General Information

GeographyThe United States Virgin Islands is part of the Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean. The three principal islands – St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas – are magnificent tropical environments, each distinguished by its own personality.
PopulationSince 1960, the population in the U.S. Virgin Islands has nearly tripled. There are now an estimated 56,200 people on St. Croix, 54,000 on St. Thomas and 4,400 on St. John. The Water Island population is roughly 200.
LanguageEnglish is the primary spoken language, but Spanish and Creole are also heard throughout the three islands. Many locals speak in a distinct dialect, as a result of the French, Danish and Spanish influence on the destination.
WeatherThe U.S. Virgin Islands offers year-round warm temperatures with averages of 77°F (25°C) in winter and 82°F (28°C) in summer.
Time ZoneSt. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas all fall within the Atlantic Standard Time zone, one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time (except during Daylight Savings Time).
CurrencyThe U.S. Dollar is the currency used in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Most locations accept credit cards and travelers checks. There are ATMs located throughout the islands.
Political HistorySeven flags have flown over St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix since Christopher Columbus discovered them in 1493. The islands have been ruled in succession by the Spanish, English, French, Knights of Malta, French (for a second time), the Danish and now, the U.S. Virgin Islands is a territory of the United States. This eclectic historical path has influenced the development of all three islands, particularly during the Danish reign. Street, town and area names, architecture and former plantations all reveal the vast influence on the islands still remaining after 251 years under Danish rule.
GovernmentAs a Territory of the United States, U.S. Virgin Islands residents are U.S. citizens. Under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated territories, such as the U.S. Virgin Islands, do not vote in elections for a US president and vice president. However, they may vote in the Democratic and Republican presidential primary elections, in which a governor and lieutenant governor are elected on the same ticket (by popular vote) for four-year terms (eligible for a second term).
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