British Virgin Islands

Overview

The British Virgin Islands lie in the eastern Caribbean, at the northern end of the Lesser Antilles, as a British overseas territory. The territory consists of about 60 islands and islets, of which only 16 are inhabited. The largest and most populous island is Tortola, home to the capital, Road Town. The official language is English, and the official currency has been the U.S. dollar since 1959.

Road Town, the capital, serves as the territory's governmental and commercial center, with a harbor that is an important stop for sailing and boat traffic in the region. The Baths National Park on Virgin Gorda consists of massive granite boulders that form natural pools and cave-like passages along the shoreline. Anegada, the only coral-formed (non-volcanic) island in the territory, is flat and surrounded by extensive coral reefs, setting it apart from the other, hillier islands.

The British Virgin Islands are one of the most popular sailing destinations in the Caribbean, as short distances between islands, relatively calm waters, and steady trade winds create favorable sailing conditions. The reefs off Anegada, along with numerous shipwrecks, including the RMS Rhone, which sank in 1867, are popular diving sites. Local cuisine is built on Caribbean staples, with fresh fish and fungi, a side dish made from cornmeal and okra, as signature items, often accompanied by local rum, as the islands have a long-standing rum-making tradition.