Caribbean, Leeward Islands.

GMT - 4.

347.1 sq km (134 sq miles).

108,708 (2005 estimate).

313.18 per sq km.

Charlotte Amalie (St Thomas). Population: 18,914 (2005).

The islands are situated 64km (40 miles) east of Puerto Rico and comprise some 50 islands covered with lush tropical vegetation. St Thomas is long and narrow, rising abruptly to a ridge with an excellent deep-water harbour. St John is covered partly in bay forests. St Croix consists of 215 sq km (83 sq miles) of rolling ex-plantation land.

Although US Virgin Islands residents are US citizens, they cannot vote in Presidential elections – one elected delegate represents the islands in the US House of Representatives. The 1954 Organic Act created an elected 15-member senate for the islands. Since 1970, executive authority has been vested in an elected Governor who serves a four-year term.

US External Territory (Unincorporated). Gained a measure of self-Government in 1954. Although US Virgin Islands residents are US citizens, they cannot vote in Presidential elections – one elected delegate represents the islands in the US House of Representatives. The 1954 Organic Act created an elected 15-member Senate for the islands. Since 1970, executive authority has been vested in an elected Governor who serves a four-year term. Head of State: President George W Bush since 2001. Head of Government: Governor Charles Wesley Turnbull since 1999. Recent history: Politics on the islands follow the Republican-Democrat division of the USA itself. From the evidence of gubernatorial elections, the political complexion of the islands was distinctly Republican from 1970 until 1982. This is when the Governorship passed to the Democrats, who held the post until Roy Schneider, representing the Independent Citizens’ Movement, was elected in 1994. Despite the fact that the Republicans did not even put up a candidate, Schneider’s efforts to secure a second term failed when he was defeated by Democrat Charles Turnbull at the November 1998 poll. At the most recent elections in November 2002, Turnbull secured a second term of office, while simultaneous elections for the Senate returned the Democrats with a majority of a single seat.

English is the official language. Spanish and Creole are also widely spoken.

Christian, mainly Protestant.

The US Virgin Islanders are overwhelmingly friendly and helpful and the pace of life is very relaxed. Shaking hands is the normal form of greeting and the appropriate time of day (good morning/afternoon/evening) is usually uttered at every encounter. Politeness and courtesy is expected. Dress is informal for most occasions apart from the formal requirements of some hotels.

120 volts AC, 60Hz.