The US Virgin Islands came into America's possession in 1917 after Denmark sold the Danish West Indies to it for $25m in gold. At the time, the USA was worried that the Germans would gain control of the islands and use them as a base from which to launch attacks on America.
The status of the US Virgin Islands is one of an organized, unincorporated territory of the United States. This means the residents of the US Virgin Islands are US citizens, but cannot vote in US presidential elections. Therefore, US citizens do not need a passport to visit the US Virgin Islands.
The US Virgin Islands are part virgin Islands archipelago and are located in the Leeward islands of the Lesser Antilles along with the British Virgin Islands. The three main islands of this American territory are called Saint Croix, Saint John and Saint Thomas. There is also a much smaller island called Water Island. All together, there are about 60 islands with a total surface area of 133.73 square miles, although most of the islands are uninhabited.
The four main islands of the US Virgin Islands are known to their residents by nicknames. These are 'Twin City' (St. Croix); 'Rock City' (St. Thomas); 'Love City' (St. John) and 'Small City' (Water Island) and their total population was 108,612 in the 2000 census.
Since the 1960's, the islands turned their focus from agriculture to heavy industry and tourism and the US Virgin Islands are a very popular destination for American tourists and honeymooners. It is very easy for Americans to get there because a passport is not required, the islands are only 1,730 miles east south-east of Miami, the currency is the US dollar and everybody speaks English.
The islands enjoy an arid, pleasant climate. The average temperature in the capital, Charlotte Amelie, is 33c in the summer and 30c in the winter. September to November are the wettest months and February and March are the driest. The USVI are subject to hurricanes. Hurricane Hugo in 1989 was particularly devastating, but the islands were also hit in 1998, 1999 and 2008.
Tourism is the industry that most of the islanders are engaged in and about 2,000,000 people visit every year, many of them on cruise liners. St Thomas and St Croix are the best equipped to deal with tourists offering hotels and resorts along with lovely beaches and fine restaurants. Water sports are the main activity, although tourists can also hire horses or jeeps to discover the interior of the US Virgin Islands.
More Information:
Owen Jones, the author of this piece, writes on many subjects, but is currently involved with St Croix Virgin Islands. If you are interested in St Croix Vacation Rentals in the US Virgin Islands, please click through to our site.
What do you think about this article? Do you agree or disagree with it? Be the first to comment on this article, and share your thoughts with the world. No registration is required to post comments.
Saint Croix is the largest of the US Virgin Islands, which lie 1730 miles east south east of Miami and 93 miles west of Puerto Rico. This sector of the Virgin Islands has belonged to the United States since...
INTERNET MESSAGE BOARDS - CAN THEY BE TRUSTED?While posting on a vacation message board for St. John, Virgin Islands yesterday, I was referred to as a "troll" and compared to looters in Louisiana. Being...
The Arawak, Carib, and Taino Indians were the first inhabitants of the Caribbean islands. These first inhabitants occupied the present day islands of British Virgin Islands, Cuba, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti...
Puerto Rico is a self-governing island, part of the commonwealth of the United States of America. It is located in the heart of the clear blue Caribbean Sea to the west of the Virgin Islands and to the east of
Studies show that virgin coconut oil has many health-giving properties which far surpasses that of virgin olive oil. The benefits include protection against infections, heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer
Holidays to Greek Islands are popular and you can choose from many different islands. Each island is a little different and has something unique to offer. A few of the many islands to visit include Aegina...
There are plenty of destinations for people interested in sailing and if you are tired of the Virgin Islands then move on over to the rest of the Caribbean.
The Balearic Islands is a Spanish archipelago famous for its beautiful beaches. Indeed, it is one of the best places to go swimming and scuba diving. These are not the only activities available on the islands,
Haida Gwaii, until recently referred to as the Queen Charlotte Islands, is a group of islands off the north coast of British Columbia. The name means "Islands of the People" according to the Haida people...
The Canaries are a group of seven volcanic islands off the Atlantic coast of Africa. The islands cover a total area of 7,450 sq km (2,900 sq ml) containing some of the world's most stunning scenery. Each...
There are many wonderful places in the world worth visiting. If you are thinking about taking an international vacation, consider heading off to South Island New Zealand. New Zealand is one of the most...
Fiji is always been a wonderful destination. It is home to a lot of wonderful beaches and allows travellers to experience the rich culture and food of Fiji. Robinson Crusoe Island, Castaway Island...
Anna Maria Island is oftentimes known also as Anna Maria Key. It's an island that is located by the Gulf of Mexico and on the northern part of Tampa Bay. From the north to the southern part, Anna Maria...
If you have decided to take a break from your life and take some time to relax on the quiet beaches of Anna Maria, you may also think about bike rentals on Anna Maria. While relaxing on the beaches and letting
Anna Maria is full of sunny beaches that stretch for miles in either direction, and after all, the island is surrounded by beautiful crystal clear waters. Anna Maria Island consists of 3 major cities, and each
Anna Maria Island is one of the most desired islands to visit in Florida and can offer much to see and do. It offers beautiful wildlife and many other things that are natural and untouched. The waters are...
Fishes either in aquarium or on your plates has always derived our attention. Amazing and spectacular species all round the world has always gained anglers attraction and have always added up to their...
Anna Maria Island is full of fun and the warm sun an average of 360 days a year. With so much to see and do, staying out of the water is going to be hard to do, and for the most part, the waters are warm...
Have you been contemplating whether or not you want to take a tip to Anna Maria? The island offers much to see and do, and because it is an island, it only makes sense to offer kayak rentals. Many people...
If you decide to escape to Anna Maria Island, be sure to look into bike rentals on Anna Maria. Not only can you enjoy scenic views, but you can also get a great exercise. Anna Maria Island is loaded with...
Even though this term might make you think of ocean fishing, deep sea fishing refers to that which is performed in waters as large as or larger than lakes. Rivers and ponds are not "deep sea fishing" as the...
Professional skin care products are far more available to the public these days. Not so long ago, if you wanted to be able to buy the same products that the professionals used, you would have to join a...
Payday loans have become very popular today with the economic downturn in the world and the ease of getting fast cash advances on one's pay cheque. These advances are easily accessible to meet urgent bills...
Cash advances, popular now because of the economic downturn and long formalities and conditions required to get hold of traditional loans, have proved handy when other ways prove futile in an emergency...
You may be astonished to realize just how much damage termites can do. But you have to bear in mind that while a single termite might be only eight millimetres (a third of an inch) long, a colony or nest...
Satellite radio is highly popular these days, and it is growing in popularity more and more every week. If you are not certain what satellite radio is, you can look at it like cable or satellite television....
Outdoor kitchens are the most recent craze from here to Timbuktu. In a way it is easier to cook outside, and it is definitely cleaner. There is normally more room when you prefer to cook outside and the...
If you have decided to get a tattoo, the decision was almost certainly difficult enough - at least it ought to have been - but now you have to choose where you are going to get it done. It is not so...
Many professionals, so-called experts, philosophers and the rest, tell us about anger and anger management skills, but do they give you the full story? There are people all over the world with anger issues...
When you choose to have your kitchen remodelled, the question crops up whether you get a contractor to do the remodelling for you or whether you do the work yourself. This should be an easy question to answer.
Article: The United States Virgin Islands Author: Owen Jones Publication Date: 2011-01-01 Total Views: 194 Word Count: 460 Category:Home /
Travel / Islands
Categories
