British Virgin Islands

General Information:

Location : Caribbean
Capital: Road Town
Language: English
Population: 30,030
Total Area: 153km2
Currency: U.S. Dollar

British Virgin Islands Travel Video

Video: Travel Guide Official

https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTravelGuide

The Country

Located in the eastern region of the glistening Caribbean Sea, British Virgin Islands is a dependency of the United Kingdom. The best and easiest geographical descriptions refer to the British Virgin Islands as part of an archipelago collectively called the Virgin Islands. This archipelago is sited in the northern fringes of the Greater Antilles. As you might have guessed, this archipelago jointly belongs to the United States (American Virgin Islands) and the United Kingdom which owns the part that is being described here. The British Virgin Islands lie to the north and east of those administered by the Americans and to the western axis lies Puerto Rico which is also under the jurisdiction of the American government. British Virgin Islands is a collection of four major islands and these are Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Tortola and Jost Van Dyke. Of all these islands, the largest of them all is Tortola and it also contains Road Town which is used as the administrative center. In addition to these islands, there are tens of islets scattered all around. The climate has some tropical features and is warm and clement.

The People

A huge chunk of the local populace are those with roots in Africa and those with a mixed ancestry (these are called the mulattoes). In other parts of the Caribbean, mulattoes are also called mestizos. Those with African roots descended from slaves shipped centuries ago to work on the sugar plantations of the Caribbean. Apart from these ethnic groups, others include the Europeans many of whom have ancestors who had migrated from the British Isles. The most widely used language on the islands is English (this is the British Virgin Islands!). However, you will find the brand of English on the islands quite amazing. The dialect is localized and has a typical ‘Caribbean’ accent. As in many other islands visited, the principal religion is Christianity and the main sects are the Methodists, Anglicans and Catholics. A handful of the adherents of other faiths are also found on the islands. Many of the locals are heavily involved in the thriving tourist industry of the islands.

Eating and Drinking

I consider many of the meals prepared on the islands to be somewhat spicy. The most popular dish is called fungi and is made from corn and vegetables. Fungi is usually served with seafood. For drinks, you should go for the local beverages made from herbs.

Sports and Recreation

By far, sailing is the most important sporting activity on the islands. The residents also enjoy a great diversity of music, especially with the use of traditional African instruments like the calabash.

Interesting Facts

The drainage of the British Virgin Islands is unique in the sense that there are no permanent rivers.
The first European to set his eyes on the BVI was Christopher Columbus.
The islands have been ruled by the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom.Mosquito Island, owned by the billionaire, Sir Richard Branson is part of the BVI.
There is a Governor for the islands who acts on behalf of the Queen of England.
BVI is one of the best known offshore financial centers in the world.