About the British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands lie on the same time zone and about 1500 miles southeast of New York. Part of the Leeward Island group and about 60 miles east of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands archipelago lies at the top of the curve of Caribbean Islands which stretch from Venezuela to Puerto Rico. These islands are also known as the Windwards and Leewards.
The terrain is mostly mountainous with lush green valleys and rolling sweeping hills sweeping down to sandy beaches and quiet coves. The population of the BVI is about 20,000 and has one of the highest per capita incomes in the world. Those who make their home in these islands include a colorful mix of native BVIslanders, Caribbean Islanders, Canadians, Americans, British and a sprinkling of other nationalities.
Visitors to the BVI will not find high rise hotels or casinos! Instead they discover history, peace and tranquility, an ancient tropical rainforest, compelling geographical structures, a rare inhabited coral island, and themselves!
The BVI has gained worldwide recognition with its programs and workshops for the protection and study of the fast-disappearing ecosystems of the Caribbean. These inlcude the National Parks Trust, a government department formed to protect the beauty and infrastructure of the unique underwater parks of our islands.
For further information about current events including music and the arts on the island, please visit the BVI Tourist Board website.
