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 The British Virgin Islands
(BVI) are a group of over 50 islands and Cays, located
in the Leeward Islands, about 90 miles East of Puerto
Rico and North East of the US Virgin Islands. The
main island of Tortola is about 54 square miles,
with Virgin Gorda about 8 square miles. Most of
the islands are made up of rolling hills, although
Anegada is completely flat rising to only a few
feet above sea level.
Each island has its own special character and charm.
But these are only the major islands of the BVI.
There are also dozens of secluded islands, islets
and cays, all unique and beautiful in their own
right.
Rather than mega-resorts, There are lovely hotels
and intimate guest houses, some located on swathes
of white sand, others tucked into tropical hillsides.
All are personal and caring. When staying in The
BVI you won't be part of a crowd and you won't be
just a number.
Tortola
Tortola (the BVI capital) is the largest of the
islands and the center of commerce, with a large
yacht harbour in Road Town and great beaches all
along the north shore and east end of the island,
and offers excellent vacations.
 Virgin
Gorda
Virgin Gorda appears to be part of a separate world,
with tremendous boulders (the size of a house or
small apartment building) strewn about. There are
dozens of beaches to explore, hotels, resorts, small
inns and private villas ... but no crowding!
Anegada
Anegada is completely different from all the other
British Virgin Islands in that its maximum height
above sea level is only 28' ... and for all intents
and purposes, the whole island is one gigantic beach!
The slow pace of the island is contagious and ideal
for a real "getaway" vacation where your
only concerns will be swimming, fishing, eating,
relaxing and working on your tan!
Jost Van Dyke
Jost Van Dyke is the smallest of the main islands
with a very laid back atmosphere. The largest "resort"
has only 17 rooms and shoes are seldom seen ...
or needed. The island is blessed with a stunning
beach and camp ground at White Bay while Great Harbour
is home to the world famous Foxy's Tamarind Bar.
History
Although Christopher Columbus is often credited
with discovering the Virgin Islands, in fact, the
first people to come to these pristine isles were
the Amerindians. This pre-historic people, who originated
in the Orinoco Basin in Venezuela, settled throughout
the Windward and Leeward Islands, migrating via
dugout canoe. They arrived in The British Virgin
Islands around 900 BC and flourished here for well
over 1,000 years.
The first European settlers arrived in the mid-17th
century. First settled by the Dutch in 1648, the
islands were annexed in 1672 by the English. The
economy is closely tied to the larger and more populous
US Virgin Islands to the west; the US dollar is
the legal currency.
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BVI
At A Glance
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BVI at a Glance
Language:
English
Government:
British Overseas Territory since 1672. Head of State:
HM Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by a Governor
Capital:
Road Town, Tortola
Size:
153 sq km (59 sq miles)
Location:
153 sq km. Comprised of 16 inhabited and more than 20
uninhabited islands; includes the island of Anegada
Climate:
Subtropical; humid; temperatures moderated by trade winds
Electricity:
110/60 volts AC, 60Hz. American 2-pin plugs are used
Currency:
USD
Driving:
A valid British Virgin Islands Driving License is required
by all those seeking to drive in The British Virgin Islands.
For a fee of $10.00, a temporary British Virgin Islands
Driving License can be obtained from the Traffic Licensing
Office or Car Rental Agencies with a valid Driver License
from another country. Driving is on the left-hand side
of the road in The British Virgin Islands. Minimum age
for Car Rentals is 25.
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