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The United States Virgin Islands, often referred to as America's Paradise, is an unincorporated American territory in the Caribbean consisting of three islands. St. Thomas is the capital and busiest, St. Croix is the largest, and St. John is the smallest and quietest of the three. The combined population is a little over 110,000. The official language is English. Virgin Islanders are not allowed to vote in presidential primaries or elections, but there is an elected representative to Congress who represents the territory. in Washington. The official currency is the US dollar. The territory is visited by 1.5 million tourists per year by air or cruise ship. Atlantic Standard time is in effect year round. The beaches are magnificent with sun and sand in bundance.. The U.S.V.I. are part of the United States postal service. Most of the population are descendants of African slaves.
On 03-31-1917, the Danish Virgin Islands was bought by the United States for $25 million. In 1927 residents were granted United States citizenship. The governor and the legislature oversee the day-to-day operation of the islands.
St. Thomas
St. Thomas is a noted tourist destination. It is the shopping mecca of the Caribbean. There is no sales tax. The capital, Charlotte Amalie is the busiest port of call in the Caribbean. It is a cosmopolitan, sophisticated and commercial oasis boasting a variety of big city amenities not found anywhere else in the Caribbean with gourmet restaurants, major hotels, chic shops and the best duty free in the Caribbean. On main street goods are sold from all over the world at duty free prices. Visitors can claim up to $1,200 worth of goods duty free
Attractions on St. Thomas include Scratch & Fungi Band Fiesta, Open Atlantic Blue Marlin Tournament, Main Street - shop till you drop, Cora World, Coki Point, Magens Bay, Mahoghany Golf Course, Fort Christian Museum, Submarine Experience, Eco-Tours, Parasailing, Sport Fishing , Lindbergh Bay and Morning Star Beach.
St. Croix
St. Croix is the largest all 3 islands. It has two main towns, Christiansted and Fredericksted. Unlike St. Thomas, St. Croix is leisurely, laid back, a place to unwind, relax and recharge your batteries. The population is around 60,000 people. St. Croix is almost 3 times the size of St. Thomas and the eastern tip is easternmost point of the United States. The island retains its Danish character and architecture. St. Croix is not a popular tourist destination like St. Thomas but it has great physical beauty. Christopher Columbus discoverd the island in 1493 on his second voyage to the new world. Then over time the spanish, french, dutch and english fought several wars for control of the island until 1773 when Denmark purchased it. The highlight of a trip to St. Croix is a visit to Buck Island National Park.
Attractions on St. Croix include scuba diving, watersports, kayak tours, snorkeling and day sails, golf, horseback riding, nature tours, St. Croix Heritage Trail, St. Croix International Regatta, and the Virgin Islands only casino.
St. John
St. John is 2/3 a national park, created in 1956 and donated by Laurence Rockfeller. The capital is Cruz Bay. The island is great for eco and nature lovers because it is underdeveloped and retains its natural beauty.
Attractions on St. John include undeground snorkel trail at Trunk Bay, guided hilla through Reef Bay, St. John Festival, St. John Blues Festival, Coral Bay Thanksgiving Regatta, Mongoose Junction, and Caneel Bay Resort.
The U.S.V.I. is perfect for any type of vacation or get away, shopping is incredible, and you can truly relax and bask in the the warmth of the territory.
Well, I hope I'll be able to visit some day. Haven't been there but according to this... Thanks for sharing!
Been to St Thomas and St John and love it. Tropical sun is a little hot for me, but the water is magnificent, and also the food. The sheer beauty of the place is worth handling the heat. But I'm unusual. Most people love the heat. Thank you for that information.
Now you are talking my language!! The goal is to spend a couple years sailing around there before growing up! Thanks:
Hi Golfspice, the British Virgin Islands consists of the islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and many uninhabited inlets. They are owned by Great Britain. The B.V.I is very beautiful. Just like the U.S.V.I the currency mostly used is the USD and the official language language is english, crime is rare, and the government is democratically elected. The most popular way to get to the B.V.I. is taking the ferry from Red Hook on St. Thomas. I believe the trip is 20 minutes or less. The B.V.I. and the U.S.V.I. are very close to each other and share similarities and culture.
I've never been there but you make it sound so good I think I'll visit.
hi joe, the cost of living is expensive because everything is imported, but living in the usvi is nice as there are modern and comfortable amenities. If the territory loses its tourist designation status it will suffer a devastating loss because the other sources of revenue, refining oil (Hess Oil) and making rum will not be enough to compensate for the loss and the standard of living will inevitably decline.
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