United States Virgin Islands
News, entertainment, anthem and a short visitor guide.
Anthem
Recording: United States Navy Band · Public domain (U.S. government work) · Source: Wikimedia Commons
Visitor guide
History
The islands were the Danish West Indies until the United States bought them in 1917. Emancipation came in 1848 after an uprising on St Croix, celebrated every July 3.
Culture
Carnival on St Thomas and the Crucian Christmas Festival on St Croix are major events. Quelbe, the official traditional music, and mocko jumbie stilt dancers are local icons.
Languages & Creoles
English is the official language. Virgin Islands Creole is spoken, and Spanish is common on St Croix.
Currency
The US dollar (USD).
Popular Attractions
Magens Bay on St Thomas and Trunk Bay in Virgin Islands National Park on St John are famous beaches. St Croix has Danish colonial towns and Buck Island Reef.
Food
Kallaloo, fungi, pates and johnnycakes are local staples. Saltfish and seafood dishes are common.
Places to Visit
Charlotte Amalie, Magens Bay, Cruz Bay and St John, Christiansted and Frederiksted on St Croix.
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