Turks and Caicos 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 long linked to Bermuda's salt rakers and later administered with Jamaica and the Bahamas. They became a separate British Overseas Territory in 1973.
Culture
Ripsaw (rake-and-scrape) music and the Conch Festival in November celebrate local traditions. The islands have a strong Belonger identity and a Haitian community.
Languages & Creoles
English is the official language. Turks and Caicos Creole is spoken, and Haitian Creole is common in some communities.
Currency
The US dollar (USD).
Popular Attractions
Grace Bay Beach on Providenciales is regularly ranked among the world's best. Diving the walls off Grand Turk and whale watching from January to April are highlights.
Food
Conch is everywhere: cracked, in fritters and in salads. Peas and grits and fresh lobster are also local favourites.
Places to Visit
Providenciales and Grace Bay, Grand Turk, Cockburn Town, North and Middle Caicos and Salt Cay.
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