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Virgin Islands flag

Virgin Islands

Capital:Charlotte Amalie
Population:109,775
Currency:US Dollar (USD)
Language:English (official), Spanish, Creole
Sunset at Trellis Bay -- Road Town British Virgin Islands

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Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of Virgin Islands.

Virgin Islands Factsheet

Customs and Culture

Cultural Attributes

The United States Virgin Islands carry a rich and layered cultural identity shaped by centuries of African, Danish, American, and Caribbean influences. This blending of traditions is visible in everything from architecture and language to music, food, and religious life. The majority of the population traces its ancestry to West and Central Africa, descendants of enslaved people brought to the islands during the Danish colonial period, which lasted from the late 1600s until the United States purchased the territory in 1917 for $25 million. This African heritage remains the dominant force in local cultural expression, from the rhythms of quelbe music — considered the official music of the Virgin Islands — to the vibrant colors of Carnival costumes. Quelbe, sometimes called "scratch music," is a folk genre performed with instruments such as the squash (a gourd), banjo, guitar, and flute. It tells stories of everyday island life and has been recognized as a significant part of the territory's living heritage. The Danish colonial legacy is still evident in the pastel-colored warehouses and townhouses lining the historic waterfront of Charlotte Amalie, the capital city on St. Thomas. Danish street names persist throughout the islands, and several preserved forts and plantation structures draw visitors and researchers interested in colonial-era history. English is the official language, though many residents also speak Virgin Islands Creole English, a dialect that incorporates elements of Dutch, Danish, African languages, and English. This local dialect, sometimes called "dialect" by residents, is an important marker of cultural identity and is used comfortably in informal settings alongside standard American English. Christianity is the predominant religion, with Baptist, Catholic, and Anglican congregations having deep roots in the community. Religious life plays a central role in social organization, with churches serving as hubs for community events and cultural gatherings. The annual St. Thomas Carnival, held in late April and early May, is among the most celebrated events in the Caribbean, featuring elaborate costumed troupes, steel pan competitions, calypso performances, and street parades that attract visitors from around the region and beyond.

Sunset at Trellis Bay -- Road Town British Virgin Islands

Islands of Eternal Romance

Moorings Base -- Road Town British Virgin Islands

Holidays

  • Transfer Day

    3/27

    Other

    from Denmark to the US

Dates of Interest

  • March 27th

    Celebrates the transfer of power from Denmark to the United States

What languages do people speak in the Virgin Islands?

English is the official language, but many residents also speak Virgin Islands Creole English, a local dialect that blends Dutch, Danish, African languages, and English.

Good to know

  • Standard American English is used comfortably alongside the local dialect
  • The dialect, sometimes just called 'dialect,' is an important marker of cultural identity used in informal settings

What music and cultural events define the Virgin Islands?

Quelbe — the official folk music of the Virgin Islands, sometimes called 'scratch music' — and the vibrant St. Thomas Carnival are central to island cultural life.

Good to know

  • Quelbe is performed with instruments like the squash (a gourd), banjo, guitar, and flute, telling stories of everyday island life
  • The St. Thomas Carnival is held in late April and early May
  • Carnival features costumed troupes, steel pan competitions, calypso performances, and street parades

What should I know about Virgin Islands history and heritage before visiting?

The islands carry a layered identity shaped by African, Danish, American, and Caribbean influences, with a dominant West and Central African heritage and a lasting Danish colonial legacy.

Good to know

  • Visit Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas to see pastel-colored Danish colonial warehouses and townhouses along the historic waterfront
  • Danish street names persist throughout the islands
  • Christianity is predominant, with Baptist, Catholic, and Anglican congregations, and churches serve as hubs for community events
  • Preserved forts and plantation structures reflect the colonial-era history

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Photos of Virgin Islands

Travel and Tourism

Travel Alert Status
Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Currency
US dollar (USD)
Time Difference
UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Climate
subtropical, tempered by easterly trade winds, relatively low humidity, little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season May to November
Airports
2
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Recipes

Featured Dish

Conch Fritters

Side Dish

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History

Historical Eras

  1. Indigenous & Pre-Contact

    2000 BCE – 1493

    The Virgin Islands were inhabited by successive Amerindian peoples, including the Ciboney, Arawak, and Carib. The Caribs, known as fierce seafarers, dominated the islands by the time Christopher Columbus arrived in 1493 and named the archipelago Las Once Mil Vírgenes. European contact initiated the rapid displacement and decimation of the indigenous population.

  2. Early European Contest

    1493 – 1672

    Spain claimed the islands after Columbus's arrival but made no sustained settlement. Dutch, English, and Danish interests competed for control during the early 17th century, with Dutch settlers arriving around 1621 and English colonists establishing a presence on Tortola by 1666. Piracy and inter-European rivalry defined this turbulent period of shifting sovereignty.

  3. Plantation & Slave Era

    1672 – 1848

    Britain consolidated control of the British Virgin Islands while Denmark firmly established its colony on St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John. Sugarcane plantations worked by enslaved Africans became the economic foundation of both territories, generating significant wealth through the 18th century. Denmark abolished slavery in its colonies in 1848 following a slave uprising led by General Buddhoe on St. Croix.

  4. Decline & Danish Rule

    1848 – 1917

    The abolition of slavery triggered a prolonged economic decline in the Danish West Indies, as the plantation system collapsed without coerced labor and sugar prices fell globally. Denmark attempted to sell the islands to the United States as early as 1867, and negotiations continued intermittently for decades. The strategic importance of the islands during World War I finally prompted the United States to purchase them from Denmark for $25 million in 1917.

  5. U.S. Territory Era

    1917 – 1954

    Following the transfer, the islands were administered by the U.S. Navy until 1931, when civilian governance was established under the Department of the Interior. Residents were granted U.S. citizenship in 1927 under the Jones-Shafroth Act. The Organic Act of 1954 established a more formal governmental structure for the U.S. Virgin Islands, creating a legislature and strengthening civil rights protections.

  6. Modern Territory

    1954 – present

    The U.S. Virgin Islands developed a tourism-driven economy through the latter half of the 20th century, replacing the defunct agricultural sector. Residents gained the right to elect their own governor in 1970, though the islands remain an unincorporated territory without full voting representation in the U.S. Congress. Ongoing debates about the territory's political status — including potential statehood or greater autonomy — continue alongside recovery efforts from devastating hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.

Overview

During the 17th century, the archipelago was divided into two territorial units, one English and the other Danish. Sugarcane, produced by slave labor, drove the islands’ economy during the 18th and early 19th centuries. In 1917, the US purchased the Danish portion, which had been in economic decline since the abolition of slavery in 1848.

Timeline of Key Events

  1. 1493

    http://www.bvi.gov.vg/products.asp?iProd=20&iCat=4&hierarchy=0

    Christopher Columbus, exploring for new lands and mineral wealth, discovered the islands and claimed them for Spain. It was evident that there was copper on Virgin Gorda. The Carib indians were so antagonistic and defended their territory so fiercely that, in 1550, Charles V of Spain decreed that they should be treated as enemies and they were exterminated.

  2. 1550

    http://www.bvi.gov.vg/products.asp?iProd=20&iCat=4&hierarchy=0

    Charles V of Spain decreed that they should be treated as enemies and they were exterminated. The Spanish, continuing their explorations, discovered the bounty of South America and abandoned the islands, which were left uninhabited for the last half of the 16th. century.

  3. 1585

    http://www.bvi.gov.vg/products.asp?iProd=20&iCat=4&hierarchy=0

    The sovereigns of Holland, England, and France became very interested in the wealth being acquired by Spain, and their representatives sailed through the waters of the islands on their way to harrass Spanish possessions and capture the Spanish treasure ships. One of those representatives was Sir Francis Drake, who passed through in 1585. The archipelago of the West Indies was becoming increasingly important as the New World was being opened up, and formal claims of possession were made on all the islands.

  4. 1621

    http://www.bvi.gov.vg/products.asp?iProd=20&iCat=4&hierarchy=0

    the Dutch made Tortola their base and despite spasmodic attacks from Spain, who still considered the islands to be theirs, persisted in their occupation and built a fort there. During their tenure, the islands became a haven for buccaneers.

  5. 1625

    http://www.bvi.gov.vg/products.asp?iProd=20&iCat=4&hierarchy=0

    Charles 1 of England issued letters of patent and a grant of ownership of the islands to the Earl of Carlisle in 1625; however, no attempt was made to occupy the islands because England was colonizing the larger islands of Barbados, St.Christopher, Nevis, Montserrat and Antigua, and, these were proving very profitable. Those islands eventually united to become the Colony of the Leeward Islands.

  6. 1665

    http://www.bvi.gov.vg/products.asp?iProd=20&iCat=4&hierarchy=0

    on the outbreak of war between England and Holland, Captain John Wentworth attacked the islands and the Dutch lost their foothold.

  7. 1666

    http://www.bvi.gov.vg/products.asp?iProd=20&iCat=4&hierarchy=0

    the islands were formally annexed by England to the government of the Leeward Islands, and came under some measure of civic control.

View full timeline (48 events)
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Interesting Facts

  • The Virgin Islands has the world's highest marriage rate at 35.1 per 1,000 persons.

  • Columbus named the islands “Las Virgines” after the story of St Ursula and her virgin companions.

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Geography and Environment

Terrain
mostly hilly to rugged and mountainous with little level land
Climate
subtropical, tempered by easterly trade winds, relatively low humidity, little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season May to November
Natural Hazards
several hurricanes in recent years; frequent and severe droughts and floods; occasional earthquakes
Current Environmental Issues
lack of natural freshwater resources
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People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

English (official), Spanish, Creole

  • Creole
  • English
  • Spanish

Population

Population
109,775
Population in Major Urban Areas
CHARLOTTE AMALIE (capital) 60,000
Nationality Noun
Virgin Islander(s)
Ethnic Groups
black 78%, white 10%, other 12%

Education

Literacy Definition
NA
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Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
VirginIslands
Full Country Name
United States Virgin Islands
Former Name
Danish West Indies

Government Structure

Government Type
NA
Legal System
based on US laws
Executive Branch
chief of state: President Joseph R. BIDEN of the US (since 20 January 2021); Vice President Kamala D. HARRIS (since 20 January 2021) head of government: Governor Albert Bryan Jr. (since 7 January 2019); Lieutenant Governor Tregenza ROACH (since 7 January 2019) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor with cabinet members confirmed by the legislature elections: under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated territories, such as the Virgin Islands, do not vote in elections for US president and vice president; governor and lieutenant governor elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms; election last held on 8 November 2022 (next to be held in November 2026) election results: Albert BRYAN Jr. reelected governor; percent of vote - Albert BRYAN Jr. (Democrat) 56%, Janelle SARAUW (Independent) 38%
Legislative Branch
unicameral Senate (15 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve two-year terms) elections: last held 2 November 2004 (next to be held 7 November 2006) election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - Democratic Party 10, ICM 4, independent 1 note: the Virgin Islands elects one non-voting representative to the US House of Representatives; election last held 6 November 2002 (next to be held 2 November 2004); results - Donna M. CHRISTIAN-CHRISTENSON (Democrat) reelected
Judicial Branch
US District Court of the Virgin Islands (under Third Circuit jurisdiction); Territorial Court (judges appointed by the governor for 10-year terms)
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal; note - island residents are US citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections
Constitution
Revised Organic Act of 22 July 1954
Independence
black 78%, white 10%, other 12%
National Holiday
Transfer Day (from Denmark to the US), 27 March (1917)

Capital City

Capital Name
Charlotte Amalie
Capital - geographic coordinate
18 21 N, 64 56 W
Capital Time Difference
UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

originally called Taphus in Danish - meaning "tap house" or "beer house" because of its many beer halls - the town received a more dignified name in 1691 when it was named Charlotte Amalie in honor of Danish King CHRISTIAN V’s wife, Charlotte AMALIE of Hesse-Kassel (1650–1714)

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Economy

Tourism, trade, and related services are the primary economic drivers of the U.S. Virgin Islands, accounting for the majority of GDP and employment. The territory typically hosts more than 2 million visitors annually, most arriving via cruise ships. The manufacturing sector includes rum distilling, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and watch assembly. The agricultural sector is small, and most food is imported. International business and financial services remain a small but growing component of the economy.

The Hovensa refinery on Saint Croix, once one of the world's largest petroleum refineries, ceased refining operations in 2012 and was sold in 2016. After several restart attempts, the facility, now operated as Port Hamilton Refining and Transportation, has functioned primarily as an oil storage terminal, with refining operations remaining suspended due to regulatory and environmental challenges.

The islands remain highly vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms, as demonstrated by the severe damage from Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, which significantly disrupted tourism, infrastructure, and the broader economy. Recovery and federal disaster assistance have shaped public investment in the years since.

The territorial government continues to focus on improving fiscal discipline, addressing significant public debt and unfunded pension liabilities, supporting private-sector construction, expanding tourism facilities, reducing crime, and protecting the environment.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
US Dollar (USD)
GDP Real Growth Rate
2%

Banknotes

Virgin Islands Money - Front
Virgin Islands Money - Front
Virgin Islands Money - Back
Virgin Islands Money - Back

Budget & Public Finance

Fiscal Year
1 October - 30 September

Labor, Industry & Trade

Labor Force by Occupation
agriculture 1%; industry 19%; services 80%
Industries
tourism, petroleum refining, watch assembly, rum distilling, construction, pharmaceuticals, textiles, electronics
Agriculture Products
fruit, vegetables, sorghum; Senepol cattle
Export Commodities
refined petroleum products
Export Partners
US, Puerto Rico
Import Commodities
crude oil, foodstuffs, consumer goods, building materials
Import Partners
US, Puerto Rico

Energy

Oil Production
14,650 bbl/day
Oil Consumption
105,000 bbl/day
Oil Reserves
0 bbl/day
Natural Gas Production
0 cu m
Natural Gas Consumption
0 cu m
Natural Gas Imports
0 cu m
Natural Gas Exports
0 cu m
Natural Gas Reserves
0 cu m

Communications

Telephone System
general assessment: modern system with total digital switching, uses fiber-optic cable and microwave radio relay domestic: full range of services available international: country code - 1-340; submarine cable connections to US, the Caribbean, Central and South America; satellite earth stations - NA
Internet Country Code
.vi

News & Weather

Current Weather

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Latest News

News via Google News

Climate Overview

subtropical, tempered by easterly trade winds, relatively low humidity, little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season May to November

Videos

1 curated YouTube videos.

  • Source: YouTube

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Virgin Islands?
The population of Virgin Islands is approximately 109,775.
What languages do people speak in the Virgin Islands?
English is the official language, but many residents also speak Virgin Islands Creole English, a local dialect that blends Dutch, Danish, African languages, and English. Standard American English is used comfortably alongside the local dialect The dialect, sometimes just called 'dialect,' is an important marker of cultural identity used in informal settings
What music and cultural events define the Virgin Islands?
Quelbe — the official folk music of the Virgin Islands, sometimes called 'scratch music' — and the vibrant St. Thomas Carnival are central to island cultural life. Quelbe is performed with instruments like the squash (a gourd), banjo, guitar, and flute, telling stories of everyday island life The St. Thomas Carnival is held in late April and early May Carnival features costumed troupes, steel pan competitions, calypso performances, and street parades
What should I know about Virgin Islands history and heritage before visiting?
The islands carry a layered identity shaped by African, Danish, American, and Caribbean influences, with a dominant West and Central African heritage and a lasting Danish colonial legacy. Visit Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas to see pastel-colored Danish colonial warehouses and townhouses along the historic waterfront Danish street names persist throughout the islands Christianity is predominant, with Baptist, Catholic, and Anglican congregations, and churches serve as hubs for community events Preserved forts and plantation structures reflect the colonial-era history
What is the capital of the Virgin Islands?
Charlotte Amalie, located on the island of St. Thomas, serves as the capital of the United States Virgin Islands. It is the territory's largest city and primary commercial hub, with one of the Caribbean's finest natural harbors. The city developed as a prosperous trading port during the Danish colonial era and today remains a major cruise ship destination, known for its duty-free shopping and well-preserved colonial architecture.
Where are the Virgin Islands located?
The Virgin Islands are situated in the Caribbean, forming part of the Lesser Antilles in the northeastern corner of the Caribbean Sea. The territory lies roughly 64 kilometers east of Puerto Rico and consists of three main islands — St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix — along with dozens of smaller cays. The archipelago was historically divided between Danish and British colonial administrations, a division that still defines the two separate territories today.
What are the ocean and sea borders of the Virgin Islands?
As an island territory, the Virgin Islands are surrounded entirely by water, bordered to the north and east by the Atlantic Ocean and to the south and west by the Caribbean Sea. The neighboring British Virgin Islands lie immediately to the northeast, separated by narrow channels known as the Sir Francis Drake Channel. Puerto Rico, a fellow U.S. territory, lies approximately 64 kilometers to the west across the Virgin Passage.
What religion is practiced in the Virgin Islands?
Baptist Christianity is the most widely practiced religion in the Virgin Islands, adhered to by approximately 42 percent of the population. Roman Catholicism is the second-largest faith, representing around 34 percent, reflecting the territory's history of Spanish and Danish Catholic influence. Episcopalianism accounts for roughly 17 percent, a legacy of the significant English Protestant presence during the colonial period. Together, these three denominations represent the vast majority of religious affiliation across the islands.
What currency is used in the Virgin Islands?
The Virgin Islands uses the US Dollar (USD) as its official currency, a direct consequence of the United States purchasing the islands from Denmark in 1917. Because the territory operates under U.S. federal monetary policy, it does not issue its own currency. The dollar-based economy today relies heavily on tourism, financial services, and petroleum refining, particularly on St. Croix, rather than the sugarcane agriculture that once defined the islands' colonial economic history.
What languages are spoken in the Virgin Islands?
English is the official language of the United States Virgin Islands and is used in government, education, and commerce. Spanish is also widely spoken, reflecting cultural and demographic ties to Puerto Rico and other Spanish-speaking Caribbean communities. A distinct local Creole — sometimes called Virgin Islands Creole English — is spoken informally among many residents and carries linguistic traces of the islands' African, Danish, and English colonial heritage.
What is the Virgin Islands known for?
The Virgin Islands is internationally recognized for its exceptional sailing waters, particularly around St. John, where roughly 60 percent of the island is protected as a U.S. National Park. The territory holds a remarkable distinction as home to the world's highest marriage rate, at 35.1 per 1,000 persons, making it a major destination wedding location. St. Croix is noted for its rum production and annual agricultural fair, while the islands' name itself traces to Christopher Columbus, who called the archipelago Las Virgines after the legend of St. Ursula and her companions.

Last reviewed 2026

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