British Virgin Islands

Region
🌍 Americas
Population
👥 38
Currency
💱 United States dollar
Languages
🗣️ English
This mark means a fact is linked to a checked source. Hover or tap it to see the source. 21 of 141 facts on this page are sourced.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
Virgin Islands
Continent
America
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Virgin Islander
Independence
This territory does not have an official independence day.
Top-Level Domain
.vg
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+1
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC-04:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Road Town
ISO Alpha-2
VG
ISO Alpha-3
VGB
UN Code
92
Geographic Coordinates
18.431383,-64.62305
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
151#225 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
38,984#217 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
259.9
Highest Point (m)
Mount Sage: 543 meters
Lowest Point (m)
Sea level: 0 meters
Land Use
Primarily used for pasture, with some arable land and forest.
Irrigated Land
Limited irrigated land due to the climate.
Coastline Length
Approximately 150 km
Climate
Tropical marine climate with consistent temperatures and moderate rainfall.
Natural Resources
Sand, stone, gravel, and 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 under a constitutional monarchy.
Administrative Divisions
Four districts and Virgin Gorda.
Chief of State
King Charles III (represented by a Governor).
Head of Government
Premier Natalio Wheatley.
Cabinet
The Cabinet is appointed by the Governor, based on the Premier's advice.
Elections
Elections are held for the House of Assembly.
Judicial Branch
Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (High Court and Court of Appeal).
Legislative Branch
House of Assembly.
Major Political Parties
Virgin Islands Party (VIP) and the National Democratic Party (NDP).
CurrencySource: REST Countries
United States dollar
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)
The British Virgin Islands' GDP is not available, but is estimated to be around $1.0 billion.
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)
Data on GDP PPP is not readily available.
GDP per Capita (US$)
Data on GDP per capita is not readily available, but is likely high due to the strong financial services sector.
GDP - Agriculture (%)
—
GDP - Industry (%)
—
GDP - Services (%)
—
Inflation Rate (%)
Inflation data is not readily available, but generally remains low.
Labor Force (people)
The labor force size is relatively small, reflecting the territory's size and population.
Unemployment Rate (%)
Unemployment data is not readily available, but is generally low.
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Public debt data is not readily available.
Budget
Budget data is not readily available.
Exports (US$ billion)
Exports data is not readily available, but primarily include financial services.
Imports (US$ billion)
Imports data is not readily available.
Foreign Reserves
Data on foreign reserves is not readily available.
GDP by Sector
The economy is primarily driven by financial services, tourism, and related activities.
Major Industries
Financial services, tourism, and construction are the major industries.
Major Export Partners
Data on export partners is not readily available.
Major Import Partners
Data on import partners is not readily available.

Society

Literacy Rate (%)
Literacy is very high.
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
8.2
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
6
Net Migration Rate
Net migration data is not readily available.
Median Age
Median age data is not readily available.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
57.4#136 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Urbanization rate data is not readily available.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
77.4#79 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
HIV/AIDS prevalence is low.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)
Health expenditure data is not readily available.
Ethnic Groups
The population is predominantly of African descent, with significant minorities of European, mixed, and other descent.
Religions
Christianity is the predominant religion.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
English

Education

Education System
The British Virgin Islands follows a British-based education system with primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2018)Checked September 29, 2026
12
Government Education Spending
Government spending on education is a significant portion of the budget, supporting public schools and education initiatives.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
H. Lavity Stoutt Community College offers higher education programs.

Culture

Cultural Overview
The culture of the British Virgin Islands is a blend of West Indian, British, and African influences, reflected in its music, cuisine, and traditions.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
  • New Year's Day (2026-01-01)
  • Lavity Stoutt's Birthday (2026-03-09)
  • Good Friday (2026-04-03)
  • Easter Monday (2026-04-06)
  • Whit Monday (2026-05-25)
  • Sovereign's Birthday (2026-06-12)
  • Virgin Islands Day (2026-07-01)
  • Emancipation Monday (2026-08-03)
  • Emancipation Tuesday (2026-08-04)
  • Emancipation Wednesday (2026-08-05)
  • Heroes and Foreparents Day (2026-10-19)
  • The 1949 Great March and Restoration Day (2026-11-23)
Popular Music
Popular music genres include Calypso, Soca, reggae, and contemporary Caribbean music.
Traditional Food
Traditional foods include fish, conch, roti, and fungi.
Sports
Popular sports are sailing, cricket, and watersports.
Major Festivals
The BVI Emancipation Festival is a major cultural event.
Famous People
Notable figures include athletes, artists, and politicians.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Historical sites and locations are preserved, reflecting the islands' history.
UNESCO Sites
The British Virgin Islands does not have any UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Annual Tourist Visits
Information unavailable, but significant tourism.
Tourism Overview
Tourism is a significant sector, driven by sailing, yachting, and luxury travel.
Top Tourist Attractions
Beaches (e.g., Trunk Bay), The Baths (Virgin Gorda), sailing, snorkeling.
Famous Cities
Road Town (capital).
National Parks
Sage Mountain National Park.
Protected Areas
Protected areas exist, details are limited.
Best Time to Visit
—
Tourist Visa Info
Visa requirements vary, check with your local consulate. Generally visa-free for many nationalities.
Visa Requirements Overview
—
Travel Advisory
Exercise normal precautions; check your country's travel advisories.

Healthcare

Healthcare Quality
Healthcare quality is generally good.
Medical Cost
Medical costs can be high.
Number of Hospitals
There are a few hospitals and clinics.
Universal Healthcare
Healthcare in the British Virgin Islands is a mixed system, with public and private options available.
Medical Services Overview
Medical services are available, including hospitals and clinics.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are available.

Emergency & Safety

Emergency Number (Police)
Emergency number for police is 999.
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
Emergency number for ambulance is 999.
Emergency Number (Fire)
Emergency number for fire services is 999.
Crime Rate
The British Virgin Islands generally has a relatively low crime rate.
Safety Index
The British Virgin Islands typically has a high safety index.
Military Expenditure
The British Virgin Islands does not have a military and therefore does not have military expenditure.
Emergency Services Overview
Emergency services are available, including police, ambulance, and fire services.
Safety Overview
—
Military Branches
The British Virgin Islands does not maintain its own military forces; defense is the responsibility of the United Kingdom.

Infrastructure

Electricity Access
Electricity access is generally available across the islands.
Water Access
Water access is available through a combination of sources, including desalination.
Sanitation Access
Sanitation services are available across the islands.
Railways
The British Virgin Islands has no railways.
Roadways
Roads connect the islands, primarily serving vehicular traffic.
Transportation System
The transportation system relies on roads, ferries, and air travel.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS), Virgin Gorda Airport (VIJ)
Ports
Road Town, Tortola, is the main port for cargo and cruise ships.
Public Transit
Public transportation includes buses and taxis.

Technology & Communication

Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2017)Checked September 29, 2026
77.7#113 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
Information unavailable.
Tech Startups
Limited tech startup activity.
Innovation Index
Information unavailable.
ICT Development Index
Information unavailable.
TV Broadcast Stations
Information unavailable.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Information unavailable.
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
2.33#108 of 202
Air Quality Index
Data is limited; generally good air quality.
Water Pollution Level
May experience localized pollution from tourism and wastewater.
Renewable Energy Usage
Limited usage, but some potential for solar energy.
Environmental Issues
Coastal degradation, waste disposal, and potential impact of tourism.
Natural Hazards
Hurricanes and tropical storms.
Waste Management
Limited infrastructure; waste disposal and recycling are developing.
Environmental Agreements
Part of international agreements related to environmental protection.
UN Membership
—
Diplomatic Missions
Diplomatic representation handled through the United Kingdom.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
Dependent territory of the United Kingdom, participates in some organizations.
Major Treaties
Subject to treaties and agreements of the United Kingdom.
Visa-Free Countries
Visa policies align with the United Kingdom.

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