Turks and Caicos Islands
Region
🌍 Americas
Population
👥 50
Currency
💱 United States dollar
Languages
🗣️ English
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Official NameSource: REST Countries
Turks and Caicos Islands
Continent
America
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Turks and Caicos Islander
Independence
This territory does not have an official independence day.
Top-Level Domain
.tc
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+1
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC-04:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Cockburn Town
ISO Alpha-2
TC
ISO Alpha-3
TCA
UN Code
796
Geographic Coordinates
21.75,-71.58333333
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
948#190 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
50,828#213 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
48.63
Highest Point (m)
49
Lowest Point (m)
0 meters (Atlantic Ocean)
Land Use
Primarily comprised of beaches, scrubland, and settlements; limited agricultural activity.
Irrigated Land
Limited irrigated land due to arid conditions and reliance on rainfall.
Coastline Length
389 km
Climate
Tropical marine; hot and humid; moderated by trade winds
Natural Resources
Spiny lobster, conch, salt
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
No land borders
Major Rivers
This island territory has no major rivers.
Major Lakes
This island territory has no major lakes.
Government Type
Parliamentary dependency of the UK
Administrative Divisions
Six districts
Legal System
Based on English common law
Chief of State
King Charles III (represented by a Governor)
Head of Government
Premier Washington Misick
Cabinet
The Cabinet is appointed by the Governor, on the advice of the Premier.
Elections
Elections are held to elect members of the House of Assembly.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court; Court of Appeal; Magistrates' Court
Legislative Branch
Unicameral House of Assembly
Major Political Parties
Progressive National Party (PNP); People's Democratic Movement (PDM)
CurrencySource: REST Countries
United States dollar
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
1.75#193 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
1.77#190 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
37,506.78#44 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
0.35
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
9.34
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
72.64
Inflation Rate (%)
The inflation rate in the Turks and Caicos Islands is typically linked to that of the United States.
Labor Force (people)
The labor force size is estimated to be around 17,000 people.
Unemployment Rate (%)
The unemployment rate fluctuates, but is often below 10%.
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Data on public debt is not readily available.
Budget
Data on the government budget is not readily available.
Exports (US$ billion)
Exports primarily consist of lobster and conch; data on export values is not readily available.
Imports (US$ billion)
Imports, mainly food and consumer goods, are valued at approximately $0.4 billion.
Foreign Reserves
Data on foreign reserves is not readily available.
Currency Exchange
The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD).
GDP by Sector
Tourism and financial services are the dominant sectors.
Major Industries
Tourism, financial services, and construction are major industries.
Major Export Partners
The primary export partner is the United States.
Major Import Partners
The primary import partner is the United States.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)
The literacy rate is estimated to be around 98%.
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
10.5
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
7.4
Net Migration Rate
The net migration rate is positive, due to tourism-related labor needs.
Median Age
The median age is approximately 35 years.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
94.4#20 of 214
Urbanization Rate
The urbanization rate is essentially stable.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
78.2#66 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
The HIV/AIDS prevalence rate is low.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)
Data on health expenditures is not readily available.
Ethnic Groups
The population is predominantly of African descent.
Religions
Christianity is the dominant religion.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
English
Education
Education System
The education system follows a British model, with primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2015)Checked September 29, 2026
8.8
Government Education Spending
Government spending on education represents a significant portion of the budget, supporting schools and educational initiatives.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
The Turks and Caicos Islands has a college offering some higher education programs.
Culture
Cultural Overview
The culture is a blend of African, European, and Caribbean influences, reflected in music, cuisine, and traditions.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- New Year's Day (2026-01-01)
- Commonwealth Day (2026-03-09)
- Good Friday (2026-04-03)
- Easter Monday (2026-04-06)
- JAGS McCartney Day (2026-05-25)
- King's Birthday (2026-05-25)
- Emancipation Day (2026-08-01)
- Constitution Day (2026-08-31)
- National Youth Day (2026-09-25)
- National Heritage Day (2026-10-12)
- Christmas Day (2026-12-25)
- Boxing Day (2026-12-26)
Popular Music
Popular music includes Goombay music, as well as calypso and reggae, with influences from the Bahamas and Jamaica.
Traditional Food
Traditional food features seafood such as conch, along with peas and rice, and johnnycakes.
Sports
Popular sports include sailing, fishing, and water sports, along with cricket and football.
Major Festivals
Major festivals include the Junkanoo parades and the Turks and Caicos Conch Festival.
Famous People
Famous people include athletes and individuals in the arts and culture sectors.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Cultural heritage sites include historic settlements and locations important to the islands' history.
UNESCO Sites
The Turks and Caicos Islands has no UNESCO World Heritage Sites at this time.
Annual Tourist Visits
Approximately 1.5 million annually.
Tourism Overview
Tourism is a major economic driver, focused on luxury travel and water-based activities.
Top Tourist Attractions
Grace Bay Beach, Chalk Sound, diving and snorkeling sites.
Famous Cities
Cockburn Town.
National Parks
Several national parks and protected areas exist.
Protected Areas
Significant portion of land and sea are protected, including marine parks.
Best Time to Visit
—
Tourist Visa Info
Visa requirements vary depending on nationality. Check specific requirements.
Visa Requirements Overview
—
Travel Advisory
Exercise normal precautions.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
The healthcare quality index is moderate.
Medical Cost
Medical costs are relatively high due to the island location and dependence on imports.
Number of Hospitals
There are a few hospitals and clinics providing medical services.
Universal Healthcare
Healthcare is primarily provided through private facilities and a public health system, with services available to residents and visitors.
Medical Services Overview
Medical services are available, with hospitals and clinics, but may be limited compared to larger countries.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are available.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
The emergency number for police is 911.
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
The emergency number for ambulance services is 911.
Emergency Number (Fire)
The emergency number for fire services is 911.
Crime Rate
The Turks and Caicos Islands has a moderate crime rate index.
Safety Index
The Turks and Caicos Islands has a relatively high safety index.
Military Expenditure
As a British Overseas Territory, the Turks and Caicos Islands does not have its own military expenditure.
Emergency Services Overview
Emergency services, including police, ambulance, and fire, are available to residents and visitors.
Safety Overview
—
Military Branches
The Turks and Caicos Islands is a British Overseas Territory and does not maintain its own military.
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
Electricity access is almost universal.
Water Access
Water access is generally good, with most residents having access to potable water.
Sanitation Access
Sanitation access is widely available.
Railways
The Turks and Caicos Islands has no railway system.
Roadways
Roads are well-maintained, particularly on the main islands.
Transportation System
The transportation system primarily relies on roadways, air travel, and ferries between islands.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Providenciales International Airport (PLS), JAGS McCartney International Airport (GDT), North Caicos Airport (NCA), South Caicos Airport (XSC)
Ports
The islands have several ports used for cargo and cruise ships.
Public Transit
Public transit options are limited, with taxis and rental cars as common alternatives.
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (1990)Checked September 29, 2026
0#208 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
Data unavailable.
Tech Startups
Limited tech startup activity.
Innovation Index
Data unavailable.
ICT Development Index
Data unavailable.
TV Broadcast Stations
Limited number of TV stations.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Limited number of radio stations.
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
4.92#55 of 202
Air Quality Index
Data on air quality is limited; generally good.
Water Pollution Level
Low levels of water pollution.
Renewable Energy Usage
Limited use of renewable energy.
Environmental Issues
Coastal degradation, coral reef damage, and waste management.
Natural Hazards
Hurricanes and tropical storms.
Waste Management
Waste management infrastructure is developing; issues with disposal and landfills.
Environmental Agreements
Party to agreements on biodiversity, climate change, and marine life.
UN Membership
—
Diplomatic Missions
Diplomatic representation handled by the UK.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
Associated member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
Major Treaties
Information not readily available.
Visa-Free Countries
Visa-free travel agreements vary depending on the traveler's citizenship and the UK's policies.