Country Profile: Virgin Islands

The Virgin Islands, located in the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, are an unincorporated organized territory of the United States. With a population of approximately 103,792 (2025 est.), the islands have a diverse cultural heritage influenced largely by African, European, and Indigenous roots. The economy is heavily reliant on tourism, rum production, and related industries, despite facing challenges such as severe hurricanes and high public debt. The local governance operates under a republican form with a governor and a legislative assembly, while the defense is managed by the United States.

Geography

The Virgin Islands are situated in the Caribbean, lying between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, to the east of Puerto Rico. The territory covers a total area of 1,910 sq km, with 346 sq km of land and 1,564 sq km of water. The islands feature hilly and rugged terrain, with the highest point being Crown Mountain at 474 m. The region experiences a subtropical climate, characterized by low humidity, little seasonal temperature variation, and a rainy season from September to November.

188 km of coastline
58.2% of land covered by forest (2023 est.)
12 nm territorial sea claim
Notable for its location along a key shipping lane for the Panama Canal

People and Society

The population of the Virgin Islands is estimated at 103,792 for 2025, with a notable majority identifying as Virgin Islanders. The demographic composition includes 71.4% of the population being of African descent and 13.3% White. The primary language spoken is English, with 71.6% of the population communicating in it. The society is predominantly Protestant, with 65.5% identifying as such, while the median age stands at 43.4 years.

96.2% of the population is urban (2023)
10.88 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
80.7 years life expectancy at birth (2024 est.)
7.2 deaths/1,000 live births infant mortality rate (2025 est.)

Economy

The Virgin Islands possess a high-income, tourism-based economy that has been influenced by recent challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. The territory's Real GDP is estimated at $4.9 billion for 2022, with a GDP per capita of $46,500. Key industries include tourism, rum distilling, and construction, alongside a significant informal sector. The unemployment rate stands at 12.1% for 2024.

68.9% of GDP from household consumption (2022 est.)
$5.058 billion in imports (2022 est.)
Major export commodities include refined petroleum and jewelry
$4.549 billion in exports (2022 est.)

Government

The Virgin Islands function as an unincorporated organized territory of the US, with a republican form of local government. The capital is Charlotte Amalie, and the islands are governed by a territorial government structure that includes an executive, legislative, and judicial branch. The Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands serves as the highest court, and residents are US citizens but do not participate in the presidential elections.

Governor Albert BRYAN, Jr. elected in November 2022
Legislative assembly with a voting delegate in the US House of Representatives
National holiday on March 31, commemorating the transfer from Denmark to the US (1917)
Legal system based on US common law

Military and Security

The defense of the Virgin Islands is managed by the United States, with local security provided by the US Virgin Islands Police Department and the US Virgin Islands National Guard. These forces ensure the safety and security of the territory and its residents.

2 primary law enforcement agencies
Defense responsibilities fall under the US military umbrella

Energy

The Virgin Islands achieve 100% electrification for the entire population, with an installed generating capacity of 326,000 kW as of 2023. The energy production heavily relies on fossil fuels, accounting for 97.2% of the electricity generation, while renewable sources like solar make up the remaining 2.8%.

618.819 million kWh total electricity consumption (2023 est.)
16,000 bbl/day refined petroleum consumption (2023 est.)

Environment

The Virgin Islands face significant environmental challenges due to limited freshwater resources and threats to their coral reefs. Ongoing issues include solid waste management, coastal development, and the impact of hurricanes. Urbanization continues to rise, with 96.2% of the population living in urban areas (2023).

2.378 million metric tonnes of CO2 emissions (2023 est.)
58.2% of land designated as forest (2023 est.)
Frequent hurricanes and natural disasters have historically impacted the islands' infrastructure

Transportation

Transportation infrastructure includes 2 airports and 6 ports, with key ports in Charlotte Amalie and Christiansted. The marine transport system features a small merchant fleet, which primarily includes general cargo vessels.

4 heliports (2025)
3 ports with oil terminals
6 total ports operational (2024)

Communications

The Virgin Islands show a well-developed communication system, with fixed-line and mobile cellular subscriptions indicating good coverage. Approximately 64% of the population had internet access as of 2017, reflecting an audience for various media outlets.

79,100 mobile cellular subscriptions (2022 est.)
76,000 fixed-line subscriptions (2021 est.)
Several TV stations and 24 radio stations available for public access

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	103,792	2025 estimate
Area	1,910 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$4.9 billion	2022 estimate
GDP per capita	$46,500	2022 estimate
Unemployment rate	12.1%	2024 estimate
Birth rate	10.88 births/1,000 population	2025 estimate
Life expectancy	80.7 years	2024 estimate
Urban population	96.2%	2023 estimate
Electricity access	100%	2022 estimate
CO2 emissions	2.378 million metric tonnes	2023 estimate