3); PU (1) expected date of next election: 2027
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Judicial branch
- highest court(s): the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) is the superior court of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States; the ECSC is headquartered on St. Lucia and consists of the Court of Appeal -- headed by the chief justice and 4 judges -- and the High Court with 18 judges; the Court of Appeal travels to member states on a schedule to hear appeals from the High Court and subordinate courts judge selection and term of office: Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the British monarch; other justices and judges appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission; Court of Appeal justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 65; High Court judges appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 62 subordinate courts: Magistrates' Courts
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Political parties
- National Democratic Party or NDP Progressive Virgin Islands Movement or PVIM Progressives United or PU Virgin Islands Party or VIP
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Diplomatic representation in the US
- none (overseas territory of the UK)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Diplomatic representation from the US
- embassy: none (overseas territory of the UK)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- International organization participation
- ACS (associate), Caricom (associate), CDB, Interpol (subbureau), IOC, OECS, UNESCO (associate), UPU
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Independence
- none (overseas territory of the UK)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Flag
- description: blue with the UK flag in the upper-left quadrant and the Virgin Islander coat of arms centered on the right half of the flag; the coat of arms depicts a woman between two columns of six oil lamps, above a scroll with the Latin word VIGILATE (Be Watchful) meaning: Christopher COLUMBUS named the islands in 1493 in honor of Saint Ursula and her virgin followers, and the figure holding a lamp represents the saint, with the other lamps symbolizing her followers
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- National symbol(s)
- zenaida dove, white cedar flower
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- National color(s)
- yellow, green, red, white, blue
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- National anthem(s)
- title: "God Save the King" lyrics/music: unknown history: official anthem, as a UK overseas territory
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Economy13 fields
- Economic overview
- British Caribbean island territorial economy; strong tourism and services industries; vulnerable to hurricanes; navigating public debt insolvency since 2008 Crisis; considered a tax haven; high electrification costs; major rum exporter
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
- $1.634 billion (2024 est.) $1.579 billion (2023 est.) $1.537 billion (2022 est.) note: data in 2015 dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Real GDP per capita
- $40,500 (2024 est.) $38,600 (2023 est.) $38,400 (2022 est.) note: data in 2015 dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- GDP (official exchange rate)
- $1.598 billion (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Inflation rate (consumer prices)
- 8.5% (2022 est.) 2.8% (2021 est.) 1.4% (2020 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Agricultural products
- fruits, vegetables; livestock, poultry; fish
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Industries
- tourism, light industry, construction, rum, concrete block, offshore banking center
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Budget
- revenues: $400 million (2017 est.) expenditures: $400 million (2017 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Exports - partners
- Malta 33%, Guyana 22%, Greece 11%, Germany 7%, Indonesia 4% (2023)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Exports - commodities
- ships, refined petroleum, aircraft, molasses, precious stones (2023)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Imports - partners
- USA 34%, Italy 10%, France 9%, China 8%, Luxembourg 5% (2023)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Imports - commodities
- ships, refined petroleum, aircraft, railway cargo containers, jewelry (2023)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Energy6 fields
- Electricity access
- electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Electricity
- installed generating capacity: 63,000 kW (2023 est.) consumption: 163.82 million kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 10.18 million kWh (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Electricity generation sources
- fossil fuels: 97.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) solar: 1.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) wind: 1.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Petroleum
- refined petroleum consumption: 1,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Energy consumption per capita
- 66.998 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Communications6 fields
- Telephones - fixed lines
- total subscriptions: 23,000 (2021 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 17 (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Telephones - mobile cellular
- total subscriptions: 35,595 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 93 (2024 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Broadcast media
- 1 private TV station; multi-channel TV is available from cable and satellite subscription services; about a half-dozen private radio stations
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Internet users
- percent of population: 78% (2017 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Broadband - fixed subscriptions
- total: 7,000 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 18 (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Transportation5 fields
- Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
- VP-L
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Merchant marine
- total: 29 (2023) by type: general cargo 3, other 26
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Ports
- total ports: 1 (2024) large: 0 medium: 1 small: 0 very small: 0 ports with oil terminals: 1 key ports: Road Harbor
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Military and Security1 fields
- Military - note
- defense is the responsibility of the UK
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Transnational Issues1 fields
- Refugees and internally displaced persons
- refugees: 41 (2024 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
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