The British Virgin Islands

Wealth and National Well-Being

World Factbook: "The economy, one of the most stable and prosperous in the Caribbean, is highly dependent on tourism generating an estimated 45% of the national income. More than 934,000 tourists, mainly from the US, visited the islands in 2008."

Per capita GDP
2004: $38,500

Budget
200: revenues 113% of expenditures.

Uses the U.S. dollar as currency.

Many hotels, small resorts, villas and inns. No mega-resorts.

Exports rum, fresh fish, fruits, animals; gravel and sand.

Infant mortality (deaths before the age of one year per 1,000 live births)
2011: 13.63 deaths

Average life expectancy at birth
2011: 77.63 years

People

Population
July 2011:25,383

Living in an urban area
2010: 41%

Birth rate
2011: 14.5 per 1,000 population

Density estimated for 2005: 48 persons per square kilometer.

Net migration rate
2011: More arriving than leaving. A net gain of 7.41 per 1,000 population.

Ethnic groups
2008: black 82%, white 6.8%, other 11.2%

Geography

Islands between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico. Dozens of secluded islands, islets and cays. Land area: 151 square kilometers.

Government

Chief of state: Elizabeth II (queen, House of Windsor) since 6 February 1952. Head of government: Orlando Smith (premier) since 9 November 2011, National Democratic Party.

Legislature is unicameral: the House of Assembly with 13 elected seats and 1 non-voting ex officio member in the attorney general. Members are elected by direct popular vote to four-year terms.

Capital: Road Town

SOURCES:
http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/