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United States Virgin Islands

Unincorporated territory of the ‌United States
Flag Coat of arms
Motto
United in Pride and Hope
Anthem
Virgin Islands March
Location of Virgin Islands
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 Unincorporated Territories

Polities

See also[]

References

  1. The CIA World Factbook: Introduction - Background
  2. The CIA World Factbook: Economy - Overview
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