Overview of the U.S. Virgin Islands

Quick Overview

The U.S. Virgin Islands are a small archipelago consisting of three main islands: Saint Croix (214 km²; 50,600 inhabitants) and, further north, Saint Thomas (81 km²; 52,000 inhabitants) and Saint John (51 km²; 4,200 inhabitants), as well as over fifty nearly uninhabited islets. Located a few dozen kilometers east of Puerto Rico, these former Danish colonies, purchased by the USA in 1917, are part of a larger group called the Virgin Islands, which also includes the British Virgin Islands and a few islands (Culebra, Vieques...) belonging to Puerto Rico. Administratively, the U.S. Virgin Islands constitute an "unincorporated organized territory of the United States".

Key Facts

• Location: in the Caribbean, east of Puerto Rico.

• Latitude/longitude: 18.20' N, 64.50' W.

• Local time: Heure : 7221.

• Capital: Charlotte Amalie on Saint Thomas.

• Nature of the territory: Unincorporated organized territory of the United States.

• Official language: English.

• Currency: US dollar.

• Population: 106,977 inhabitants (2018).

• Area: 346 km².

• Density: 309 inhabitants/km².

• Highest point: Crown Mountain (474 m) on Saint Thomas.

• Lowest point: sea level.

• Coastline: 188 km.

• Driving: on the left.

• Flag: [drapeau: U.S. Virgin Islands]

Tourism

Like many others in the region, the Virgin Islands are a major destination for beach tourism and cruises, primarily attracting North American visitors. The sector is the archipelago’s main economic resource. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people visit (381,000 in 2018), and even more if you count the passengers from the numerous cruise ships that stop here for a few hours, particularly in Saint Thomas.

Beyond the many stunning beaches, duty-free shopping in the capital Charlotte Amalie, and the Virgin Islands National Park, which covers 60% of Saint John’s surface, are the main attractions for the vast majority of visitors.

Travel Essentials

• Destination: for beginner travelers.

• By air: France-Charlotte Amalie.

• Entry requirements: passport (+ ESTA).

• Currency to bring: US dollar.

• Exchange rate:

• Daily budget for budget travelers:

• Best for accommodation:

• Best for getting around:

• Risks: low health risks and low to relatively low security risks.

• Best time for climate/crowds/prices: April, June-early July, or early December.

• Interests (out of ★★★★): Nature ★★/ ★★★; Adventure ⊘; Culture ★★; Relaxation-holidays ★★★★

Addresses in France

Tourist Office: online only (in English).

Addresses in Belgium, Switzerland, and Quebec

Socio-Economic Statistics

• "Quality of life":

• GDP per capita: $37,000 (2016)

• Average monthly income:

• Inflation: +1% (2016)

• "Official" unemployment: 10.4% (2017)

• Population below the poverty line:

• Life expectancy: 79.5 years (2018)

• Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: -7.5 (2017)

• Population growth: -0.3% (2018)

• Literacy rate:

• Urban population: 95.7% (2018)

• Press freedom:

• Political regime:

Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook