U.S. Virgin Islands

America's Caribbean Paradise

Territory Overview

The U.S. Virgin Islands are an organized, unincorporated U.S. territory in the Caribbean, about 40 miles east of Puerto Rico.

Key Information

  • Capital:Charlotte Amalie (St. Thomas)
  • Population:87,146 (2020)
  • Area:134 sq mi (347 km²) of land
  • Main Islands:St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John
  • Status:Organized, Unincorporated U.S. Territory
  • Citizenship:U.S. Citizens by birth

Practical Details

  • Currency:U.S. Dollar
  • Language:English (Spanish and Virgin Islands Creole are widely spoken)
  • Driving:On the left side of the road
  • Time Zone:Atlantic Standard Time, no daylight saving

Territory Symbols

Official symbols of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Official Symbols

  • Bird:
    Bananaquit (Yellow Breast)
  • Flower:
    Yellow Cedar (Ginger Thomas)
  • Song:
    Virgin Islands March
  • Flag:
    Yellow eagle between the letters V and I

Territory Facts

History, economy and landmarks of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Historical Facts

  • Danish Colony:
    Danish West Indies until 1917
  • Purchased by U.S.:
    1917, for $25 million in gold
  • Transfer Day:
    March 31, 1917
  • Emancipation:
    July 3, 1848, after an uprising on St. Croix

Landmarks & Nature

  • Virgin Islands National Park:
    Covers about 60% of St. John
  • Buck Island Reef National Monument:
    Off St. Croix
  • Trunk Bay:
    Underwater snorkel trail on St. John
  • Christiansted:
    Danish colonial fort and waterfront

Economy

  • Main Industries:
    Tourism, Rum Production, Services
  • Cruise Port:
    Charlotte Amalie is one of the busiest in the Caribbean

National Parks in U.S. Virgin Islands

U.S. Virgin Islands has one national park. See the full list of all 63 U.S. national parks.

Virgin Islands National Park

U.S. Virgin Islands