- Population:
- 39,500
- Religion:
- Christianity
The British Virgin Islands were settled by Europeans in the 17th century and remain a British Overseas Territory. The economy is largely based on offshore financial services and tourism, with the islands being a well-known sailing and luxury travel destination.
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is a British Overseas Territory located in the Caribbean, east of Puerto Rico. The territory comprises around 60 islands and cays, with a total land area of approximately 153 square kilometers. As of 2023, the population is estimated at 30,000 people. The capital, Road Town, is situated on Tortola, the largest island. The official language is English. The BVI operates as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, with the British monarch represented by a Governor. The economy is one of the most prosperous in the Caribbean, driven by tourism and financial services, particularly offshore banking. The islands are renowned for their sailing waters, coral reefs, and pristine beaches. The BVI is a member of regional organizations such as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).