Regions and territories: British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands, or BVI, comprise more than 40 Caribbean islands and islets with subtropical vegetation, white sandy beaches and coral reefs.

The British overseas territory forms part of an island chain, alongside the neighbouring US Virgin Islands. Tortola, the largest of the 16 inhabited islands, is home to more than three quarters of the population.

Overview

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Tourism and offshore finance dominate the economy. Beef Island airport opened in 1968 and, a year later, the first yacht charter business was established, heralding the growth of a lucrative tourist industry.

With its agreeable climate, tranquil and clear waters, yachting and water sports, it is easy to see why the BVI is a popular destination. The islands are, however, prone to tropical storms and hurricanes.

Tortola - a mariners' haven

Financial and business services account for nearly half of the islands' GDP. Legislation adopted in the mid-1980s enabled a rapid expansion of international financial services.

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) removed the territory from its list of uncooperative tax havens in 2002.

Named by Christopher Columbus in 1493, the islands were settled by the Dutch until 1666. Annexed by the English in 1672, the BVI became part of the Leeward Islands colony.

The Leewards were administered under a federal system until 1956. A constitution giving the BVI limited self-rule was introduced in 1967. The scope of self-rule was extended in 1977.

In 2002 the British Overseas Territories Act granted British citizenship to the islanders, who can hold British passports and may work in the UK and EU. The territory has tightened its immigration regulations; illegal migrants have used the islands as a springboard to the US.

Facts

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Territory: British Virgin Islands
Status: British overseas territory
Population: 22,200 (via UN, 2006)
Capital: Road Town, Tortola
Area: 153 sq km (59 sq miles)
Major language: English
Major religion: Christianity
Life expectancy: n/a
Monetary unit: US dollar
Main exports: Rum, fruit, livestock, sand and gravel
GNI per capita: n/a
Internet domain: .vg
International dialling code: +1 284

Leaders

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Leaders
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Head of state: Queen Elizabeth II, represented by Governor David Pearey. The governor is responsible for external affairs, defence, internal security, public services and the administration of the courts.

Premier: Ralph O'Neal

Ralph O'Neal became premier of the British Virgin Islands following his party's election victory in August 2007. The premier is appointed by the governor.

Having served as chief minister in the past, he is the first leader to take the title of premier after a change in the constitution.

He concurrently hold the posts of minister of tourism and finance.

The territory has a ministerial system of government. Elections to the 15-member Legislative Council are held every four years.