British Virgin Islands
News, entertainment, anthem and a short visitor guide.
Anthem
No cleared recording is available yet, so there is no Listen button for this song.
Recording: United States Navy Band · Public domain (U.S. government work) · Source: Wikimedia Commons
Visitor guide
History
The islands were contested by Dutch, English and Spanish settlers before England took control in 1672. They remain a British Overseas Territory with their own elected government.
Culture
Sailing culture dominates, along with fungi (scratch band) music and the Emancipation Festival in summer. The territory is small and close-knit.
Languages & Creoles
English is the official language. Virgin Islands Creole is spoken locally.
Currency
The US dollar (USD).
Popular Attractions
The BVI is one of the world's top sailing destinations, with sheltered waters and dozens of islands. The giant boulders and pools of The Baths on Virgin Gorda are its most famous sight.
Food
Fresh fish, conch and Anegada lobster are favourites, alongside johnnycakes and pates. Beach bars on Jost Van Dyke are known for the Painkiller cocktail.
Places to Visit
Road Town, Virgin Gorda and The Baths, Jost Van Dyke, Anegada and Cane Garden Bay.
More of the Caribbean
English-speaking Caribbean
Spanish-speaking Caribbean
French-speaking Caribbean
Dutch-speaking Caribbean
Additional Caribbean Coastal Areas
Colombia—Caribbean coast; San Andrés and Providencia
Venezuela—Caribbean coast and islands
Panama—Caribbean coast; Bocas del Toro
Costa Rica—Caribbean coast; Limón
Nicaragua—Caribbean coast; Corn Islands
Honduras—Caribbean coast; Bay Islands
Guatemala—Caribbean coast; Livingston
Mexico—Caribbean coast; Cozumel and Isla Mujeres