In about 100 BC, Arawak Indians first came fromSouth AmericaSettled in the Virgin Islands (but there is also evidence thatAmericaIndianIt was active on the islands as early as 1500 BC).Arawak Indians lived on the islands until the 15th century, when they wereCaribbean(Caribs), andCaribbeanIt is named after Caribbean people.However, somehistorianThey do not agree with the statement that "militant Caribbean people drive the friendly Arawaks out of the Caribbean". They believe that this statement is a simplified version of the European version, and the truth behind it should be more complex.In 1493,ColumbusThe Virgin Islands were discovered in the middle of the second trip to America, which was the first time that Europeans discovered the islands.After Columbus discovered the islands, he named them "Santa Ursulaylas Once Mil V í rgenes", that is, "Saint Ursula and her 11000 virgins";The abbreviation is "Las V í rgenes", which means "virgins".The name comes from the legend of Saint Ursula.
Spanish EmpireIn the early 16th century, he occupied the islands and mined copper on the virgin Goda Island.Later,Britisher、Dutch、French、SpanishandDanesThey successively occupied this area, which gradually developed into an area with active pirates.At the same time of colonization, AmericaIndianThe original residents were massacred in a large scale and almost disappeared.
British Virgin Islands
In 1648,DutchA permanent settlement was established in Tortola Island.However, in 1672, the British seized the island from the Dutch, and later in 1683AnegadaAnd virgin Goda.In addition, from 1672 to 1733, the Dutch successively captured the neighboringSt. Thomas、St. John's IslandAnd St. Croix.
In general, the British established the British Virgin Islands step by step.They were the first to introduce sugar cane to the region and vigorously develop the sugar cane industry, buying slaves from Africa to work on the local sugar cane farm.As a result, the booming sugarcane industry has laid the foundation for the islands, and sugarcane has become the largest trade export in the region.Until modern times, Europe and the United States successively planted their ownSugar beetThe economic boom of the islands has just come to an end as the demand for sugar cane has decreased.In 1917, the United States paid $25 million fromDenmarkWe bought St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix.The Virgin Islands to which Britain belongs were renamed British Virgin Islands.
In the past, the British Virgin Islands were divided into Leeward Islands Colony, StNevis (St. Kitts and Nevis). There is an administrator on the islands to represent the British government.By 1960, the British Virgin Islands had been grantedcolonyTo be independent;In 1967, it became independent.Since the 1960s, the economy of the British Virgin Islands has also begun to shift from the previoustraditional agriculture It has become one of the richest regions in the Caribbean Sea area, with financial services and tourism as the leading industries.
Caribbeaneast,Greater Antilles Part of the most northeastern Virgin Islands.It is under the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom and the United States, with many British partsEastIn the north, there are four major islands, Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, and 32 small islands, of which more than 20 are uninhabited.Total area 153square kilometre(59 square miles).The largest city is on Tortola IslandRhode City（Road Town）。The population is about 23000 (2012).
land
Map of the British Virgin Islands
TopographicallyPuerto RicoFault mountainDepartment, bysedimentary rock、Metamorphic rock、igneous rockComposition, rich mountainslagoonAnd natural landscapes such as beaches.Except Ankada Island, the rest are hilly terrain. The highest peak is Mount Sage on Tortola Island, 521 meters (1709 feet) above sea level.The narrow and long Virgin covers a large area of 21 square kilometers (8 square miles), while Yostefandak Island is rugged, covering only about 9 square kilometers (3 square miles).The northernmost island, Ankada, is a flat coral reef island, surrounded by dangerousreefThere are many trees.There are no rivers on the islands.The subtropical climate is like spring all the year round, which is a factor for the development of tourism on the island.Annual average temperature26 ℃ (78 ℉).Annual rainfall1300 mm (50 inches).The original tropical plants have been replaced by shrubs.
Tortula Island, Virgin Goda IslandAnegadaandYost Vandak IslandIt is one of the four largest islands in the archipelago. Other important islands include:
MostlyAfricaAfter the slaves, black people or black and white people were in the minority.Four fifths of the population of the country live in Tortola Island, and about one fourth of them live in Rhode City.Englishbyofficial languageThe common dialect of residents is Calypso.ReligionChristianityMainly,Methodist ChurchIt is the largest one.
Economics
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Tourism and finance are the main industries, accounting for half of the colony's income. Tourism is the largest employer on the island.Before the 1970s, agriculture was the mainstay of the economy, mainlylivestockFeeding, cropsBanana、Sugar cane、citrusClass andCoconutMango and othersRoot classPlants, etc.The natural environment promotes the development of fisheries,Fresh fishIt is the main export.exceptRum, paint, building materials and other manufacturing industriesHandicraftsHousehold industry。Tortola Island has twoexpresswayAnd some surrounding roads, and the other three islands also havehighway network。There are small boats going back and forth betweenUS Virgin Islands。There is a bridge connecting Tortola Island and Beef Island.There is a big airport on Biff Island, which can be reached directlyUS Virgin、Puerto RicoAnd the eastern Caribbean.Port Rhode in Tortola is aDeep water port。
climate
British Virgin IslandsSubtropical climate, and is subject toTrade windImpact.ArchipelagicAnnual temperature differenceNot very big. In summer, the maximum daytime temperature can reach 29 ℃ (84 ° F);As for winter,Maximum temperatureIt can also reach 25 ℃ (77 ° F).The annual rainfall of the islands is 115cm (45in). The annual rainfall is higher in mountainous areas, but the opposite is true in lowlands.Generally speaking, there are some differences in rainfall in the islands, but on average, September to December is the wettest month every year.The hurricane season lasts from June to October in this area, occasionallyhurricaneBlow on the islands.
Regional division
The British Virgin Islands is one of the most economically prosperous areas in the Caribbean Sea.From 2004data display, per capitagross domestic productUp to $38500.
Peter Island, British Virgin Islands
Tourism andFinancial servicesIt is often called the "twin pillars" of the British Virgin Islands economy.At the political level, tourism is more important because it can create more job vacancies, is mainly run by local people, and can drive the development of other industries (such as taxi drivers and street vendors).However, on the economic level, the financial services industry is far more important.In the British Virgin Islands, nearly 50%Government revenueAre directly fromOffshore company's licence fee, in addition, fromTrust industryDirectly or indirectly paid by employeesPayroll tax(payroll taxes), which also brings considerable benefits to the government treasury (trust industrySalary levelHigher than the booming tourism industry).
tourismAccounting for 45% of the national income.Among them, the islands are a popular tourist destination for Americans. According to 1997 figures, 350000 tourists visited the islands throughout the year.Most of the visitors will go to the famous beach, the bathing place of Virgin Goda Island, dive in the waters near Anegada Island, visit the coral reef, or visitYost Vandak IslandGo to famous bars, and take a yacht to visit other islands rarely visited by people.Most tourists takeCruiseTo visit the British Virgin Islands, however, such tourists generally spend less per capita than those who rent yachts or stay in hotels.However, in any case, the arrival of tourists has greatly revitalized the economy of the islands.
British Virgin Islands
The registration of offshore companies has also brought considerable benefits to the Islands.By 2004, more than 550000 companies had been registered locally.Since 2001, the British Virgin Islands authorities have established an independentfinancial service The Commission will regulate the financial services industry in the area.
In the British Virgin Islands, agriculture and industry account for only a small part of GDP.Agriculture mainly produces fruits, vegetablesSugar cane、livestockandpoultry。The industry uses distilled rumengineering constructionAnd shipbuilding.
Since 1959, the British Virgin IslandsdollarAs an officialCurrency in circulationThe adjacent American Virgin Islands also use the US dollar as the official currency.
The capital of the British Virgin Islands, located atTortolaOn.mostDraft6.89m.The load density of water is 1025.Tidal variation is 0.6m.East wind prevails.PortCompulsory pilotageBritish Virgin Island Port Authority.For radio contactVHFChannel 16。Service facilities include:Ship repair, fuel ship, fresh waterlaunch, food supply and medical facilities, no tugboat, sewageDry dockAnd repatriation.The main wharf is 243.84m long, 12.19m wide, 7.32m deep at the front, and two small jetties are 60.96m long and 39.62m long respectively.The front water depth at low tide is 2.44m.
In 2003, there were 21730 inhabitants of the Islands.83% of the population is Afro Caribbean, whose ancestors mainly migrated from Africa as slaves.The other major ethnic groups in the islands include the British and other people of European origin.
British Virgin Islandsadministrative powerIt is entrusted to the Queen, and the Governor of the British Virgin Islands exercises her powers locally.The Governor is appointed by the Queen and the British Government advises him.The defense of the islands andforeign affairsThe UK is responsible.
British Virgin Islands Waterfront
The Islands enacted a constitution in 1971.The head of the government is namedminister-president(Chief Minister), like other members of the government and members of the opposition partygeneral electionGenerated.There is an Executive Council on the islands, whose members are nominated by the Chief Minister and appointed by the Governor.In addition, the Islands have a Legislative Council, which is composed of 13 members.The current Governor of the British Virgin Islands is David Pearey, who has been in office since 2006.The current Chief Minister is Orlando Smith, who took office on June 17, 2003.Smith is localruling partyNational Democratic PartyNational Democratic Party (NDP), and the opposition party of the islands is the Virgin Islands Party (VIP).
constitution
Map of the British Virgin Islands
The current Constitution came into force in April 1967 and was revised in June 1977.The Governor is appointed by the King of England, responsible for defense, public security, foreign affairs, justice and some financial affairs, and has limited legislative power;There is an Executive Committee, which is composed of the GovernorAttorney General, the Chief Minister and three other ministersAdministrative affairs。The Governor is the Chairman of the Executive Committee;The Chief Minister is represented by the Governor in the Legislative CouncilMajority partyMember.At the end of 1993, at the request of the current government, the British government appointed a three member committee to study and discuss amendments to theLegislatureThe number of seats of Chinese parties, the direct election of chief ministers and the promotion ofRights lawPass, etc.
parliament
Known as the Legislative Councilspeaker, the Attorney General and 13 directly elected representatives.The term of office is four years.In the Legislative Council election on May 17, 1999, the Virgin Islands Party won 7 seats, and the newly established National Democratic Party won 5 seats,Concern for Citizens CampaignWon 1 seat.Reuben Vanterpool, Speaker of the Parliament.
government
The members of this Administrative Committee are: President Frank Savage, Chief Minister andfinance ministerRalph O'Neal ，natural resourcesandMinister of LabourJulian Frazer, Communications, Engineering andPublic utilitiesMinister Alvin Christopher, Minister of Health, Education, Culture and Welfare Eileen Parsons, Attorney General is temporarily absent.
(1) Virgin Islands Party: the ruling party, established in the early 1970s.leaderRalph O'Neal 。
(2) National Democratic PartyDemocratic Party）: Established in May 1998.Leader Orlando Smith.
(3) United Party: established in the mid-1960s.Leader Conrad Maduro.
(4) Concerned Citizen's Movement: established in 1994.Its predecessor was the Independent People's Movement.Leaders Omar Hodge and Walwyn Brewley.
Economics
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British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands isCommonwealthOne of the member states is a self governed, independent legislaturePolitical stabilityBritish colony.legal systemIt refers to BritainCommon lawThe system was set up, and some references were also made from the United StatesDelawarecompany lawIn accordance with local regulations.As the laws of international business companies are simple, clear and easy to implement, BVI (British Virgin Islands) registered companies are deeply affected byinternational societywelcome.
The BVI International Business Company is not required to pay taxes to the BVI government on the profits earned globally.BVI (British Virgin Island) does not have anyExchange controlThere are no restrictions on the circulation of any currency.
The economy mainly depends on tourism andFinancial services。In recent years, the economy has grown rapidly.
Major economic statistics in 2000
gross domestic product
US $683 million
GDP growth rate
4.4%
GDP per capita
US $34485
Currency name
dollar
Inflation rate
3.3%
Financial revenue and expenditure (in millions of dollars)
1994
1995
1996
income
ninety-eight point six
one hundred and eight point eight
one hundred and twenty-three point six
expenditure
eighty-nine point one
one hundred and nine point five
ninety-eight
difference
nine point five
-0.7
twenty-five point six
foreign trade
The main trade objects areU.S.A、Trinidad and Tobago 、Antigua and Barbuda 、britain, and has been in the super league all the years.Main imports: machinery, food and fuel.Main exports: food, raw poultry, tobacco, alcohol and transport equipment.
Major trade statistics in recent years (in millions of dollars)
Implement for ten yearsTax-free systemTo promote industrial development.The manufacturing industry is small, and its output value accounted forgross domestic product9.9%, concentrating 21.3% of the national labor force.Main productionRUM, tourist products, books and building materials, etc.In recent years, due to the innovation and expansion of tourism, the construction industry has developed rapidly. In 1997, its output value accounted for 6.3% of GDP, and the number of people engaged in the construction industry accounted for the totalWorking population18%.
Agriculture
British Virgin Islands
In 1997, the agricultural output value accounted for about 1.5% of the GDP, and the employees accounted for 1.9% of the working population.There are about 800 hectares of cultivated land and 4000 hectares of grassland.It mainly grows fruits, vegetables and sugarcane.Fruit and vegetable supplyDomestic consumptionParallel exportUS Virgin，Sugar caneMainly used for brewing rum.There is animal husbandry.It mainly exports fishery products.But most food is imported.In 1999, the government decided to improve the grade of agricultural products by amending laws and policies to ensure agricultural self-sufficiency and small export.In 1998, there were 2000 cattle, 2000 pigs and 16000 sheep.
Service industry
It is one of the financial centers in the Caribbean.Financial services andestateyesEmerging industries, which has developed rapidly in recent years.The government promotes legislationinsuranceTo strengthen and diversify the financial industry.In 1998, the offshore financial industry accounted for 51.1% of the government's direct revenue.Registered here at the end of 2000foreign firmsThere are 350000.
tourism
Is the most important economic sector andDevelopment planThe foundation of.In 1995, the government formulated a new national tourism plan to enhance the visibility of the islands.In 1997, its output value accounted for 15.4% of GDP.One third of the country's workforce is directly or indirectly engaged in tourism.In 1998, 392290 tourists were received.Tourists mainly come fromU.S.A。
Sociology
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British Virgin Islands
byBritish colonies, the administration is subject to the Constitution that came into force in 1977, and the Governor appointed by the British King is the highest officer, andadministrative meetingAnd the Legislative Council.The Legislative Council has one Speaker, nine Members and one Attorney General.When people reach the age of 18Voting rights。residenthealthQuite good. There is a modern hospital in Tortola.There is almost no illiteracy, which can be enjoyedcompulsory educationTo 15 years old.Another publicComprehensive Middle School, as well as a higher education institution, where most students go overseas to receive university education.There are weekly newspapers and bimonthly newspapers.There is a radio station in Tortola, and residents can also receive broadcasts from foreign television or FM radio stations.
aboriginesoriginally beAmericaIndianArawak, in 1493ColumbusAt this time, they are bellicoseCaribbeanExpulsion.1555 King of Spaincharles v Raise troops to capture the island;By 1596, most Caribbean people had fled or been killed.This is also a pirate haunt area. For example, Tortola Island wasNetherlandsPirate stronghold, incorporated in 1672britainJurisdictionalLeeward Islands。In 1773, the Virgin Islands was allowed to form its own government and elected by the peoplehouseIn the first half of the 19th century, due to economic difficulties, some elected legislative councils abolished the autonomous government.Politically, it belonged to the Leeward Islands Colony since 1872, and was divided into another colony in 1956;The government in the form of cabinet was organized in 1967, and the new constitution issued in 1977 still maintains this system.
The Virgin Islands Party won the Legislative Council elections in September 1986, November 1990, February 1995 and May 1999.incumbentminister-presidentRalph O'Neal （Ralph O'Neal）。
education
Primary and secondary schools provide free compulsory education.There is a college——University of the Virgin Islands。adultIlliteracy rateAbout 5%.In 1992, education expenditure was $11 million.The number of schools, teachers and students at all levels in 1997 is as follows:
Teachers (persons) and students (persons) of the school (institution)
Preschool 5 52 206
Primary school 20 169 2760
Middle school 4 115 1478
University 1
media
There are three publications: BVI Lighthouse, a weekly magazine founded in 1984, with a circulation of 3000;Victoria Sun, a weekly magazine founded in 1962, has a circulation of 2850 copies;Welcome, a bimonthly magazine founded in 1971, mainly introduces tourism information, with an annual circulation of 165000.
Virgin Islands Broadcasting Co., Ltd. was founded in 1965 and set up ZBVI radio station for commercial broadcasting.British Virgin IslandsCable TV station, mainly through cableUS Virgin IslandsandPuerto RicoTV programs.ZBTVWest IndiaCable TV stations are commercial ones.
British Virgin IslandsTraditional musicIt is called "fungi", which is based on the localOkraIs the material with the same namecorn flourIt gets its name.This kind of traditional music combinesAfricaAnd the West, so create a special sound.As a medium of local history and folklore, it has always been regarded as an important part of culture, and local schools often hold related activities.The bands of "fengi" are also called "scratch bands". These bands use a wide range of musical instruments, including gourd, banger drumUkulele, even more westernizedkeyboard instrument、Banjo, guitar, bassangle ironandsaxophonewait.In addition to dance music with a festive atmosphere, "fengi" also hasoral historyRole of.
People's livelihood
In 1989, there was one hospital with 50 beds.In 1987, there were 11DoctorsAnd 2 dentists, as well as an 8-bed private beauty salon, 9 health centers and a home for elderly citizens.In 1990, there was one doctor per 1056 inhabitants.1991medical serviceThe expenditure is estimated at $5.7 million.In 1997radio9000 sets, 4000 TV sets, 16000 telephones.
traffic
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In the islandroad transportMainly.A two lane road project in the Rhode City area was started in early 1996 and cost about 4.8 million US dollars.
highway
The total length is about 160km.7944 in 1997Passenger car。
water transport
There are direct flights to Britain, the United States andNetherlandsThe route of.The main ports areRhode City。
air transport
There is accessMiamias well asUS Virgin、Saint KittsAnd other nearby island countries.The main airport is Beef Island Airport, about 16km away from Rhode City, with four flightsVirgin Gorda IslandThere are two small airports.
Social events
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February 2023,european unionUpdate taxJurisdictionFour tax jurisdictions, including the British Virgin Islands, are included in the EU's tax non cooperation listblacklist。[1]
