British Virgin Islands: Information Resource Portal

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are comprised of over 60 islands in the Caribbean Sea east of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Originally acquired by the Spanish Empire then settled by the Dutch, the British Virgin Islands are today an overseas territory of the United Kingdom. (The US Virgin Islands were purchased from the Dutch in 1917.) Most of the islands in the BVI are uninhabited.

The islands were sighted and named by Christopher Columbus on his second voyage to the New World. The largest islands in the BVI are Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke. The capital, Road Town, is located on Tortola. There are just 23,000 permanent residents.

Almost 50% of the economy of the British Virgin Islands is based on tourism. It is a sailor's paradise, with consistent trade winds and islands close enough for a day sail. The crystal clear aquamarine water, with visibility often more than 100 feet, makes for extraordinary snorkeling and diving. And the palm-fringed, white sandy beaches, are frequently voted the best in the Caribbean.






	British Virgin Islands Fast Facts History Government Geography Travel Resorts	The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are comprised of over 60 islands in the Caribbean Sea east of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Originally acquired by the Spanish Empire then settled by the Dutch, the British Virgin Islands are today an overseas territory of the United Kingdom. (The US Virgin Islands were purchased from the Dutch in 1917.) Most of the islands in the BVI are uninhabited. The islands were sighted and named by Christopher Columbus on his second voyage to the New World. The largest islands in the BVI are Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke. The capital, Road Town, is located on Tortola. There are just 23,000 permanent residents. Almost 50% of the economy of the British Virgin Islands is based on tourism. It is a sailor's paradise, with consistent trade winds and islands close enough for a day sail. The crystal clear aquamarine water, with visibility often more than 100 feet, makes for extraordinary snorkeling and diving. And the palm-fringed, white sandy beaches, are frequently voted the best in the Caribbean.

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