GENERAL
Capital
Road Town (Tortola).
Geography
As a country located in North America according to homosociety, the British Virgin Islands consist of 56 islands, 16 of which are inhabited. They belong to the group of Leeward Islands in the eastern Caribbean. Anegada is made up of coral and limestone and is also the flattest of the islands. All other islands are of volcanic origin. The landscape is generally mountainous, the highest point being Sage Mountain (521m) on Tortola, but there are also many flatter areas with banana, mango and palm groves. There are remains of primeval rainforests on Tortola.
Government
British overseas territory since 1672; associated state in the Commonwealth. Constitution of 2007. Parliament: 13 of the 14 members are directly elected in the Legislative Council.
Head of state
Queen Elizabeth II; represented by Governor John Duncan, since August 2014.
Head of government
Ralph O’Neal, since August 2007.
Electricity
110 V, 60 Hz. Adapters are necessary because American plugs are widely used.
Time zone
Atlantic Standard Time: CET -5
LANGUAGE
Overview
The official language is English.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following items can be imported duty-free (people over 18 years of age):
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 230 g of tobacco products;
1 liter of alcoholic beverages.
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
Light suits or suits are appropriate. The best time to visit is between December and April. Business hours: Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-5 p.m., for government buildings 8.30 a.m.-4.30 p.m.
Economy
Caribbean Development Bank (Caribbean Development Bank)
PO Box 408, Wildey, St. Michael, Barbados
Tel: (246) 431 16 00.
Internet: www.caribank.org
Business contacts
Caribbean Development Bank (Caribbean Development Bank)
PO Box 408, Wildey, St. Michael, Barbados
Tel: (246) 431 16 00.
Internet: www.caribank.org
COMMUNICATION
Overview
The largest post office in the British Virgin Islands is in Road Town, Tortola. Postage stamps are available in stores where postcards can be purchased. Hotel receptions accept letters for a tip of around US $ 1. Airmail shipments to Europe take around 4 weeks.
Phone
International direct dialing.
Cellphone
TDMA cellular network operated by CCT Boatphone (Internet: www.bvicellular.com). Cell phones can be rented on site. Cell phones available in Europe – including those with tri-band technology – cannot be used in the British Virgin Islands.
Internet
Main providers include Caribsurf (Internet: www.caribsurf.com) and Cable & Wireless (Internet: www.candw.vg). Internet access is available in some hotels and Internet cafés.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
SHOP
Overview
Popular souvenirs are wood carvings, straw work, jewelry and colorful batik fabrics.
Shop opening times: Mon-Sat 9 am-5pm.
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
Many hotels have entertainment programs, including music and dancing, on specific evenings. Tortola has a cinema, a pub with live music and a few nightclubs and discos. A full moon party is held every month on the beach at Apple Bay, Tortola.
CULINARY
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels
The hotel selection is great. 7% tax is added to all hotel bills. Hotel and Commerce Association information: BVI Hotel & Commerce Association, PO Box 376, Wickham ‘s Cay, Road Town, Tortola. (Tel: 4 35 14. Internet: www.britishvirginislands.com).
Categories: Most hotels offer: Full American Plan (FAP) – rooms with full board (including afternoon tea). American Plan (AP) – three-meal room. Modified American Plan (MAP) – room, breakfast and dinner, in some hotels also afternoon tea. Continental Plan (CP) – Bed and Breakfast. European Plan (EP) – overnight only.
Camping
Is only allowed in official places. Backpackers are not welcomed.
CULTURE
Religion
Predominantly Protestants (86%) (including 33% Methodists, 17% Anglicans, 6% Adventists, 4% Baptists), Catholics (10%) and other minorities.
Social rules of conduct
Manners: The British Virgin Islands are part of the Commonwealth, many customs and traditions have been adopted by the British. Tourism is only being expanded cautiously, which means that the islands and cays have retained their charm. Life is leisurely and visitors encounter old British forms of courtesy everywhere.
Clothing: Casual clothing is sufficient, but more formal clothing is expected in some better hotels. Swimwear belongs on the beach.
Tip: All hotels charge 10-12% service.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
Tropical, tempered by trade winds. Slight differences between summer and winter. Temperatures average between 25 ° and 30 ° C. There is little rainfall. Hurricane season is from July to November.
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +1 284 Area (sq km) 153 Population 33 454 Population density (per sq km) 219 Population in 2015 Member of the EU No main emergency number 999