Location
The British Virgin Islands is comprised of 36 islands in the Caribbean Sea (16 inhabited); located about 60 miles east of Puerto Rico, north of the Leeward Islands, and adjacent to the US Virgin Islands. The principal islands are : Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke. Road Town, Tortola is the capital.

Geography
The islands of the BVI are grouped around the Sir Francis Drake Channel, renowned as the most beautiful and tranquil of sailing waters in the world.

Topography
A Majestic terrain; mountains, rolling hills, lush green valleys, white sandy beaches, quiet coves and crystal clear waters. Mt. Sage on Tortola rises to 1,780 ft; Anegada, a coral atoll, is only 28 ft. above sea level.

Climate
Balmy tradewinds provide a most comfortable, subtropical environment. Temperatures are rarely below 77 F in winter; or rise above 90 F in summer.

Nationality
British Virgin Islanders are internally self-governed; the BVI is a Territory of the United Kingdom.

Official Language: English

Official Currency: U.S. dollar

Population
Total Population (May 1995 estimate): 18,305 Average Annual Rate of Growth (1990): 3.02 % Reproductive Rate (1990) 20 per 1,000 Population Density (1991): 109 per sq. km. (282 per sq. mi.) Adult Literacy Rate 98% Ethnic Divisions:: Over 90% Black of African descent; remainder is of white and Asian origin

History
It is reported that Christopher Columbus sighted the islands in 1493, on his second expedition to the New World; Overwhelmed by their multitude, he christened the islands ‘Las Once Mil Virgines’ - in honor of St.Ursula and the 11,000 maidens who sacrificed their lives in 4th century Cologne. The Crest of St.Ursula is a national symbol of the British Virgin Islands.

The islands were said to be inhabited by Caribs and Arawaks. The Dutch established the first permanent European community here in 1648. In 1666 British planters took over control of the island group from the original Dutch settlers. The islands attained the status of British Colony, and remained part of the Leeward Islands from 1872 until 1956, when the British Virgin Islands became a separately administered entity. To preserve its close economic ties with the U.S.. Virgin Islands the group did not join the 1958-1962 West Indies Federation of British Islands. In 1967, the new Constitution provided for a ministerial system of government headed by a Governor. The island group remains under British Sovereignty today.

Government
The BVI is constitutionally autonomous of the UK except for external affairs, defense, internal security, terms and conditions of service of public officers and the administration of the courts. These areas are the responsibilities of a UK appointed Governor. The Territory features an internal self-government that has a long history of political stability.

There is an Executive Council, with the Governor as Chairman, which includes the Attorney General (exofficio), the Chief Minister (appointed by the Governor from those elected to the Legislative Council to handle financial matters), and three other ministers appointed by the Governor on the advice of the Chief Minister.

The Legislative Council consists of the four ministers and nine other popularly elected representatives; led by an appointed speaker from outside the Council.

The judicial system is under the direction of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, which includes the High Court of justice and the Court of Appeal. Other bodies are the Magistrate's Court, a Juvenile Court, and a Court of Summary Jurisdiction.

Elections are held at least once every four years.

LABOUR
The BVI has a well-educated, English speaking workforce that is easily trainable and adaptable. A Community College provides business and vocational training, as well as continuing education to the existing workforce.

There are no labour or trade unions in the BVI.

Unemployment is very low, and labour can be imported when absolutely necessary.

The minimum wage is 3.00 per eight hour day.

Highways: There are more than 142 km (85.5 mi.) of motorable roads in the BVI. Driving is on the left-hand side. There are no traffic lights.

Seaports: Port Purcell and West End on Tortola are the major ports. Port Purcell has berth of 800 ft. and a depth of 24 ft. Thomas Bay, Virgin Gord and Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke are other principal locations.

Airports: Beef Islands Airport, adjacent to Tortola, is the primary facility; runway 3,600 ft. Two smaller airports are on Virgin Gorda and Anegada.

Electricity: The BVI Electricity Corporation provides 110 and 208 volt supply to Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Jost Van Dyke and Camanoe. The present capacity exceeds the average demand of the Territory. Generators supply other locations.

Energy Consumed: Rate per KWH: 0-60 units 24c per unit 61-25,000 units 22.5c per unit 25,001-100,000 units 19c per unit over 100,000 units 16.75c per unit There is a flat meter rental charge of $2.50 per month.

Water: Water main supply is available in most areas of Tortola through the Government’s desalination plant. Areas not accessible have supplies by cisterns or wells. Private desalination is available on Tortola and Virgin Gorda.

Rate per Meter Usage

Gallon: Rental: Domestic $12 per 1,000 $2 per month Government $18 per 1,000 $2 per month Commercial $25 per 1,000 $6 per month

Sewerage: A sewerage system exists in Road Town, Tortola. In other areas septic tanks are used.

Communications
The BVI telecommunication system is among the most advanced in the Caribbean, utilizing sophisticated technologies such as fiber optics, video conferencing and tie lines. The islands are directly accessible from abroad under the 809 area code. Electronic mail and data base access to anywhere in the world is provided 24 hours per day.

Cable and Wireless (West Indies) Ltd. Provides the islands with direct dialing to all parts of the world, together with facsimile and data services. They also provide marine radio services, using Channels 16, 27 and 84.

Television: Cable TV relays broadcasts on 28 channels throughout Tortola and Virgin Gorda.

Radio: There is a locally based AM station: ZBVI; and four FM stations: Z Wave, Z Gold, Z Hit and ZROD.

Newspaper: There are two newspapers, each published weekly: The Island Sun and the BVI Beacon.

Transportation Air Services: Daily passenger flights between the BVI and the U.S Virgin Islands. Puerto Rico, St.Maarten, Antigua and St.Kitts are provided by LIAT, Sun Air, American Eagle, and Windward Island Airways.

Ferry Services: Daily passenger services between the BVI and the U.S. Virgin Islands are provided by three carriers: Speedy’s, Smith’s Ferry, and Native Son. Ferry service accounts for more than half the passenger movement to and from the BVI.

Air Cargo
Regular services are provided by international carriers through LIAT Air Cargo and

Shipping
Containerized freight is easily accommodated at the deep water harbour facilities in Port Purcell, Road Town, Tortola. Regular services, international and regional, are provided by the following:

Shipping Lines: Atlantic, Nedloyd, Saguenay Shipping and Tropical Shipping Co.

Shipping Agents:

• BALTIC SHIPPING CO. LTD., P.O. Box 67, The Valley Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
• G.E.W. DAWSON., P.O. Box 7, Road Town Tortola, British Virgin Islands
• ISLAND SHIPPING AND TRADING CO. LTD., P.O. Box 61, Road Town Tortola, British Virgin Islands
• O’NEAL & MUNDY SHIPPING CO. LTD., P.O. Box 250, Pasea Estate, Road Town Tortola, British Virgin Islands
• TROPICAL SHIPPING CO LTD., P.O. Box 250, Purcell, Road Town Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Living in the BVI
The focus of life in the BVI centers on the water. The islands have often been called the watersports capital of the world. They are perfect for marine activities such as snorkeling, scuba, diving, day sailing, fishing and more.

The islands, virtually untouched, hold a certain fascination that leaves one amazed at their natural beauty. Land based activities include hiking, horseback riding, tennis and other sports.

The most popular activity is sailing our sheltered waters. The BVI boasts one of the largest concentrations of bareboats in the world.

Daysail yachts cater to visitors staying in hotels and guest houses.

Because of its sheltered waters and steady tradewinds, sport like boardsailing, snorkeling and scuba diving have become popular pastimes. The BVI is renowned for its beautiful reefs, replete with colourful corals and exotic tropical fish. With its crystal clear waters and these untouched reefs, underwater activities are very popular.

For land based activities one can visit our Botanic Gardens; go hiking through one of our popular trails to one of our National Parks: go horseback riding; play tennis; or simply relax in the sun.

Guest accommodations in the BVI are excellent. They offer more than just a place to stay. Though the setting and style may be rustic, services and facilities are contemporary and the staff are well trained and friendly.

In many instances you get a continuous rapport with the friendly people. The young man who serves you lunch may be the same person who plays in the fungi band at night, or acts as your chauffeur to the airport. There are no fancy floor shows, casinos or late night discos; just quiet, peaceful and serene relaxation that keeps you in tune with nature.

Dining in our restaurants is as much a featured attraction as any other activity. Many of your favourite cuisines are presented together with many of our local dishes prepared from our home-grown fruits and vegetables, in a home-style setting. Our supermarkets are stocked with fresh fruits, vegetables and other produce to meet your cooking needs.

To keep in touch with the rest of the world while you enjoy your stay here, Cable TV is provided on 25 channels which include all the major networks: ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, TBS, ESPN, etc. All the major international papers magazines are also available. For the avid movie goer you can enjoy a top rated movie of your choice in a small but comfortable cinema on the main island, Tortola.

Our churches include Methodist, Anglican, Roman Catholic, Seventh Day Adventist, Baptist, Church of God, Jehovahs Witness, Pentecostal and Church of Christ. There are cultural clubs such as Rotary, Lions, Ladies Club, etc.; and civic organizations such as Alcoholics Anonymous sponsored by the Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (CADA).

The possession, sale use or distribution of illegal drugs constitutes a criminal offense punishable by l law, and conviction on drug charges can lead to stiff fines and jail terms.

Government of British Virgin Islands, Trade & Investment Promotion Department, Office of the Chief Minister Road Town, Tortola British Virgin Islands, Tel: (284) 494-3701 Ext.2008 and Ext . 2009 : Fax: (284) 494-5676

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