Country Profile: Virgin Islands
The Virgin Islands, an unincorporated organized territory of the United States, feature a subtropical climate and a diverse geography with mountainous terrain and beautiful coastlines. With a population of approximately 104,377, the islands have a vibrant culture influenced by African, European, and Caribbean heritage. The economy predominantly relies on tourism, alongside sectors like rum distilling and light manufacturing, but has faced challenges from natural disasters and economic disruptions. Governance is structured through a local republican form with a governor and legislative assembly while the United States retains responsibility for defense and foreign affairs.
Geography
The Virgin Islands are located in the Caribbean, situated between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico. The total area is 1,910 square kilometers, featuring a rugged and hilly terrain with the highest point being Crown Mountain at 474 meters. The islands boast a coastline of 188 kilometers and experience a climate characterized by low humidity and mild seasonal temperature variations, with a rainy season from September to November.
- 1,910 sq km total area
- 188 km coastline
- 58.2% (2023) forest land
- Natural hazards include hurricanes, droughts, and floods
People and Society
The population of the Virgin Islands is estimated to be 104,377 in 2024, with a median age of 43 years. The demographic makeup reveals a predominance of individuals of African descent (71.4%) alongside other ethnic groups. English is the primary language spoken, while the population is predominantly Protestant Christian. Urbanization is high, with 96.2% of the population living in urban areas.
- 104,377 total population (2024 est.)
- 71.4% of the population identifies as African-American or of African descent
- 96.2% urban population (2023)
- 80.7 years life expectancy at birth (2024 est.)
Economy
The Virgin Islands host a high-income, tourism-driven economy that has faced significant challenges due to COVID-19 and the impacts of recent hurricanes. The islands’ GDP was estimated at $4.9 billion in 2022, with a notable reliance on household consumption. Despite substantial public debt, the economy is gradually reopening, with tourism being the primary contributor alongside rum distilling.
- $4.9 billion GDP (2022 est.)
- 12.1% unemployment rate (2024 est.)
- 68.9% household consumption of GDP (2022 est.)
- $4.549 billion in exports (2022 est.)
Government
The Virgin Islands operate under a republican form of self-government as an unincorporated territory of the United States. The capital is Charlotte Amalie, and governance is characterized by a separation of executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The Governor is directly elected by the territory's residents, while the local government functions under the Revised Organic Act.
- Governor: Albert Bryan, Jr. (since 2019)
- Capital: Charlotte Amalie
- Legal system: Based on US common law
- Voting age: 18 years
Military and Security
Defense for the Virgin Islands is primarily the responsibility of the United States, with local security supported by the US Virgin Islands Police Department and the US Virgin Islands National Guard. This arrangement ensures that the territory is supported by US federal security measures while maintaining local law enforcement.
- US Virgin Islands Police Department: Local enforcement
- US Virgin Islands National Guard: Local military support
Energy
The Virgin Islands have achieved complete electrification, and their energy system is heavily reliant on fossil fuels. The installed electricity capacity is approximately 326,000 kW, with most electricity generation coming from fossil sources. Renewable energy initiatives are in place, with solar energy contributing to the energy mix.
- 100% electrification (2022 est.)
- 326,000 kW installed electricity capacity (2023 est.)
- 97.2% of installed capacity from fossil fuels (2023 est.)
- 618.819 million kWh electricity consumption (2023 est.)
Environment
The Virgin Islands face various environmental challenges, including limited freshwater resources and the protection of coral reefs. Urbanization and tourism development exert pressure on the islands' ecosystems, necessitating sustainable management practices to safeguard natural resources.
- 58.2% of land classified as forest (2023 est.)
- 2.378 million metric tonnes of CO2 emissions (2023 est.)
- Significant natural hazards include hurricanes and coastal development pressures
Transportation
The Virgin Islands are served by two airports and four heliports, providing connectivity to the outside world. The territory has a well-developed network of small ports with a total of six, including key ports like Charlotte Amalie and Christiansted.
- 2 airports (2025)
- 6 total ports (2024)
- 3 ports with oil terminals
Communications
The telecommunication infrastructure includes both fixed-line and mobile cellular services, with a significant portion of the population using the internet. As of 2021, there were approximately 76,000 fixed-line subscriptions and 80,000 mobile subscriptions, indicating a well-connected territory.
- 76,000 fixed-line subscriptions (2021)
- 80,000 mobile cellular subscriptions (2021)
- 64% internet user penetration (2017 est.)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 104,377 | Estimated for 2024 |
| Area | 1,910 sq km | Total area |
| GDP | $4.9 billion | Estimated for 2022 |
| Unemployment Rate | 12.1% | Estimated for 2024 |
| Life Expectancy | 80.7 years | Estimated for 2024 |
| Birth Rate | 11.1 births/1,000 | Estimated for 2024 |
| Electricity Access | 100% | Total electrification (2022 est.) |
| Total Fertility Rate | 1.97 children born/woman | Estimated for 2024 |
| Carbon Dioxide Emissions | 2.378 million metric tonnes | Estimated for 2023 |
| Forest Cover | 58.2% | Percentage of land cover (2023 est.) |
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