Official Name: British Virgin Islands

Area: Caribbean

Size: 153 km² 

Coastline: 80 km

Independence: overseas territory of the UK

Form of Govt.: overseas territory of the UK

Head of Govt.: Chief Minister

Capital: Road Town

Largest City: Road Town

Demographics (2005): 23,552.     153/km² 

Black 83%, other 17% (includes white, Indian, Asian and mixed)

GDP per Capita (2005): $13 043

Languages: English

Geography: The British Virgin Islands comprise around sixty semi-tropical Caribbean islands, ranging in size from the largest, Tortola (approximately 12 miles by 3 miles), to tiny uninhabited islets. They are located in the Virgin Islands archipelago, a few miles east of the U.S. Virgin Islands. The North Atlantic Ocean lies to the north of the islands, and the Caribbean Sea lies to the south. Most of the islands are volcanic in origin and have a hilly, rugged terrain. Anegada is geologically distinct from the rest of the group and is a flat island composed of limestone and coral.

Climate: The British Virgin Islands enjoy a sub-tropical climate, moderated by trade winds. Temperatures vary little throughout the year: typical daily maxima are around 29 degrees in the summer and 25 degrees in the winter. Rainfall averages about 115  per year, higher in the hills and lower on the coast. Rainfall can be quite variable, but the wettest months on average are September to December. Hurricanes occasionally hit the islands, with the hurricane season running from June to October.