Places / Europe / United Kingdom
British Virgin Islands
Visited
At a glance
- Region
- Caribbean
- Capital
- Road Town
- Population
- 39,000 (2024)
- Area
- 151 km²
- Languages
- English
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Drives on the
- left
- Calling code
- +1 284
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Before you go
Overview
The British Virgin Islands are a British Overseas Territory of around 60 islands in the eastern Caribbean. Tortola is the largest, and the islands are famous for sailing, beaches and calm anchorages.
History
The Islands were named by Christopher Columbus in 1943 and later in 1966 had the Dutch settlement.
The islands then became self-governing after the adoption of a new constitution in 2007.
Food & culture
BVI culture is influenced by the inhabitants from Europe and Arab.
The main crops grown in the territory are bananas, cassava and sweet potatoes.
Seafood dishes such as lobster, fish chowder, shark, snapper, mussel and conch stew are the most common in the teritory.
Wildlife
The most common wildlife animals include iguanas, geckos, tortoise, deer, mongoose, pelicans, hummingbird, herons and seagulls.
Festivals & events
The most popular festivals celebrated in BVI include BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival, BVI Music Festival, Wreck week and BVI Summer Festival.
Things to see
Virgin Gorda Island is famous for the sea bathes and number of pools.
The Baths beach is also a common tourist destination. It also has a park.
BVIs are known for sea activities such as diving and yachting.
Interesting facts
The Islands were discovered and named as Saint Ursula and 11,000 Virgins by Christopher Columbus which was later shortened to Virgins.
The highest point in the islands is Mount Sage.
The official language in BVI is English.
Christianity is the main religion in the territory.
Neighbours
No land borders with other countries.
My Bucket List goals in British Virgin Islands
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