Eastern Caribbean Supreme CourtLeaders:
Chief of State:
Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor P. A.
PENFOLD (since NA 1991)
Head of Government:
Chief Minister H. Lavity STOUTT (since NA 1986)
Political parties and leaders:
United Party (UP), Conrad MADURO; Virgin Islands Party (VIP), H. Lavity
STOUTT; Independent Progressive Movement (IPM), Cyril B. ROMNEY
Suffrage:
universal at age 18
Elections:
Legislative Council:
last held 12 November 1990 (next to be held by November 1995); results -
percent of vote by party NA; seats - (9 total) VIP 6, IPM 1, independents 2
Member of:
CARICOM (associate), CDB, ECLAC (associate), IOC, OECS, UNESCO (associate)
Diplomatic representation:
none (dependent territory of UK)
Flag:
blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Virgin
Islander coat of arms centered in the outer half of the flag; the coat of
arms depicts a woman flanked on either side by a vertical column of six oil
lamps above a scroll bearing the Latin word
VIGILATE (Be Watchful)
:British Virgin Islands Economy
Overview:
The economy, one of the most prosperous in the Caribbean area, is highly
dependent on the tourist industry, which generates about 21% of the national
income. In 1985 the government offered offshore registration to companies
wishing to incorporate in the islands, and, in consequence, incorporation
fees generated about $2 million in 1987. Livestock raising is the most
significant agricultural activity. The islands' crops, limited by poor
soils, are unable to meet food requirements.
GDP:
purchasing power equivalent - $130 million, per capita $10,600; real growth
rate 6.3% (1990)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
2.5% (1990 est.)
Unemployment rate:
NEGL%
Budget:
revenues $51 million; expenditures $88 million, including capital
expenditures of $38 million (1991)
Exports:
$2.7 million (f.o.b., 1988)
commodities:
rum, fresh fish, gravel, sand, fruits, animals
partners:
Virgin Islands (US), Puerto Rico, US
Imports:
$11.5 million (c.i.f., 1988)
commodities:
building materials, automobiles, foodstuffs, machinery
partners:
Virgin Islands (US), Puerto Rico, US
External debt:
$4.5 million (1985)
Industrial production:
growth rate—4.0% (1985)
Electricity:
10,500 kW capacity; 43 million kWh produced, 3,510 kWh per capita (1990)
Industries:
tourism, light industry, construction, rum, concrete block, offshore
financial center
Agriculture:
livestock (including poultry), fish, fruit, vegetables
Economic aid:
NA
Currency:
US currency is used
Exchange rates:
US currency is used
Fiscal year:
1 April - 31 March
:British Virgin Islands Communications
Highways:
106 km motorable roads (1983)
Ports:
Road Town
Airports:
3 total, 3 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways less than 1,220 m
Telecommunications:
3,000 telephones; worldwide external telephone service; submarine cable
communication links to Bermuda; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, 1 TV
:British Virgin Islands Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK
:Brunei Geography
Total area:
5,770 km2
Land area:
5,270 km2
Comparative area:
slightly larger than Delaware
Land boundaries:
381 km; Malysia 381 km
Coastline:
161 km
Maritime claims:
Exclusive fishing zone:
