Country Profile: Virgin Islands
The Virgin Islands, an unincorporated organized territory of the US, are located in the Caribbean between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico. The islands, notably Saint Thomas, Saint John, and Saint Croix, have a population of approximately 103,792 people, predominantly of African descent, with a rich history influenced by Danish colonial rule and a significant tourism-driven economy. The territory has faced economic challenges, including the effects of hurricanes and a high public debt, while enjoying a subtropical climate that promotes tourism.
Geography
The Virgin Islands comprise a hilly and rugged terrain with minimal flat land and a total area of 1,910 square kilometers, making them twice the size of Washington, D.C. They are strategically positioned along the Anegada Passage, a crucial maritime route. The islands feature a coastline of 188 kilometers and possess a relatively low population density, with urban concentrations around major towns.
- 1,910 sq km – Total area
- 188 km – Coastline
- 12 nm – Territorial sea claim
- 200 nm – Exclusive economic zone
- 474 m – Highest point (Crown Mountain)
People and Society
The estimated population of the Virgin Islands is about 103,792 with a diversity of ethnicities, primarily African-American or of African descent (71.4%). English is the predominant language, and the society is heavily urbanized, with 96.2% of residents living in urban areas. The islands have a median age of 43.4 years, indicating an aging population.
- 96.2% – Urban population (2023)
- 10.88 births/1,000 – Birth rate (2025)
- 80.7 years – Life expectancy (2024)
- 0.9 male(s)/female – Sex ratio (total, 2024)
Economy
The Virgin Islands economy is heavily reliant on tourism, with a real GDP of approximately $4.9 billion (2022). The islands boast a significant rum distillery and a high public debt, compounded by the impact of COVID-19 and hurricanes on economic activities. The labor force is estimated at 47,200 individuals, with an unemployment rate of 12.1% (2024).
- $46,500 – GDP per capita (2022)
- 12.1% – Unemployment rate (2024)
- $4.549 billion – Exports (2022)
- $5.058 billion – Imports (2022)
Government
The Virgin Islands operate under a republican form of local self-government as an unincorporated territory of the US. The territory has a unique legal system based on US common law, and citizenship corresponds with that of the United States. The capital is Charlotte Amalie, and the current governor is Albert Bryan Jr., who was re-elected in 2022.
- 18 years – Voting age
- 3 – Primary islands (Saint Croix, Saint John, Saint Thomas)
- $1.496 billion – Revenues (2016)
Military and Security
The defense and security of the Virgin Islands are overseen by the US, with the local law enforcement provided by the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) and the Virgin Islands National Guard (VING).
Energy
The Virgin Islands have a fully electrified population, with electricity access at 100%. The primary source of electricity generation is fossil fuels, comprising 97.2% of total installed capacity, with total consumption estimated at 618.819 million kWh (2023).
- 326,000 kW – Installed generating capacity (2023)
- 16,000 bbl/day – Refined petroleum consumption (2023)
Environment
The Virgin Islands face several environmental challenges, including limited freshwater resources and the need to protect coral reefs. The subtropical climate features a rainy season from September to November, which may lead to severe flooding and hurricanes.
- 58.2% – Forest land (2023)
- 2.378 million metric tonnes – CO2 emissions (2023)
- 146,500 tons – Municipal solid waste generated annually (2024)
Transportation
The Virgin Islands have two airports and a total of six ports, key for trade and tourism. The merchant marine consists of two vessels, enhancing connectivity within the Caribbean region.
- 2 – Airports (2025)
- 6 – Total ports (2024)
Communications
The Virgin Islands boast a relatively high rate of mobile cellular subscriptions, with 79,100 subscriptions reported in 2022. The territory has about a dozen television stations and 24 radio stations, providing a robust media landscape for residents.
- 64% – Internet penetration (2017)
- 76,000 – Fixed telephone subscriptions (2021)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 103,792 | 2025 estimate |
| Area | 1,910 sq km | Total area |
| GDP | $4.9 billion | 2022 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | 12.1% | 2024 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 10.88 births/1,000 | 2025 estimate |
| Life Expectancy | 80.7 years | 2024 estimate |
| Installed Electric Capacity | 326,000 kW | 2023 estimate |
| Urban Population | 96.2% | 2023 estimate |
| CO2 Emissions | 2.378 million metric tonnes | 2023 estimate |
| Municipal Waste | 146,500 tons | Annual generation (2024 estimate) |
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