GUIDE TO THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
Charlotte Amalie Harbor St ThomasView of the Charlotte Amalie harbor, St. Thomas
Geography
The Virgin Islands are situated 64km (40 miles) east of Puerto Rico and comprise some 50 islands and cays, many uninhabited, in the Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean (between the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea). They are covered with lush tropical vegetation. The U.S. Virgin Islands consist of St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix, and Water Island. St. Thomas is 32 square miles (4 miles wide by 13 miles long) and mountainous rising abruptly to a ridge with an excellent deep-water harbor and gorgeous beaches. St. John, 19 square miles, is covered partly in bay forests and beautiful beaches. St. Croix consists of 84 square miles of rolling ex-plantation land and is home to the Cruzan Rum Distillery. Water Island, .77 square miles, is mostly residential ex-plantation land with a popular beach.
Official Bird: Bananaquit
Official Flower: Yellow Trumpetbush
Motto: United in Pride and Hope
US Virgin Islands flagU.S. Virgin Islands flag


History
The U.S. Virgin Islands were first inhabited by Carib, Arawak, and Taino indigenous people. However, in common with the rest of the Caribbean, they endured various waves of European invasion and settlement from the 1490s onwards. They were also once a top looting destination for pirates and a place to conceal treasure. After changing hands several times, they finally became part of the Danish West Indies. The U.S. government purchased the islands in 1917, and they are now an unincorporated territory of the USA. A measure of self-government was introduced in 1954, along with the introduction of an elected Senate. The various peoples who settled in the islands include Africans, Europeans, East Indians, and Middle Easterners.​ Learn more>>

Capital
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

​How to Get Here
St. Thomas is only 2.5 hours from Miami and 3.5 hours from New York City! Non-stop and connecting service from the U.S. mainland to St. Thomas are available. Some flights make connections in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Population
As of the 2010 U.S. Census, the population of the U.S. Virgin Islands is 106, 405. The population of  St. Thomas is 51, 634. 

Language
English is the official language, but Spanish is common. Creole (a blend of African, Danish, Spanish, English, and Portuguese) is also widely spoken.

​Religion
Christian, mainly Protestant

Government
U.S. External Territory (Unincorporated). Gained a measure of self-government in 1954. Although U.S. Virgin Islands residents are U.S. citizens, they cannot vote in presidential elections - one elected delegate represents the islands in the U.S. House of Representatives. The 1954 Organic Act created an elected 15-member Senate for the islands. Since 1970, executive authority has been vested in an elected governor who serves a four-year term.

Head Of State
President Joseph Biden since 2021

Delegate to Congress
Stacey Plaskett since 2015

Head Of Government
Governor Albert Bryan, Jr. since 2019

Currency
U.S. Dollar

Economy
When Denmark sold the islands to the U.S. government in 1917, they insisted that the existing privileges of the inhabitants be respected. A result of this is that the Virgin Islands are not part of the Federal Customs Area which has various advantages. This, in turn, has allowed the islands to support a high standard of living. Tourism is a key industry, contributing around US$1.2 billion annually to the economy.

Shopping
In the capital, Charlotte Amalie, converted warehouses now house stylish boutiques. Stores tucked into remodeled Danish warehouses line each side of the picturesque Main Street. Cobble-stoned alleys with numerous boutiques lead down to the waterfront. Imported goods from all over the world make it the best shopping destination of the Caribbean. All items up to US$1,600 are duty-free, double that of other Caribbean islands. U.S. residents can enjoy the shopping experience without thought of duty or taxes. Best buys include locally-made handcrafted items, watches, cameras, fine jewelry, china, leather goods, perfume, spirits, and designer clothing.

GDP
US$1.9 billion

Main Exports
Petroleum products and rum

Main Imports
Crude oil, food, consumer goods and building materials
Weather
Weather in the Virgin Islands is perpetually Spring/Summer temperatures. We do not experience significant seasonal changes, therefore weather and temperatures are fairly consistent year round. June, July and August tend to be the hottest months with temperatures in the mid 80s and December through February cooler months with high 70 degree temperatures.  Steady trade winds provide cool breezes throughout the day.

The Virgin Islands does not have a rainy season, however there are month to month differences. Most daily rainfall reports are below .10 inches. Rain showers are often short and typically occur early in the morning or at night. On a truly rainy day, it will rain off and on for the entire day. All day downpours over numerous days are not common.

Driving
​In the Virgin Islands, we drive on the left side of the road. It's an old custom from when the islands were colonized by Denmark. A rental car or jeep is the best way to get around. Vehicles are American cars with left side steering. Learn more>>

Social Conventions
U.S. Virgin Islanders are friendly and helpful, and the pace of life is slower and very relaxed on "island time."  While things do get done, they may take a little longer than you are accustomed. Getting upset makes the situation worse. Shaking hands is the normal form of greeting and the appropriate time of day (good morning/afternoon/evening) is usually uttered at the start of every encounter. It may not seem like much, but simple good manners go a long way in these islands. Politeness and courtesy is expected. Cursing in public is generally not acceptable, especially around elder residents. 

Clothing
Dress is informal for most occasions apart from the formal requirements of some hotels. Lightweight clothes throughout the year. However, please save your swimwear for the beach. It is considered taboo to wear swimsuits only or to walk about bareback anywhere but the beach or poolside. ​Umbrella or light waterproof clothing is useful.

Things to Do
There are many activities and attractions to keep you entertained during your stay in the U.S. Virgin Islands. A key annual event is Carnival which has been celebrated annually since 1952. Learn more>>

Dining
Virgin Islands cuisine is a unique fusion of foods influenced by the indigenous people of the islands and the various peoples who settled in the islands - Africans, Europeans, Indians, and Middle Easterners. 
Legal drinking age is 18. Tipping 15% to 20% is customary. Smoking is prohibited in restaurants and other public buildings. Bars may allow smoking outdoors, 20 feet from the entrance or any service area.

Marriage
The U.S. Virgin Islands is the perfect place for a destination wedding and/or honeymoon. There are no residency requirements, physicals, or blood test requirements. The license you receive is a legally binding U.S. marriage license. Learn more>>

Time Zone
Atlantic Standard Time. Daylight Savings Time is not recognized.

Electricity
115 volts AC, 60Hz. American-style plugs with two flat pins (with or without round grounding pin) are used.

Telephone
The USA (including most toll free numbers) can be dialed directly from the islands. Efficient overseas cable and telephone services are in operation.

Mobile Telephone
All mobile phones work on island but SPRINT and AT&T mobile phones work best on St. Thomas. Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone operators.

Internet
Internet cafés are available.

Post
U.S. Postal Service, Federal Express, DHL, and UPS are available. The postage is the same as in the USA. First-class post to the USA automatically travels by air through the US postal service. Airmail to Europe takes up to one week. International rates may apply. 

Press
Daily newspapers include the Virgin Islands Daily News and St. Croix Avis.

Video: U.S. Virgin Islands 10-Minute Tour
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