British Virgin Islands

Overseas Territory Of The UK With Limited Self-GovernmentPop40KGDP (PPP)$1.6BCP0.0→Beta

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Overview

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.

Geography

Area

Land: 151 sq km
Note: note: comprised of 16 inhabited and more than 20 uninhabited islands; includes the islands of Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda, Jost van Dyke
Water: 0 sq km
Total: 151 sq km

Climate: subtropical; humid; temperatures moderated by trade winds
Terrain: coral islands relatively flat; volcanic islands steep, hilly

Land Use

Other: 0% (2023 est.)
Forest: 66.5% (2023 est.)
Agricultural land: 46.7% (2023 est.)
Agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 6.7% (2023 est.)
Agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 6.7% (2023 est.)
Agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 33.3% (2023 est.)

Location: Caribbean, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico
Coastline: 80 km

Elevation

Lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
Highest point: Mount Sage 521 m

Irrigated land: NA
Map references: Central America and the Caribbean

Land Boundaries

Total: 0 km

Maritime Claims

Territorial sea: 12 nm
Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Natural hazards: hurricanes and tropical storms (July to October)
Geography note: strong ties to nearby US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico
Natural resources: NEGL; pleasant climate, beaches foster tourism
Area comparative: about 0.9 times the size of Washington, D.C.
Geographic coordinates: 18 30 N, 64 30 W
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

People & Society

Languages: English (official), Virgin Islands Creole
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.)

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
Total population: 0.9 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/female

Birth rate: 10.8 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate: 5.58 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)

Median Age

Male: 38.1 years
Total: 38.8 years (2025 est.)
Female: 38.9 years

Population

Male: 19,042
Total: 40,102 (2024 est.)
Female: 21,060

Nationality

Noun: British Virgin Islander(s)
Adjective: British Virgin Islander

Urbanization

Urban population: 49.7% of total population (2023)
Rate of urbanization: 1.73% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)

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)

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.)

Dependency Ratios

Total dependency ratio: 40.2 (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 23.2 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 5.9 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 16.9 (2024 est.)

Net migration rate: 12.54 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Total fertility rate: 1.39 children born/woman (2025 est.)

Drinking Water Source

Improved: total: total: 99.9% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved: total: total: 0.1% of population (2022 est.)

Education Expenditure

Education expenditure (% GDP): 3.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget): 13.6% national budget (2025 est.)

Infant Mortality Rate

Male: 16 deaths/1,000 live births
Total: 13 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
Female: 10.7 deaths/1,000 live births

Population growth rate: 1.78% (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate: 0.68 (2025 est.)
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

Life Expectancy at Birth

Male: 78.6 years
Female: 81.7 years
Total population: 80.1 years (2024 est.)

Major urban areas population: 15,000 ROAD TOWN (capital) (2018)

School Life Expectancy (Primary to Tertiary Education)

Male: 11 years (2022 est.)
Total: 11 years (2022 est.)
Female: 11 years (2022 est.)

Government

Flag: description: blue with the UK flag in the upper-left quadrant and the Virgin Islander coat of arms centered on the right half of the flag; the coat of arms depicts a woman between two columns of six oil lamps, above a scroll with the Latin word VIGILATE (Be Watchful)

meaning: 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

Capital

Name: Road Town
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
Time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Geographic coordinates: 18 25 N, 64 37 W

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Citizenship: see United Kingdom

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

Country Name

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)
Abbreviation: BVI
Conventional long form: none
Conventional short form: British Virgin Islands

Independence: none (overseas territory of the UK)
Legal system: English common law
Government type: Overseas Territory of the UK with limited self-government; parliamentary democracy

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
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

Executive Branch

Note: 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
Cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the governor from members of the House of Assembly
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)
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

National holiday: Territory Day, 1 July (1956)
Dependency status: overseas territory of the UK; internal self-governing
National color(s): yellow, green, red, white, blue
Political parties: National Democratic Party or NDP
Progressive Virgin Islands Movement or PVIM
Progressives United or PU
Virgin Islands Party or VIP

Legislative Branch

Term in office: 4 years
Number of seats: 15 (directly elected and appointed)
Legislature name: House of Assembly
Scope of elections: full renewal
Legislative structure: unicameral
Most recent election date: 4/24/2023
Expected date of next election: 2027
Parties elected and seats per party: VIP (6); NDP (3); PVIM (3); PU (1)

National Anthem(s)

Title: "God Save the King"
History: official anthem, as a UK overseas territory
Lyrics/music: unknown

National symbol(s): zenaida dove, white cedar flower
Diplomatic representation in the US: none (overseas territory of the UK)

Diplomatic Representation from the US

Embassy: none (overseas territory of the UK)

International organisations: ACS (associate), Caricom (associate), CDB, Interpol (subbureau), IOC, OECS, UNESCO (associate), UPU

Economy

Budget

Revenues: $400 million (2017 est.)
Expenditures: $400 million (2017 est.)

Industries: tourism, light industry, construction, rum, concrete block, offshore banking center
Exchange rates: the US dollar is used
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
Exports partners: Malta 33%, Guyana 22%, Greece 11%, Germany 7%, Indonesia 4% (2023)
Imports partners: USA 34%, Italy 10%, France 9%, China 8%, Luxembourg 5% (2023)

Real GDP Per Capita

Civica canonical (reconciled): $40,500 (2024 est.)

Note: note: data in 2015 dollars
Real GDP per capita 2022: $38,400 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $38,600 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2024: $40,500 (2024 est.)

Agricultural products: fruits, vegetables; livestock, poultry; fish
Exports commodities: ships, refined petroleum, aircraft, molasses, precious stones (2023)
Imports commodities: ships, refined petroleum, aircraft, railway cargo containers, jewelry (2023)
GDP (official exchange rate): $1.598 billion (2024 est.)

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

Civica canonical (reconciled): 8.5% (2022 est.)

Note: note: annual % change based on consumer prices
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2020: 1.4% (2020 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2021: 2.8% (2021 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022: 8.5% (2022 est.)

Real GDP (Purchasing Power Parity)

Civica canonical (reconciled): $1.634 billion (2024 est.)

Note: note: data in 2015 dollars
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $1.537 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $1.579 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $1.634 billion (2024 est.)

Energy

Coal

Imports: 20 metric tons (2023 est.)

Petroleum

Refined petroleum consumption: 1,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)

Electricity

Consumption: 163.82 million kWh (2023 est.)
Installed generating capacity: 63,000 kW (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 10.18 million kWh (2023 est.)

Electricity Access

Electrification total population: 100% (2022 est.)

Energy Consumption Per Capita

Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 66.998 million Btu/person (2023 est.)

Electricity Generation Sources

Wind: 1.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Solar: 1.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Fossil fuels: 97.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

Communications

Internet Users

Percent of population: 78% (2017 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
Internet country code: .vg

Telephones Fixed Lines

Total subscriptions: 23,000 (2021 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 17 (2022 est.)

Telephones Mobile Cellular

Total subscriptions: 35,595 (2022 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 93 (2024 est.)

Broadband Fixed Subscriptions

Total: 7,000 (2022 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 18 (2022 est.)

Transport

Ports

Large: 0
Small: 0
Medium: 1
Key ports: Road Harbor
Very small: 0
Total ports: 1 (2024)
Ports with oil terminals: 1

Airports: 3 (2025)
Heliports: 2 (2025)

Merchant Marine

Total: 29 (2023)
BY type: general cargo 3, other 26

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: VP-L

Environment

Climate: subtropical; humid; temperatures moderated by trade winds

Land Use

Other: 0% (2023 est.)
Forest: 66.5% (2023 est.)
Agricultural land: 46.7% (2023 est.)
Agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 6.7% (2023 est.)
Agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 6.7% (2023 est.)
Agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 33.3% (2023 est.)

Urbanization

Urban population: 49.7% of total population (2023)
Rate of urbanization: 1.73% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)

Waste and Recycling

Municipal solid waste generated annually: 21,100 tons (2024 est.)

Environmental issues: limited natural freshwater resources; water pollution from sewage and mining/industry waste; coral reef preservation

Carbon Dioxide Emissions

Total emissions: 188,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 188,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

Military & Security

Military note: defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues

Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons

Refugees: 41 (2024 est.)

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Civica. (2026). Civica Atlas — British Virgin Islands — vintage 2026-Q1: British Virgin Islands factbook. Civica Atlas. Retrieved May 7, 2026, from https://civicaatlas.org/factbook/british-virgin-islands

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Sources: CIA World Factbook