United States Virgin Islands | |
Unincorporated territory of the United States | |
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Motto United in Pride and Hope | |
Anthem Virgin Islands March | |
Region | Virgin Islands |
Capital | Charlotte Amalie |
Government | Organized territory |
Head of state | |
- From 2009 | Barack Obama |
Governor | |
- From 2007 | John de Jongh |
Legislature | Legislature |
History | |
- March 31, 1917 | Treaty of the Danish West Indies |
- July 22, 1954 | Revised Organic Act |
Area | 346.36 km² |
Population | |
- 2010 | 109,750 |
Density | 316.8/km² |
Currency | US Dollars |
Danish West Indies | |
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The United States Virgin Islands is an unincorporated organized territory of the United States, located in the Caribbean.
Background
During the 17th century, the archipelago was divided into two territorial units, one English and the other Danish. Sugarcane, produced by slave labor, drove the islands' economy during the 18th and early 19th centuries. In 1917, the US purchased the Danish portion, which had been in economic decline since the abolition of slavery in 1848.[1]
Economy
Tourism is the primary economic activity, accounting for 80% of GDP and employment. The islands hosted 2.4 million visitors in 2008. The manufacturing sector consists of petroleum refining, rum distilling, textiles, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and watch assembly. One of the world's largest petroleum refineries is at Saint Croix. The agricultural sector is small, with most food being imported. International business and financial services are small but growing components of the economy. The islands are vulnerable to substantial damage from storms. The government is working to improve fiscal discipline, to support construction projects in the private sector, to expand tourist facilities, to reduce crime, and to protect the environment.[2]
Head of state
- Barack Obama (₩) (January 20, 2009 - )
Governor
- John de Jongh (₩) (January 1, 2007 - )
Nation
United States (Territories)
United States Unincorporated Territories
Guam (From 1898)
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (From 1978)
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (From 1952)
Panama Canal Zone (1903-1979)
American Samoa (From 1899)
Polities
British Virgin Islands (From 1960)
Leeward Islands colony
- Danish West Indies