2017 Edition

Background

The Danes secured control over the southern Virgin Islands of Saint Thomas, Saint John, and Saint Croix during the 17th and early 18th centuries. Sugarcane, produced by African slave labor, drove the islands' economy during the 18th and early 19th centuries. In 1917, the US purchased the Danish holdings, which had been in economic decline since the abolition of slavery in 1848. On 6 September 2017, Hurricane Irma passed over the northern Virgin Islands of Saint Thomas and Saint John and inflicted severe damage to structures, roads, the airport on Saint Thomas, communications, and electricity. Less than two weeks later, Hurricane Maria passed over the island of Saint Croix in the southern Virgin Islands inflicting considerable damage with heavy winds and flooding rains.

Area

1,910 sq km 346 sq km 1,564 sq km

land

346 sq km

total

1,910 sq km

water

1,564 sq km

Area - comparative

twice the size of Washington, DC

Climate

subtropical, tempered by easterly trade winds, relatively low humidity, little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season September to November

Coastline

188 km

Elevation

NA lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Crown Mountain 474 m

elevation extremes

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point

Crown Mountain 474 m

mean elevation

NA

Environment - current issues

lack of natural freshwater resources

Geographic coordinates

18 20 N, 64 50 W

Geography - note

important location along the Anegada Passage - a key shipping lane for the Panama Canal; Saint Thomas has one of the best natural deepwater harbors in the Caribbean

Irrigated land

1 sq km (2012)

Land boundaries

0 km

Land use

11.5% arable land 2.9%; permanent crops 2.9%; permanent pasture 5.7% 57.4% 31.1% (2011 est.)

agricultural land

11.5%

forest

57.4%

other

31.1% (2011 est.)

Location

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

Map references

Central America and the Caribbean

Maritime claims

12 nm 200 nm

exclusive economic zone

200 nm

territorial sea

12 nm

Natural hazards

several hurricanes in recent years; frequent and severe droughts and floods; occasional earthquakes

Natural resources

pleasant climate, beaches foster tourism

Population - distribution

while overall population density throughout the islands is relatively low, concentrations appear around Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas and Christiansted on St. Croix

Terrain

mostly hilly to rugged and mountainous with little flat land

Age structure

20.41% (male 11,220/female 10,671) 11.19% (male 5,853/female 6,154) 37.07% (male 18,587/female 21,182) 13.78% (male 6,967/female 7,812) 17.55% (male 8,618/female 10,204) (2017 est.)

0-14 years

20.41% (male 11,220/female 10,671)

15-24 years

11.19% (male 5,853/female 6,154)

25-54 years

37.07% (male 18,587/female 21,182)

55-64 years

13.78% (male 6,967/female 7,812)

65 years and over

17.55% (male 8,618/female 10,204) (2017 est.)

Birth rate

12.8 births/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Death rate

7.8 deaths/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Dependency ratios

60.8 32.8 3.6 (2015 est.)

elderly dependency ratio

28

potential support ratio

3.6 (2015 est.)

total dependency ratio

60.8

youth dependency ratio

32.8

Drinking water source

urban: 100% of population rural: 100% of population total: 100% of population urban: 0% of population rural: 0% of population total: 0% of population (2015 est.)

rural

0% of population

total

0% of population (2015 est.)

urban

0% of population

Ethnic groups

black 76%, white 15.6%, Asian 1.4%, other 4.9%, mixed 2.1% 17.4% self-identify as latino (2010 est.)

note

17.4% self-identify as latino (2010 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

NA

Infant mortality rate

7.9 deaths/1,000 live births 9 deaths/1,000 live births 6.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)

female

6.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)

male

9 deaths/1,000 live births

total

7.9 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

English 71.6%, Spanish or Spanish Creole 17.2%, French or French Creole 8.6%, other 2.5% (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth

79.4 years 76.2 years 82.8 years (2017 est.)

female

82.8 years (2017 est.)

male

76.2 years

total population

79.4 years

Major infectious diseases

active local transmission of Zika virus by Aedes species mosquitoes has been identified in this country (as of August 2016); it poses an important risk (a large number of cases possible) among US citizens if bitten by an infective mosquito; other less common ways to get Zika are through sex, via blood transfusion, or during pregnancy, in which the pregnant woman passes Zika virus to her fetus (2016)

note

active local transmission of Zika virus by Aedes species mosquitoes has been identified in this country (as of August 2016); it poses an important risk (a large number of cases possible) among US citizens if bitten by an infective mosquito; other less common ways to get Zika are through sex, via blood transfusion, or during pregnancy, in which the pregnant woman passes Zika virus to her fetus (2016)

Major urban areas - population

CHARLOTTE AMALIE (capital) 52,000 (2014)

Median age

41 years 39.9 years 41.9 years (2017 est.)

female

41.9 years (2017 est.)

male

39.9 years

total

41 years

Nationality

Virgin Islander(s) (US citizens) Virgin Islander

adjective

Virgin Islander

noun

Virgin Islander(s) (US citizens)

Net migration rate

-7.5 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Population

107,268 (July 2017 est.)

Population distribution

while overall population density throughout the islands is relatively low, concentrations appear around Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas and Christiansted on St. Croix

Population growth rate

-0.25% (2017 est.)

Religions

Protestant 59% (Baptist 42%, Episcopalian 17%), Roman Catholic 34%, other 7%

Sanitation facility access

urban: 96.4% of population rural: 96.4% of population total: 96.4% of population urban: 3.6% of population rural: 3.6% of population total: 3.6% of population (2015 est.)

rural

3.6% of population

total

3.6% of population (2015 est.)

urban

3.6% of population

Sex ratio

1.06 male(s)/female 1.02 male(s)/female 0.82 male(s)/female 0.82 male(s)/female 0.93 male(s)/female 0.83 male(s)/female 0.87 male(s)/female (2016 est.)

0-14 years

1.02 male(s)/female

15-24 years

0.82 male(s)/female

25-54 years

0.82 male(s)/female

55-64 years

0.93 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.83 male(s)/female

at birth

1.06 male(s)/female

total population

0.87 male(s)/female (2016 est.)

Total fertility rate

2.08 children born/woman (2017 est.)

Urbanization

95.6% of total population (2017) 0.08% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)

rate of urbanization

0.08% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)

urban population

95.6% of total population (2017)

Administrative divisions

none (territory of the US); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 3 islands at the second order; Saint Croix, Saint John, Saint Thomas

Capital

Charlotte Amalie 18 21 N, 64 56 W UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

geographic coordinates

18 21 N, 64 56 W

name

Charlotte Amalie

time difference

UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Citizenship

see United States

Constitution

22 July 1954 - the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands functions as a constitution for this territory of the US; revised 1962, 2000 (2016)

Country name

United States Virgin Islands Virgin Islands Danish West Indies USVI the myriad islets, cays, and rocks surrounding the major islands reminded Christopher COLUMBUS in 1493 of Saint Ursula and her 11,000 virgin followers (Santa Ursula y las Once Mil Virgenes), which over time shortened to the Virgins (las Virgenes)

abbreviation

USVI

conventional long form

United States Virgin Islands

conventional short form

Virgin Islands

etymology

the myriad islets, cays, and rocks surrounding the major islands reminded Christopher COLUMBUS in 1493 of Saint Ursula and her 11,000 virgin followers (Santa Ursula y las Once Mil Virgenes), which over time shortened to the Virgins (las Virgenes)

former

Danish West Indies

Dependency status

organized, unincorporated territory of the US with policy relations between the Virgin Islands and the US under the jurisdiction of the Office of Insular Affairs, US Department of the Interior

Diplomatic representation from the US

none (territory of the US)

Diplomatic representation in the US

none (territory of the US)

Executive branch

President Donald J. TRUMP (since 20 January 2017); Vice President Michael R. PENCE (since 20 January 2017) Governor Kenneth MAPP (since 5 January 2015), Lieutenant Governor Osbert POTTER (since 5 January 2015) Territorial Cabinet appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate president and vice president indirectly elected on the same ballot by an Electoral College of 'electors' chosen from each state; president and vice president serve a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); under the US Constitution, residents of the Virgin Islands do not vote in elections for US president and vice president; however, they may vote in the Democratic and Republican presidential primary elections; governor and lieutenant governor directly elected on the same ballot by absolute majority vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 4 November 2014 (next to be held in November 2018) Kenneth MAPP elected governor; percent of vote in runoff - Kenneth MAPP (independent) 63.9%, Donna CHRISTIAN-CHRISTIANSEN (Democratic Party) 36.1%

cabinet

Territorial Cabinet appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate

chief of state

President Donald J. TRUMP (since 20 January 2017); Vice President Michael R. PENCE (since 20 January 2017)

election results

Kenneth MAPP elected governor; percent of vote in runoff - Kenneth MAPP (independent) 63.9%, Donna CHRISTIAN-CHRISTIANSEN (Democratic Party) 36.1%

elections/appointments

president and vice president indirectly elected on the same ballot by an Electoral College of 'electors' chosen from each state; president and vice president serve a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); under the US Constitution, residents of the Virgin Islands do not vote in elections for US president and vice president; however, they may vote in the Democratic and Republican presidential primary elections; governor and lieutenant governor directly elected on the same ballot by absolute majority vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 4 November 2014 (next to be held in November 2018)

head of government

Governor Kenneth MAPP (since 5 January 2015), Lieutenant Governor Osbert POTTER (since 5 January 2015)

Flag description

white field with a modified US coat of arms in the center between the large blue initials V and I; the coat of arms shows a yellow eagle holding an olive branch in its right talon and three arrows in the left with a superimposed shield of seven red and six white vertical stripes below a blue panel; white is a symbol of purity, the letters stand for the Virgin Islands

Government type

presidential democracy; a self-governing territory of the US

Independence

none (territory of the US)

International organization participation

AOSIS (observer), Interpol (subbureau), IOC, UPU, WFTU (NGOs)

Judicial branch

Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands (consists of the chief justice and 2 associate justices); note - court established by US Congress in 2004 and assumed appellate jurisdiction in 2007 justices appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Virgin Islands Senate; justices initially serve renewable 10-year terms; chief justice elected to position by peers for a 3-year term Superior Court (Territorial Court renamed in 2004); US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit (has appellate jurisdiction over the District Court of the Virgin Islands; it is a territorial court and is not associated with a US federal judicial district); District Court of the Virgin Islands

highest court(s)

Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands (consists of the chief justice and 2 associate justices); note - court established by US Congress in 2004 and assumed appellate jurisdiction in 2007

judge selection and term of office

justices appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Virgin Islands Senate; justices initially serve renewable 10-year terms; chief justice elected to position by peers for a 3-year term

subordinate courts

Superior Court (Territorial Court renamed in 2004); US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit (has appellate jurisdiction over the District Court of the Virgin Islands; it is a territorial court and is not associated with a US federal judicial district); District Court of the Virgin Islands

Legal system

US common law

Legislative branch

unicameral Senate (15 seats; members directly elected in single- and multi-seat constituencies by simple majority popular vote to serve 2-year terms) last held on 8 November 2016 (next to be held on 6 November 2018) percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Democratic Party 10, ICM 1, independent 4 the Virgin Islands directly elects 1 member by simple majority vote to serve a 2-year term as a delegate to the US House of Representatives; the delegate can vote when serving on a committee and when the House meets as the Committee of the Whole House, but not when legislation is submitted for a “full floor” House vote; election of delegate last held on 8 November 2016 (next to be held on 6 November 2018)

description

unicameral Senate (15 seats; members directly elected in single- and multi-seat constituencies by simple majority popular vote to serve 2-year terms)

election results

percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Democratic Party 10, ICM 1, independent 4

elections

last held on 8 November 2016 (next to be held on 6 November 2018)

note

the Virgin Islands directly elects 1 member by simple majority vote to serve a 2-year term as a delegate to the US House of Representatives; the delegate can vote when serving on a committee and when the House meets as the Committee of the Whole House, but not when legislation is submitted for a “full floor” House vote; election of delegate last held on 8 November 2016 (next to be held on 6 November 2018)

National anthem

"Virgin Islands March" multiple/Alton Augustus ADAMS, Sr. adopted 1963; serves as a local anthem; as a territory of the US, "The Star-Spangled Banner" is official (see United States)

lyrics/music

multiple/Alton Augustus ADAMS, Sr.

name

"Virgin Islands March"

note

adopted 1963; serves as a local anthem; as a territory of the US, "The Star-Spangled Banner" is official (see United States)

National holiday

Transfer Day (from Denmark to the US), 31 March (1917)

Political parties and leaders

Democratic Party [Donna M. CHRISTENSEN] Independent Citizens' Movement or ICM [Dale BLYDEN] Republican Party [John CANEGATA]

Political pressure groups and leaders

NA

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal; note - island residents are US citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections

Agriculture - products

fruit, vegetables, sorghum; Senepol cattle

Budget

$1.223 billion $1.551 billion (2013)

expenditures

$1.551 billion (2013)

revenues

$1.223 billion

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-6.5% of GDP (2013)

Debt - external

$NA

Economy - overview

Tourism, trade, and other services are the primary economic activities, accounting for nearly 60% of the Virgin Island's GDP and about half of total civilian employment. The islands host nearly 3 million tourists per year, mostly from visiting cruise ships. The islands are vulnerable to damage from storms. The agriculture sector is small, with most food being imported. Industry and government each account for about one-fifth of GDP. The manufacturing sector consists of rum distilling, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and watch assembly. A refinery on St. Croix, one of the world’s largest, processed 350,000 barrels of crude oil a day until it was shut down in February 2012, after operating for 45 years. Federal programs and grants, totaling $241.4 million in 2013, contributed 19.7% of the territory’s total revenues. The economy declined in 2013, due to decreases in exports resulting from the loss of refined oil products. Nevertheless, the economy remains relatively diversified. Along with a vibrant tourism industry, rum exports, trade, and services will be major income sources in future years.

Exchange rates

the US dollar is used

Exports

$2.627 billion (2013) $3.339 billion (2012)

Exports - commodities

rum

Fiscal year

1 October - 30 September

GDP - composition, by end use

63.6% 28% 6.1% NA% 69.3% -66.9% (2013)

exports of goods and services

69.3%

government consumption

28%

household consumption

63.6%

imports of goods and services

-66.9% (2013)

investment in fixed assets

6.1%

investment in inventories

NA%

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

2% 20% 78% (2012 est.)

agriculture

2%

industry

20%

services

78% (2012 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$36,100 (2013 est.) $39,300 (2012 est.) $40,500 (2011 est.)

GDP - real growth rate

-5.4% (2013 est.) -13.8% (2012 est.) -7.5% (2011 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$5.075 billion (2013)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$3.792 billion (2013 est.) $4.143 billion (2012 est.) $4.288 billion (2011 est.) data are in 2013 dollars

note

data are in 2013 dollars

Household income or consumption by percentage share

NA% NA%

highest 10%

NA%

lowest 10%

NA%

Imports

$2.694 billion (2013) $3.056 billion (2012)

Imports - commodities

foodstuffs, consumer goods, building materials

Industrial production growth rate

NA%

Industries

tourism, watch assembly, rum distilling, construction, pharmaceuticals, electronics

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

3.1% (2012)

Labor force

50,580 (2012 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

1% 19% 80% (2003 est.)

agriculture

1%

industry

19%

services

80% (2003 est.)

Population below poverty line

28.9% (2002 est.)

Public debt

45.9% of GDP (2014)

Taxes and other revenues

24.1% of GDP (2013)

Unemployment rate

13% (2014)

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

9.4 million Mt (2013 est.)

Crude oil - exports

0 bbl/day (2014 est.)

Crude oil - imports

0 bbl/day (2014 est.)

Crude oil - production

0 bbl/day (2016 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

0 bbl (1 January 2017 es)

Electricity - consumption

117.2 million kWh (2015 est.)

Electricity - exports

0 kWh (2016 est.)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

13.9% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

0% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

0% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

1.3% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

Electricity - imports

0 kWh (2016 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

316,000 kW (2015 est.)

Electricity - production

679 million kWh (2015 est.)

Electricity access

10,295 91% 91% 80% (2012)

electrification - rural areas

80% (2012)

electrification - total population

91%

electrification - urban areas

91%

population without electricity

10,295

Natural gas - consumption

0 cu m (2014 est.)

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2014 est.)

Natural gas - imports

0 cu m (2014 est.)

Natural gas - production

0 cu m (2014 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

0 cu m (1 January 2014 es)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

132,000 bbl/day (2015 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

0 bbl/day (2014 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

130,000 bbl/day (2014 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

0 bbl/day (2014 est.)

Broadcast media

about a dozen TV broadcast stations including 1 public TV station; multi-channel cable and satellite TV services are available; 24 radio stations (2009)

Internet country code

.vi

Internet users

57,000 54.8% (July 2016 est.)

percent of population

54.8% (July 2016 est.)

total

57,000

Telephone system

modern system with total digital switching, uses fiber-optic cable and microwave radio relay full range of services available country code - 1-340; submarine cable connections to US, the Caribbean, Central and South America; satellite earth stations - NA (2016)

domestic

full range of services available

general assessment

modern system with total digital switching, uses fiber-optic cable and microwave radio relay

international

country code - 1-340; submarine cable connections to US, the Caribbean, Central and South America; satellite earth stations - NA (2016)

Telephones - fixed lines

76,000 73 (July 2016 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

73 (July 2016 est.)

total subscriptions

76,000

Airports

2 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

1 (2013)

1,524 to 2,437 m

1 (2013)

over 3,047 m

1

total

2

Ports and terminals

Charlotte Amalie, Christiansted, Cruz Bay, Frederiksted, Limetree Bay

major seaport(s)

Charlotte Amalie, Christiansted, Cruz Bay, Frederiksted, Limetree Bay

Roadways

1,260 km (2008)

total

1,260 km (2008)

Military - note

defense is the responsibility of the US

Disputes - international

none