British Virgin Islands - VG - VGB - IVB - Central America and the Caribbean
Last updated: July 16, 2025
British Virgin Islands Images
The Old Post Office Building on Main Street in Road Town, the capital of the British Virgin Islands.
The former Legislative Council Building in Road Town, the capital of the British Virgin Islands, is today used as the House of Assembly and the High Court.
The Old Post Office Building on Main Street in Road Town, the capital of the British Virgin Islands.
The former Legislative Council Building in Road Town, the capital of the British Virgin Islands, is today used as the House of Assembly and the High Court.
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British Virgin Islands Factbook Data
Dependency status
overseas territory of the UK; internal self-governing
Diplomatic representation from the US
embassy: none (overseas territory of the UK)
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)
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)
This is the population pyramid for the British Virgin Islands. A population pyramid illustrates the age and sex structure of a country's population and may provide insights about political and social stability, as well as economic development. The population is distributed along the horizontal axis, with males shown on the left and females on the right. The male and female populations are broken down into 5-year age groups represented as horizontal bars along the vertical axis, with the youngest age groups at the bottom and the oldest at the top. The shape of the population pyramid gradually evolves over time based on fertility, mortality, and international migration trends.
For additional information, please see the entry for Population pyramid on the Definitions and Notes page.
For additional information, please see the entry for Population pyramid on the Definitions and Notes page.
Geographic coordinates
18 30 N, 64 30 W
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.)
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.)
Natural hazards
hurricanes and tropical storms (July to October)
Area - comparative
about 0.9 times the size of Washington, D.C.
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.
Environment - current issues
limited natural freshwater resources; water pollution from sewage and mining/industry waste; coral reef preservation
Exports - commodities
ships, refined petroleum, aircraft, molasses, precious stones (2023)
Administrative divisions
none (overseas territory of the UK)
Agricultural products
fruits, vegetables; livestock, poultry; fish
Budget
revenues: $400 million (2017 est.)
expenditures: $400 million (2017 est.)
expenditures: $400 million (2017 est.)
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
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
Imports - commodities
ships, refined petroleum, aircraft, railway cargo containers, jewelry (2023)
Climate
subtropical; humid; temperatures moderated by trade winds
Coastline
80 km
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
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
Exchange rates
the US dollar is used
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
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
Flag description
blue with the UK flag in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Virgin Islander coat of arms centered in the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms depicts a woman flanked by vertical columns of six oil lamps above a scroll bearing the Latin word VIGILATE (Be Watchful); 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
Independence
none (overseas territory of the UK)
Industries
tourism, light industry, construction, rum, concrete block, offshore banking center
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
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
Land boundaries
total: 0 km
Land use
agricultural land: 46.7% (2022 est.)
arable land: 6.7% (2022 est.)
permanent crops: 6.7% (2022 est.)
permanent pasture: 33.3% (2022 est.)
forest: 24.1% (2022 est.)
other: 29.2% (2022 est.)
arable land: 6.7% (2022 est.)
permanent crops: 6.7% (2022 est.)
permanent pasture: 33.3% (2022 est.)
forest: 24.1% (2022 est.)
other: 29.2% (2022 est.)
Legal system
English common law
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
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
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
International organization participation
ACS (associate), Caricom (associate), CDB, Interpol (subbureau), IOC, OECS, UNESCO (associate), UPU
National holiday
Territory Day, 1 July (1956)
Nationality
noun: British Virgin Islander(s)
adjective: British Virgin Islander
adjective: British Virgin Islander
Natural resources
NEGL; pleasant climate, beaches foster tourism
Geography - note
strong ties to nearby US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico
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
Political parties
National Democratic Party or NDP
Progressive Virgin Islands Movement or PVIM
Progressives United or PU
Virgin Islands Party or VIP
Progressive Virgin Islands Movement or PVIM
Progressives United or PU
Virgin Islands Party or VIP
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Terrain
coral islands relatively flat; volcanic islands steep, hilly
Government type
Overseas Territory of the UK with limited self-government; parliamentary democracy
Military - note
defense is the responsibility of the UK
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)
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)
Location
Caribbean, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico
Map references
Central America and the Caribbean
Irrigated land
NA
Diplomatic representation in the US
none (overseas territory of the UK)
Internet users
percent of population: 78% (2017 est.)
Internet country code
.vg
GDP (official exchange rate)
$1.38 billion (2018 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 12 years
male: 12 years
female: 12 years (2018)
male: 12 years
female: 12 years (2018)
Urbanization
urban population: 49.7% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 1.73% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
rate of urbanization: 1.73% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Broadcast media
1 private TV station; multi-channel TV is available from cable and satellite subscription services; about a half-dozen private radio stations
Drinking water source
improved:
total: 99.9% of population
unimproved:
total: 0.1% of population (2020 est.)
total: 99.9% of population
unimproved:
total: 0.1% of population (2020 est.)
National anthem
note: as an overseas territory of the United Kingdom, "God Save the King" is official (see United Kingdom)
This is an audio of the National Anthem for British Virgin Islands. The national anthem is generally a patriotic musical composition - usually in the form of a song or hymn of praise - that evokes and eulogizes the history, traditions, or struggles of a nation or its people. National anthems can be officially recognized as a national song by a country's constitution or by an enacted law, or simply by tradition. Although most anthems contain lyrics, some do not.
Major urban areas - population
15,000 ROAD TOWN (capital) (2018)
National symbol(s)
zenaida dove, white cedar flower
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 25.1% (2017 est.)
government consumption: 7.5% (2017 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 21.7% (2017 est.)
investment in inventories: 20.4% (2017 est.)
exports of goods and services: 94.7% (2017 est.)
imports of goods and services: -69.4% (2017 est.)
government consumption: 7.5% (2017 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 21.7% (2017 est.)
investment in inventories: 20.4% (2017 est.)
exports of goods and services: 94.7% (2017 est.)
imports of goods and services: -69.4% (2017 est.)
Citizenship
see United Kingdom
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
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
VP-L
Sanitation facility access
improved:
urban: 97.5% of population
rural: 97.5% of population
total: 97.5% of population
unimproved:
urban: 2.5% of population
rural: 2.5% of population
total: 2.5% of population (2015 est.)
urban: 97.5% of population
rural: 97.5% of population
total: 97.5% of population
unimproved:
urban: 2.5% of population
rural: 2.5% of population
total: 2.5% of population (2015 est.)
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.)
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.)
Languages
English (official), Virgin Islands Creole
Literacy
total population: NA
male: NA
female: NA
male: NA
female: NA
Elevation
highest point: Mount Sage 521 m
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
Contraceptive prevalence rate
NA
Electricity access
electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.)
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.)
youth dependency ratio: 23.2 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 16.9 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 5.9 (2024 est.)
Imports - partners
USA 34%, Italy 10%, France 9%, China 8%, Luxembourg 5% (2023)
Exports - partners
Malta 33%, Guyana 22%, Greece 11%, Germany 7%, Indonesia 4% (2023)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 21,099 tons (2000 est.)
Air pollutants
carbon dioxide emissions: 0.21 megatons (2016 est.)
Coal
imports: 20 metric tons (2023 est.)
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.)
solar: 1.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 1.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Petroleum
refined petroleum consumption: 1,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.67 (2024 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
46.6% (2023 est.)
Ports
total ports: 1 (2024)
large: 0
medium: 1
small: 0
very small: 0
ports with oil terminals: 1
key ports: Road Harbor
large: 0
medium: 1
small: 0
very small: 0
ports with oil terminals: 1
key ports: Road Harbor
National color(s)
yellow, green, red, white, blue
Net migration rate
12.9 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 38.5 years (2024 est.)
male: 38.1 years
female: 38.9 years
male: 38.1 years
female: 38.9 years
Total fertility rate
1.38 children born/woman (2024 est.)
Population
total: 40,102 (2024 est.)
male: 19,042
female: 21,060
male: 19,042
female: 21,060
Carbon dioxide emissions
188,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 188,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 188,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
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
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
Taxes and other revenues
38.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$500 million (2017 est.)
$490.2 million (2016 est.)
$481.1 million (2015 est.)
$490.2 million (2016 est.)
$481.1 million (2015 est.)
Airports
3 (2025)
Infant mortality rate
total: 13.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)
male: 16 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 10.7 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 16 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 10.7 deaths/1,000 live births
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions: 38,000 (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 121 (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 121 (2021 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
4.2% (2022 est.)
2.8% (2021 est.)
0.4% (2020 est.)
2.8% (2021 est.)
0.4% (2020 est.)
Real GDP per capita
$34,200 (2017 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total: 7,000 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 18 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 18 (2022 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
66.998 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Death rate
5.5 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Birth rate
10.9 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
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.)
consumption: 163.82 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 10.18 million kWh (2023 est.)
Merchant marine
total: 29 (2023)
by type: general cargo 3, other 26
by type: general cargo 3, other 26
Imports
$300 million (2017 est.)
$210 million (2016 est.)
$210 million (2016 est.)
Exports
$23 million (2017 est.)
$23 million (2015 est.)
note: Data are in current year dollars and do not include illicit exports or re-exports.
$23 million (2015 est.)
note: Data are in current year dollars and do not include illicit exports or re-exports.
Heliports
2 (2025)
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 23,000 (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 17 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 17 (2022 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
total population: 80.1 years (2024 est.)
male: 78.6 years
female: 81.7 years
male: 78.6 years
female: 81.7 years
Real GDP growth rate
2% (2017 est.)
1.9% (2016 est.)
1.8% (2015 est.)
1.9% (2016 est.)
1.8% (2015 est.)
Industrial production growth rate
1.1% (2017 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 0.2% (2017 est.)
industry: 6.8% (2017 est.)
services: 93.1% (2017 est.)
industry: 6.8% (2017 est.)
services: 93.1% (2017 est.)
Education expenditure
2.5% of GDP (2022 est.)
13.6% national budget (2025 est.)
13.6% national budget (2025 est.)
Population growth rate
1.82% (2024 est.)