British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands encompass more than 60 islands and cays in the Caribbean Sea, with Tortola serving as the main commercial and administrative center.

Dutch settlers colonized the islands in 1648, before the British annexed the territory in 1672, establishing a permanent European presence in the Caribbean archipelago.

The territory maintains English as its official language while incorporating Caribbean influences in its music, dance performances, and traditional seafood-based gastronomy.

The British Virgin Islands operate as an international financial center, offering specialized banking services and corporate registration facilities for global businesses.

Edward Teach, known as Blackbeard, conducted his maritime operations from Soper's Hole around 1715, targeting merchant vessels carrying valuable cargo through Caribbean waters.

Location: British overseas territories

Capital city: Road Town

Website: http://www.bvi.gov.vg

Part of: Leeward Islands, Lesser Antilles, Caribbean, European Union tax haven blacklist

Shares border with: United States Virgin Islands

Website: http://bvi.gov.vg

GPS coordinates: 18.40244,-64.56616

Latest update: November 10, 2025 14:42