US Virgin Islands snapshots, introduction, travel info, tourist attractions, and photographs

US Virgin Islands, including St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John Island, are located between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico. With land area about 349 square kilometers, twice the size of Washington, DC, US Virgin Islands form an important location along the Anegada Passage - a key shipping lane for the Panama Canal. Saint Thomas has one of the best natural, deepwater harbors in the Caribbean Region.

US Virgin Islands have 108,775 (July 2004 estimate) population, including 78% black, 10% white, and 12% other. English is the official language in this US territory.

After US purchased the Danish portion of Virgin Islands in 1917, this US territory was formed. Today, tourism is the primary economic activity in US Virgin Islands, accounting for more than 80% of GDP and employment. The islands normally host 2 million visitors a year.

With subtropical climate that is tempered by easterly trade winds, and relatively low humidity, little seasonal temperature variation, US Virgin Islands form another Caribbean paradise with 188 kilometers coastline and natural resources - sun, sand, sea, surf for tropical vacation.

Every year these Caribbean islands offer tourists with warm and crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, beachfront resorts, postcard images combined with red-roof houses, green hillside and blue ocean, and US living standard.

St. Thomas is well developed with parks and gardens, historical attractions, shopping plaza and nightlife. St. Croix presents to visitors Danish-style 18th-century buildings, museums and historical attractions, and botanical gardens. St. John is a small island but offers vacationers some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

US Virgin Islands are now another American tropical paradise situated just about 1000 miles from the southern tip of Florida.