British Virgin Islands

North America
Road Town

Population

40.1K

Area

151 km²

GDP

$1.60B

GDP Per Capita

$40,500

Quick FAQs

Region

North America

Capital

Road Town

ISO 3166

vg

Government Type

Overseas Territory of the UK with limited self-government; parliamentary democracy

Language

English (official), Virgin Islands Creole Learn more

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About British Virgin Islands

British Virgin Islands is a British Overseas Territory located in the Caribbean, east of Puerto Rico, covering an area of approximately 151 square kilometers. The territory consists of more than 50 islands and cays, with Tortola being the largest and most populous. English serves as the official language, and Road Town on Tortola serves as the capital. The islands feature volcanic terrain with hills and beaches, experiencing a tropical climate.

The British Virgin Islands is a major international financial center, with a significant offshore financial services sector alongside a thriving tourism industry. The territory is world-renowned for sailing, yachting, and pristine beaches, attracting visitors from around the globe. The economy benefits from its status as a UK overseas territory with a stable legal and regulatory framework. Despite vulnerability to hurricanes, the BVI continues to develop its financial services and tourism sectors while preserving its natural beauty.

Geography & Environment

Geographic Location

Caribbean, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico

Geographic Coordinate

18 30 N, 64 30 W

Geographic Area

151 km²

Climate

subtropical; humid; temperatures moderated by trade winds

Terrain

coral islands relatively flat; volcanic islands steep, hilly

Natural Hazards

N/A

Natural Resources

N/A

Geography Note

N/A

People & Society

Ave. Life Expentancy at Birth

N/A

Urbanization

49.70%

Population Growth Rate

1.78% (2025 est.)

Literacy Rate

N/A

Health Expendeture

N/A

Education Expenditure

N/A

Languages

English (official), Virgin Islands Creole

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.)

Government

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)

Economy

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

GDP Per Capita

$40,500

Unemployment Rate

5.3% (2025 est.)

Population Below Poverty Line

N/A

Industries

ships, refined petroleum, aircraft, molasses, precious stones (2023)

Agricultural Products

N/A

Location

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