Virgin Islands
Virgin Islands are classified in two groups: the British Virgin Islands and the United States Virgin Islands. The former is a British colony consisting of four larger islands: Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda, and Jost Van Dyke, and the latter group, administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior as an unincorporated territory, consists of three larger islands -St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas— and around 50 smaller islets and cays, with a total area of 133 square miles.
The islands are geographically part of the Virgin Islands archipelago and are located in the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles to the east of Puerto Rico and west of the British Virgin Islands. Their capital and largest city is Charlotte Amalie, and their governor is Albert Bryan.
The United States Virgin Islands have a tropical climate, but the heat is tempered by gentle trade winds that blow from the northeast most of the year and humidity is low. Even though the woodlands are not dense, there are numerous species of birds and small game, such as deer. Sailfish, tarpon, marlin, kingfish, and wahoo abound in coastal and offshore waters.
The population is primarily made up of African-Americans descended from African slaves. The number of Puerto Ricans and people from the continental United States has increased in recent years. Less than half of the U.S. Virgin Islands population is native-born.
The tourist industry makes up almost half of the national economy. New roads have been put in place, harbours have been improved, and some tourist hotels have been built. The number of tourists visiting the islands, attracted by opportunities for sport fishing and sailing, has continued to increase.
U.S. Virgin Islands Statistics
| Number of cities/towns/villages | 3 |
|---|---|
| Population | 87000 |
| Area | 348 km² |
| Density | 250 people/km² |
| Altitude | 474 m |
| Major cities | Charlotte Amalie, Christiansted, Frederiksted |
| Ethnicity | Black: 75% White: 15% Hispanic: 8% Asian: 1% Other: 1% |
| Median household income | $38,000 |
Common questions about U.S. Virgin Islands
What is the cheapest place to live in U.S. Virgin Islands?The cheapest area to live in the U.S. Virgin Islands is often considered to be St. Croix. This island offers a more affordable lifestyle compared to the others. Known for being the most affordable option in the USVI, it provides a good balance of cost and amenities without the state code designation typical in mainland states. |
What is the safest city, town or area in U.S. Virgin Islands?The safest area in the U.S. Virgin Islands is often considered to be St. John. This smaller island has a reputation for being peaceful, with lower crime rates compared to St. Thomas and St. Croix, making it an attractive destination for safety-conscious residents and visitors. |
What is the city with the best weather in U.S. Virgin Islands?The city with the best weather in the U.S. Virgin Islands is typically considered to be Cruz Bay on St. John. With its mild tropical climate, Cruz Bay enjoys warm temperatures year-round with pleasant sea breezes, making it an ideal location for those who appreciate stable and enjoyable weather conditions. |
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Complete List of Cities in U.S. Virgin Islands
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