Difference between revisions of "U.S. Virgin Islands" - New World Encyclopedia

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{{Approved}}{{Submitted}}{{Images OK}}{{Paid}}{{Copyedited}}
 
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{{Infobox Country
{{Infobox Country or territory
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|conventional_long_name  = Virgin Islands of the United States
|native_name              = ''United States Virgin Islands''
 
|conventional_long_name  =
 
 
|common_name              = United States Virgin Islands
 
|common_name              = United States Virgin Islands
|image_flag              = Flag of the United States Virgin Islands.svg|125px
+
|image_flag              = Flag of the United States Virgin Islands.svg
|image_coat              = Coa American Virgin Islands.gif|125px
+
|image_coat              = Coa American Virgin Islands-new.gif
 
|image_map                = LocationUSVirginIslands.png
 
|image_map                = LocationUSVirginIslands.png
|national_motto          = "United in Pride and Hope"''
+
|image_map1              = Karibik Amerikanische Jungferninseln Position.png
|national_anthem          = [[Virgin Islands March]]  
+
|national_motto          = United in Pride and Hope
|official_languages      = [[English language|English]]
+
|national_anthem          = "[[Virgin Islands March]]"
|capital                  = [[Charlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands|Charlotte Amalie]]  
+
|capital                  = [[Charlotte Amalie, United States Virgin Islands|Charlotte Amalie]]
 
|latd=18 |latm=21 |latNS=N |longd=64 |longm=56 |longEW=W
 
|latd=18 |latm=21 |latNS=N |longd=64 |longm=56 |longEW=W
|largest_city            = [[Charlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands|Charlotte Amalie]]  
+
|largest_city            = [[Charlotte Amalie, United States Virgin Islands|Charlotte Amalie]]
|government_type          =  
+
|official_languages      = English
|leader_title1            =  Head of State
+
 
|leader_name1            =  [[George W. Bush]]
+
|ethnic_groups            = black 76.2%, white 13.1%, Asian 1.1%, other 6.1%, mixed 3.5%<ref name=cia>Central Intelligence Agency, [https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/vq.html Virgin Islands] ''The World Factbook''. Retrieved January 17, 2012.</ref>
|leader_title2            = Governor
+
|demonym                  = US Virgin Islander
|leader_name2            = [[John de Jongh]]
+
|government_type          = [[Unincorporated territories of the United States|Unincorporated, organized territory]]
 +
|leader_title1            =  [[President of the United States|President]]
 +
|leader_name1            =  [[Barack Obama]] ([[Democratic Party (United States)|D]])
 +
|leader_title2            = [[List of United States Virgin Islands Governors|Governor]]
 +
|leader_name2            = [[John de Jongh]] ([[Democratic Party (United States)|D]])
 +
|leader_title3            = [[Lieutenant Governor of the United States Virgin Islands|Lieutenant Governor]]
 +
|leader_name3            = [[Gregory Francis|Gregory R. Francis]] ([[Democratic Party (United States)|D]])
 
|area_rank                = 202nd
 
|area_rank                = 202nd
 
|area_magnitude          = 1 E8
 
|area_magnitude          = 1 E8
|area                    = 346.36  
+
|area_km2                = 346.36
|areami²                 = 133.73
+
|areami²             = 133.73
 
|percent_water            = 1.0
 
|percent_water            = 1.0
|population_estimate      = 112,000 <!--UN WPP—>
+
|population_census        = 109,750
|population_estimate_rank = 191st
+
|population_census_year  = 2010
|population_estimate_year = July 2005
+
|population_density_km2  = 354
|population_census        = 108,612
+
|population_density_sq_mi = 916.9
|population_census_year  = 2000
 
|population_density      = 354
 
|population_densitymi²    = 916.9
 
 
|population_density_rank  = 34th
 
|population_density_rank  = 34th
|GDP_PPP                  =
+
|GDP_PPP                  = $1.577&nbsp;billion
|GDP_PPP_rank            =  
+
|GDP_PPP_rank            =
|GDP_PPP_year            =  
+
|GDP_PPP_year            = 2003
|GDP_PPP_per_capita      =  
+
|GDP_PPP_per_capita      =
|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank  =  
+
|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank  =
|sovereignty_type        = Organized, unincorporated territory
+
|sovereignty_type        = [[Insular area|U.S territory]]
|established_event1      = Revised Organic Act
+
|established_event1      = [[Treaty of the Danish West Indies]]
|established_event2      =  
+
|established_date1        = March 31, 1917
|established_date1        = [[22 July]] [[1954]]  
+
|established_event2      = [[Organic Act|Revised Organic Act]]
|established_date2        =  
+
|established_date2        = July 22, 1954
|HDI                      =  
+
|HDI                      =
|HDI_rank                =  
+
|HDI_rank                =
|HDI_year                =  
+
|HDI_year                =
|HDI_category            =  
+
|HDI_category            =
|currency                = [[United States dollar|U.S. dollar]]
+
|currency                = US$
 
|currency_code            = USD
 
|currency_code            = USD
|country_code            =  
+
|country_code            =
|time_zone                = Q
+
|time_zone                = [[Atlantic Standard Time|AST]]
|utc_offset              = -4
+
|utc_offset              = &minus;4
|time_zone_DST            = ''not observed''
+
|time_zone_DST            = No DST
|utc_offset_DST          =  
+
|utc_offset_DST          = &minus;4
|cctld                    = [[.vi]]
+
|drives_on                = left<ref>Only US dependency to drive on the left.</ref>
|calling_code            = 1 (340)
+
|cctld                    = [[.vi]] and [[.us]]
 +
|calling_code            = [[North American Numbering Plan|+1]] (spec. [[Area code 340|+1-340]])
 
}}
 
}}
The '''United States Virgin Islands''' are a group of [[island]]s in the [[Caribbean]] that are an [[insular area]] of the [[United States]]. The islands are geographically part of the [[Virgin Islands|Virgin Islands archipelago]] and are located in the [[Leeward Islands]] of the [[Lesser Antilles]].
 
  
The U.S. Virgin Islands consist of the main islands of [[Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands|Saint Croix]], [[Saint John, U.S. Virgin Islands|Saint John]] and [[Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands|Saint Thomas]], along with the much smaller but historically distinct [[Water Island, U.S. Virgin Islands|Water Island]], and many other surrounding [[Minor islands of the U.S. Virgin Islands|minor islands]]. The total land area of the territory is 346.36 km² (133.73 sq mi). As of the [[United States Census Bureau|2000 census]] the population was 108,612.<ref>[http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/2001/cb01cn172.html 2000 Population Counts for the U.S. Virgin Islands], U.S. Census Bureau.</ref>
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The '''United States Virgin Islands''' are a group of islands in the [[Caribbean]] that are an insular area of the [[United States]]. The islands are geographically part of the Virgin Islands archipelago and are located in the Leeward Islands of the [[Lesser Antilles]].  
  
In [[Denmark]], the U.S. Virgin Islands are referred to as the '''Danish West Indian Islands''' (''De dansk-vestindiske øer''){{Fact|date=June 2007}}; see [[Danish West Indies]]. Three of the main islands have nicknames often used by locals: "Rock City" (St. Thomas), "Love City" (St. John), and "Twin City" (St. Croix).
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The U.S. Virgin Islands consist of the main islands of Saint Croix, Saint John, and Saint Thomas, along with the much smaller but historically distinct Water Island, and many other surrounding minor islands. The total land area of the territory is 133.73 square miles (346.36 km²).  
  
==History== 
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During the seventeenth century, the [[archipelago]] was divided into two territorial units, one English and the other Danish. [[Sugar]]cane, produced by [[slave]] labor, drove the islands' economy during the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. In 1917, the United States purchased the Danish portion, which had been in economic decline since the [[abolition of slavery]] in 1848.
[[Image:StJohnTrunkBay.jpg|thumb|[[Trunk Bay]], [[Saint John, U.S. Virgin Islands|St. John]]]]
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{{toc}}
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The islands' crystal clear [[water]]s, white-sand beaches and beautiful [[coral]] reefs draw over 2.5 million visitors annually. [[Tourism]] income is a mainstay of the economy.
  
'''NOTE TO WRITER - PLEASE REPHRASE WITH LESS BIAS.'''
 
  
=== The Ciboneys  ===
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==Geography==
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[[Image:virgin islands sm02.png|thumb|left|225px|Map of the U.S. Virgin Islands]]
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The U.S. Virgin Islands are located in the [[Caribbean Sea]] and the [[Atlantic Ocean]], about 50 miles east of [[Puerto Rico]] and eleven hundred miles southeast of [[Miami, Florida]]. The territory consists of four main islands: Saint Thomas, Saint John, Saint Croix, and Water Island, as well as several dozen smaller islands. The combined land area of the islands is roughly twice the size of [[Washington, D.C.]]
  
Although not much is known about the [[Ciboney]] people who first inhabited the islands during the [[Stone Age]], they were hunter-gatherers.  They made tools of stone and flint, but they left no other artifacts behind.
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The islands were formed almost 100 million years ago, when [[volcano|volcanic]] eruptions forced the undersea crust above the ocean's surface. The U.S. Virgin Islands are known for their white sand beaches, including Magens Bay and Trunk Bay, and strategic harbors, including Charlotte Amalie and Christiansted.  
  
=== The Arawaks ===
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The terrain is mostly hilly to rugged and mountainous with little level land. The highest point is Crown Mountain on Saint Thomas at 1,556 feet (474 m). Saint Croix, the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, lies to the south and has a flatter terrain. The National Park Service owns more than half of Saint John, nearly all of Hassel Island, and many acres of [[coral]] reef. [[Whale]]s breed off of the north end of Saint Thomas from January through April.
  
Experts at canoe building and seamanship, the Arawaks migrated from the [[Amazon River]] Valley and [[Orinoco]] regions of [[Venezuela]] and [[Brazil]], settling on the islands near coasts and rivers. These peaceful people excelled at fishing and farming.  Their main crops were [[cotton]], [[tobacco]], [[maize]], [[yuca]], and [[guava]]; however, they grew a variety of other fruits and vegetables as well.
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The Virgin Islands lie on the boundary of the North American plate and the Caribbean Plate. Natural hazards include [[earthquake]]s, [[hurricane]]s, and [[tsunami]]s. In recent history, substantial damage was caused by Hurricane Hugo in 1989 and Hurricane Marilyn in 1995. The islands were also struck by Hurricane Bertha in 1996, Hurricane Georges in 1998 and Hurricane Lenny in 1999, but damage was not as severe in those hurricanes.
  
The Arawaks developed rich social and cultural lives.  For recreation, they held organized sporting events.  They also valued artistic endeavors, such as [[cave painting]] and [[rock carving]], some of which have survived to the present day.  Religion played a large role in their daily lives, and through ceremonial rituals they asked their gods for advice to help them through troubled times.  Their civilization in the USVI flourished for several hundred years, until the Caribs invaded.
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The climate is subtropical, tempered by easterly trade winds, with relatively low humidity, little seasonal temperature variation; the rainy season is September to November.
  
=== The Caribs ===
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==History== 
 +
=== The Ciboneys  ===
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[[Image:StJohnTrunkBay.jpg|thumb|275px|Trunk Bay, St. John]]
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Although not much is known about the [[Ciboney]] people who first inhabited the islands during the [[Stone Age]], they were [[hunter-gatherer]]s.  They made tools of stone and [[flint]] but left no other artifacts behind.
  
While the Caribs came from the same area as the Arawaks and may have been distantly related, they didn't share the Arawaks' friendly nature. Not only were they fierce warriors, they supposedly feasted on their adversaries.  Their bloodthirsty reputation spawned the English word cannibal, derived from the name the Spanish gave them, Caribal.
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=== The Arawaks ===
 +
Experts at [[canoe]] building and seamanship, the Arawaks ([[Taino]]) are generally believed to have migrated from the [[Amazon River]] Valley and [[Orinoco River|Orinoco]] regions of [[Venezuela]] and [[Brazil]], settling on the islands near coasts and rivers. These peaceful people excelled at [[fishing]] and [[farming]]. Their main crops were [[cotton]], [[tobacco]], [[maize]], [[yucca]], and [[guava]]; they grew a variety of other [[fruit]]s and [[vegetable]]s as well.
  
Whether or not they actually ate their victims, the Caribs did destroy numerous Arawak villages, murdering as many as they could. By the mid-15th century, the Caribs had slashed the Arawak population from several million to a few thousand.  But even the Caribs were no match for the gold-hungry Europeans who were about to descend.
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The Arawaks developed rich social and cultural lives. For recreation, they held organized sporting events. They also valued artistic endeavors, such as [[cave painting]]s and [[rock carving]]s, some of which have survived to the present day. [[Religion]] played a large role in their daily lives, and through ceremonial rituals they asked their gods for advice to help them through troubled times. Their [[civilization]] flourished for several hundred years, until the Caribs invaded.
  
=== Colonization ===
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=== The Caribs ===
Blown off course during his 1493-1496 voyage, [[Christopher Columbus]] landed on Saint Croix, then continued his explorations on Saint Thomas and Saint John. He gave the islands their original [[Spanish language|Spanish]] names ([[Santa Cruz]], [[San Tomas]], and [[San Juan]]), focusing on religious themes. The collection of tiny islets, [[cays]], and rocks dotting the sea around them reminded Columbus of [[Saint Ursula]] and her 11,000 virgin [[martyrs]], inspiring the name Las Once Mil Virgenes.  
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While the [[Carib]]s came from the same area as the Arawaks and may have been distantly related, they did not share the Arawaks' friendly nature. Not only were they fierce warriors, they supposedly feasted on their adversaries. Their bloodthirsty reputation spawned the English word "[[cannibal]]," derived from the name the Spanish gave them, ''Caribal.''
  
The first encounter Columbus had with the Caribs quickly erupted into a battle.  When Columbus and his crew decided to move on to other islands, they kidnapped six Arawaks to guide them. Although Columbus left without founding a colony, many more battles between the Spanish and Caribs followed over the next century.  
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Whether or not they actually ate their victims, the Caribs did destroy numerous Arawak villages, murdering as many as they could. By the mid-fifteenth century, the Caribs had slashed the Arawak population from several million to a few thousand.
  
Other [[European]] explorers finished the job the Spanish had begun.  They tried to convert the Caribs and Arawaks to [[Catholicism]], which largely failed.  They also enslaved the native populations to work on plantations. With [[tobacco]] having already been cultivated on the islands, it made a good [[cash crop]].  Later on, [[coffee]], [[sugar]], and [[cotton]] also were grown.
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=== Colonization ===
 +
Blown off course during his 1493-1496 voyage, [[Christopher Columbus]] landed on Saint Croix, then continued his explorations on Saint Thomas and Saint John. He gave the islands their original Spanish names (Santa Cruz, San Tomas, and San Juan), focusing on religious themes. The collection of tiny islets, cays, and rocks dotting the sea around them reminded Columbus of [[Saint Ursula]] and her 11,000 virgin [[martyr]]s, inspiring the name ''Las Once Mil Virgenes.''
  
[[Slavery]], coupled with murder and disease, took a large toll on both the Arawaks and the Caribs. Several groups of Arawaks committed [[mass suicide]] rather than submit to foreign rule. By the late [[17th century]], the Arawaks had been completely exterminated and few Caribs remained.  
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The first encounter Columbus had with the Caribs quickly erupted into a battle. When Columbus and his crew decided to move on to other islands, they kidnapped six Arawaks to guide them. Although Columbus left without founding a colony, many more battles between the Spanish and Caribs followed over the next century.  
  
With no native slaves left, the [[African]] [[slave trade]] began in [[1673]]. The difficult conditions and inhumane treatment slaves were subjected to bred discontent. In [[1733]], a long drought followed by a devastating [[hurricane]] pushed slaves in St. John to the breaking point.  They staged a massive rebellion, seizing control of the island for six months.  The [[Denmark|Danish]], who controlled the island at that point, enlisted the help of the [[France|French]] to regain control.
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Other [[Europe]]an explorers tried to convert the Caribs and Arawaks to [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholicism]], which largely failed. They also enslaved the native populations to work on plantations. With [[tobacco]] already cultivated on the islands, it made a good cash crop. Later, [[coffee]], [[sugar]], and [[cotton]] also were grown.
  
Another slave revolt in [[1848]] was more successful in the long run.  The [[governor]] at the time, [[Peter von Scholten]], felt enough sympathy for the slaves to grant them emancipation, even though it was against the wishes of Danish rule.
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[[Slavery]], coupled with murder and [[disease]], took a large toll on both the Arawaks and the Caribs. Several groups of Arawaks committed mass [[suicide]] rather than submit to foreign rule. By the late seventeenth century, the Arawaks had been completely exterminated and few Caribs remained.  
  
The [[Danish West Indies|Danish West India Company]] settled on [[Saint Thomas, United States Virgin Islands|Saint Thomas]] in [[1672]], on [[Saint John, United States Virgin Islands|Saint John]] in [[1694]], and purchased [[Saint Croix, United States Virgin Islands|Saint Croix]] from [[France]] in [[1733]]. The islands became royal Danish colonies in [[1754]], their name translating to ''Jomfruøerne'' in Danish. [[Sugarcane]], produced by [[Slavery|slave]] labor, drove the islands' [[Economics|economy]] during the 18th and early 19th centuries, until the [[Abolitionism#Other nations|abolition of slavery]] by Governor [[Peter von Scholten]] on [[July 3]], [[1848]].
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With no native slaves left, the [[Africa]]n [[slave trade]] began in 1673. The difficult conditions and inhumane treatment slaves were subjected to bred discontent. In 1733, a long drought followed by a devastating [[hurricane]] pushed slaves in Saint John to the breaking point. They staged a massive rebellion, seizing control of the island for six months. The [[Denmark|Danish]], who controlled the island at that point, enlisted the help of the [[France|French]] to regain control.
  
For the remainder of the period of Danish rule, the islands were not economically viable and significant transfers were made from the Danish state budgets to the authorities in the islands. In 1867 a treaty to sell Saint Thomas and Saint John to the United States was agreed, but the sale was never effected.<ref name="Danish National Archives">[http://www.virgin-islands-history.dk/eng/vi_hist.asp A Brief History of the Danish West Indies, 1666-1917], Danish National Archives</ref> A number of reforms aimed at reviving the islands' economy were attempted, but none had great success. A second draft treaty to sell the islands to the United States was negotiated in 1902, but was narrowly defeated in the Danish parliament.<ref name="Danish National Archives"/>
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The [[Danish West India Company]] had settled on Saint Thomas in 1672, on Saint John in 1694, and purchased Saint Croix from France in 1733. The islands became royal Danish colonies in 1754, their name translating to ''Jomfruøerne'' in Danish. [[Sugarcane]], produced by slave labor, drove the islands' economy during the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, until the price of sugar on the world market dropped when beet sugar was introduced commercially. In 1833 Great Britain emancipated all slaves on British-held plantations in the Americas, including all those on neighboring Caribbean islands, causing great concern for the remaining slave-based plantations.  
  
The onset of [[World War I]] brought the reforms to a close, and again left the islands isolated and exposed. During the [[submarine warfare]] phases of the First World War, the [[United States]], fearing that the islands might be seized by [[Germany]] as a submarine base, again approached [[Denmark]] with a view to buying them. After a few months of negotiations, a selling price of $25 million was agreed. The Danish [[The Crown|Crown]] may have felt some pressure to accept the sale, thinking that the [[United States]] would seize the islands if Denmark was invaded by Germany. At the same time the economics of continued possession weighed heavily on the minds of Danish decision makers, and a bipartisan consensus in favor of selling emerged in the Danish parliament. A [[Danish Danish West Indian Islands sale referendum, 1916|subsequent referendum]] held in late [[1916]] confirmed the decision to sell by a wide margin. The deal was thus finalized on [[January 17]], [[1917]], when the United States and Denmark exchanged their respective treaty ratifications. The U.S. took [[possession]] of the islands on [[March 31]], [[1917]] and the territory was renamed the Virgin Islands of the United States.
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Another slave revolt in 1848 was more successful. The governor at the time, Peter von Scholten, felt enough sympathy for the slaves to grant them emancipation, even though it was against the wishes of Danish rule, on July 3, 1848.
  
U.S. [[citizenship]] was granted to the inhabitants of the islands in [[1927]].
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For the remainder of the period of Danish rule, the islands were not economically viable and significant transfers were made from the Danish state budgets to the authorities in the islands. In 1867 a treaty to sell Saint Thomas and Saint John to the United States was agreed on, but the sale was never effected. <ref name="Danish National Archives"> ''Danish National Archives''. [http://www.virgin-islands-history.dk/eng/vi_hist.asp A Brief History of the Danish West Indies, 1666-1917] Retrieved December 15, 2007. </ref> A number of reforms aimed at reviving the islands' economy were attempted, but none had great success. A second draft treaty to sell the islands to the [[United States]] was negotiated in 1902, but was narrowly defeated in the Danish parliament. <ref name="Danish National Archives"/>
  
[[Water Island, U.S. Virgin Islands|Water Island]], a small island just to the south of Saint Thomas, was not included in the original sale. It remained in the possession of the Danish East Asiatic Company until 1944, when it too was bought by the USA for $10,000. It was initially administered by the U.S. Federal government and did not become a part of the U.S. Virgin Islands territory until 1996.<ref>[http://www.vinow.com/waterisland/history_wi/ Water Island, Virgin Islands: Facts & History], Virgin Islands Visitor's Guide</ref>
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===Purchase by U.S.===
 +
{{readout||left|250px|The [[United States]] bought the U.S. Virgin Islands from [[Denmark]] in 1917}}
 +
The onset of [[World War I]] brought reforms to a close and again left the islands isolated and exposed. The United States, fearing that the islands might be seized by [[Germany]] as a [[submarine]] base, again approached Denmark about buying them. After a few months of negotiations, a selling price of $25 million was agreed on. The Danish Crown may have felt some pressure to accept the sale, thinking that the United States would seize the islands if Denmark were invaded by Germany. At the same time, the economics of continued possession weighed heavily on the minds of Danish decision makers, and a bipartisan consensus in favor of selling emerged in the Danish parliament. A subsequent referendum, held in late 1916, confirmed the decision to sell by a wide margin. The deal was thus finalized on January 17, 1917, when the United States and Denmark exchanged their respective treaty ratifications. The United States took possession of the islands on March 31, 1917, and the territory was renamed the Virgin Islands of the United States. U.S. citizenship was granted to the inhabitants of the islands in 1927.
  
==Geography==
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Water Island, a small island just to the south of Saint Thomas, was not included in the original sale. It remained in the possession of the Danish East Asiatic Company until 1944, when it too was bought by the United States for $10,000. It was initially administered by the U.S. government and did not become part of the U.S. Virgin Islands territory until 1996.
[[Image:virgin islands sm02.png|thumb|250px|Map of the U.S. Virgin Islands]]
 
{{main|Geography of the United States Virgin Islands}}
 
The U.S. Virgin Islands are located in the [[Caribbean Sea]] and the [[Atlantic Ocean]], about 50 miles east of [[Puerto Rico]]. The territory consists of four main islands: [[Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands|Saint Thomas]], [[Saint John, U.S. Virgin Islands|Saint John]], [[Saint Croix]], and [[Water Island, U.S. Virgin Islands|Water Island]], as well as several dozen smaller islands. The combined land area of the islands is roughly twice the size of [[Washington, D.C.]]
 
  
The U.S. Virgin Islands are known for their white sand [[beaches]], including [[Magens Bay]] and [[Trunk Bay]], and strategic harbors, including [[Charlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands|Charlotte Amalie]] and [[Christiansted, U.S. Virgin Islands|Christiansted]]. Most of the islands, including Saint Thomas, are volcanic in origin and hilly. The highest point is [[Crown Mountain]], Saint Thomas (474m). Saint Croix, the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, lies to the south and has a flatter terrain. The [[National Park Service]] owns more than half of Saint John, nearly all of [[Hassel Island, United States Virgin Islands|Hassel Island]], and many acres of [[coral reef]]. (''See also'' [[Virgin Islands National Park]], [[Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument]], [[Buck Island Reef National Monument]], [[Christiansted National Historic Site]], and [[Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve]].)
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==Politics==
 
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[[Image:Charlotte Amalie.jpg|thumb|right|275px|Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands]]
The Virgin Islands lie on the boundary of the [[North American plate]] and the [[Caribbean Plate]]. Natural hazards include [[earthquake]]s, [[tropical cyclone]]s, and [[tsunami]]s.
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[[Image:Christiansted.jpg|right|275px|thumb|Christiansted, St. Croix]]
  
==Politics==
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The U.S. Virgin Islands are an organized, unincorporated territory of the [[United States]]. Even though they are U.S. citizens, Virgin Islanders cannot vote in U.S. presidential elections.  
{{main|Politics of the United States Virgin Islands}}
 
[[Image:Charlotte Amalie.jpg|thumb|right|[[Charlotte Amalie, United States Virgin Islands|Charlotte Amalie]], [[Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands|St. Thomas]], capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands]]
 
[[Image:Christiansted.jpg|right|thumb|[[Christiansted, U.S. Virgin Islands|Christiansted]], [[Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands|St. Croix]]]]
 
  
The U.S. Virgin Islands are an organized, unincorporated [[Political divisions of the United States#Territories of the United States|territory]] of the United States. Even though they are U.S. citizens, Virgin Islanders cannot vote in [[U.S. presidential election|U.S. presidential elections]].  
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The main political parties in the U.S. Virgin Islands are the Democratic Party of the Virgin Islands, the Independent Citizens Movement (ICM), and the Republican Party of the Virgin Islands. Additional candidates run as independents.
  
The main political parties in the U.S. Virgin Islands are the [[Democratic Party of the Virgin Islands]], the [[Independent Citizens Movement|Independent Citizens Movement (ICM)]], and the [[Republican Party of the Virgin Islands]]. Additional candidates run as independents.
+
At the national level, the U.S. Virgin Islands elects a delegate to Congress from its at large congressional district. However, the elected delegate, while able to vote in committee, cannot participate in floor votes. The current House of Representatives delegate is Donna Christensen (D).
  
At the national level, the U.S. Virgin Islands elects a [[United States congressional delegations from U.S. Virgin Islands|delegate to Congress]] from its at large {{ushr|United States Virgin Islands|AL|congressional district}}. However, the elected delegate, while able to vote in committee, cannot participate in floor votes. The current House of Representatives delegate is [[Donna Christensen]] (D).
+
At the territorial level, fifteen senators&mdash;seven from the district of Saint Croix, seven from the district of Saint Thomas and Saint John, and one senator at-large who must be a resident of Saint John&mdash;are elected for two-year terms to the unicameral Virgin Islands legislature.
  
At the territorial level, fifteen [[List of U.S. Virgin Islands Senators|senators]]&mdash;seven from the district of Saint Croix, seven from the district of Saint Thomas and Saint John, and one senator at-large who must be a resident of Saint John&mdash;are elected for two-year terms to the [[unicameral]] [[Legislature of the Virgin Islands|Virgin Islands Legislature]].
+
The U.S. Virgin Islands has elected a territorial governor every four years since 1970. Previous governors were appointed by the president of the United States.
  
The U.S. Virgin Islands has elected a [[List of U.S. Virgin Islands Governors|territorial governor]] every four years since [[1970]]. Previous governors were appointed by the President of the United States.
+
The U.S. Virgin Islands has a District Court, Supreme Court, and Superior Court. The District Court is responsible for federal law, while the Superior Court is responsible for Virgin Islands law at the trial level and the Supreme Court is responsible for appeals from the Superior Court for all appeals filed on or after January 29, 2007. Appeals filed prior to that date are heard by the Appellate Division of the District Court. Judges are appointed by the president and the governor, respectively.
  
The U.S. Virgin Islands has a District Court, Supreme Court and Superior Court. The District Court is responsible for federal law, while the Superior Court is responsible for Virgin Islands law at the trial level and the Supreme Court is responsible for appeals from the Superior Court for all appeals filed on or after January 29, 2007.  Appeals filed prior to that date are heard by the Appellate Division of the District Court.  Judges are appointed by the President and the governor respectively.
+
The United States Congress has organized several local referendums to aid in self-determination. As with [[Puerto Rico]], the residents have been given the choice of independence, status quo, or statehood; however, these measures have failed to attract sufficient civic interest or voter turnout to produce even a noteworthy plurality, much less a majority, and thus the islands will retain their current territorial status for the foreseeable future.
  
The United States Congress has organized several local referenda to aid in the  self-determination. As with [[Puerto Rico]], the residents have been given the choice of independence, status quo, or statehood; however, these measures have failed to attract sufficient civic interest or voter turn-out to produce even a noteworthy plurality, much less a majority, and thus the islands will retain their current territorial status for the foreseeable future. It is theorized that Puerto Rican requests for political self-determination might serve as a catalyst for political interest in the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as in other American territories.
+
With much controversy, these efforts by the federal government to normalize the unincorporated territory's status are completely discounted by the United Nations Committee on Decolonization, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are currently in the United Nations list of Non-Self-Governing Territories.
  
With much controversy, these efforts by the federal government to normalize the unincorporated territory's status are completely discounted by the [[United Nations Committee on Decolonization]], and the U.S. Virgin Islands are currently in the [[United Nations list of Non-Self-Governing Territories]].
+
===Administrative divisions===
 +
The U.S. Virgin Islands are divided into two districts and subdivided into twenty sub-districts.
  
 
==Economy==
 
==Economy==
[[Image:MagensBay.jpg|thumb|[[Magens Bay]], [[Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands|St. Thomas]]]]
+
[[Image:MagensBay.jpg|thumb|275px|Magens Bay, St. Thomas]]
{{main|Economy of the United States Virgin Islands}}
 
  
[[Tourism]] is the primary economic activity. The islands normally host 2 million visitors a year, many of whom visit on [[cruise ship]]s. Public access to beaches is considered a civil right. (Public access over land, however, is not.)
+
[[Tourism]] is the primary economic activity. The islands normally host two million visitors a year, many of whom visit on cruise ships. Public access to beaches is considered a civil right. (Public access over land, however, is not.)
  
The manufacturing sector consists of petroleum refining, textile, electronics, [[rum]] distilling, pharmaceutical, and watch assembly plants. The agricultural sector is small, with most food being imported. International business and financial services are a small but growing component of the economy. [[Hovensa]], one of the world's largest [[petroleum]] [[oil refinery|refineries]], is located on [[Saint Croix]].
+
The [[manufacturing]] sector consists of [[petroleum]] refining, [[textile]]s, electronics, rum distilling, pharmaceuticals, and watch assembly plants. The [[agriculture|agricultural]] sector is small, with most food being imported. International business and financial services are a small but growing component of the economy. Hovensa, one of the world's largest petroleum refineries, is located on Saint Croix.
  
The U.S. Virgin Islands are permanently on Atlantic Standard Time and do not participate in [[Daylight Saving Time]]. When the U.S. is on Standard Time, the U.S. Virgin Islands are one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time.  When the U.S. is on Daylight Saving Time, Eastern Daylight Time is the same as Atlantic Standard Time.
+
The government is working to improve fiscal discipline, to support construction projects in the private sector, to expand tourist facilities, to reduce [[crime]], and to protect the environment. GDP per capita is $14,500 (2004 estimate).
  
The islands are subject to tropical storms and [[tropical cyclone|hurricanes]]. In recent history, substantial damage was caused by [[Hurricane Hugo]] in [[1989]] and [[Hurricane Marilyn]] in [[1995]]. The islands were also struck by [[Hurricane Bertha]] in [[1996]], [[Hurricane Georges]] in [[1998]] and [[Hurricane Lenny]] in [[1999]], but damage was not as severe in those hurricanes.
+
==Demographics==
 +
As of the census of 2010, the population of the U.S. Virgin Islands was 106,405, a decrease of 2.0 percent from the 2000 Census population of 108,612.<ref>U.S. Census Bureau, [http://2010.census.gov/news/releases/operations/cb11-cn180.html U.S. Census Bureau Releases 2010 Census Population Counts for the U.S. Virgin Islands] August 24, 2011. Retrieved January 31, 2012. </ref> 
  
The U.S. Virgin Islands is the only part of the United States where traffic [[drives on the left]], though almost all vehicles are left hand drive (as they are imported from the United States). See [[Right Hand Drive#Caribbean|Right Hand Driving: Caribbean]].
+
Most U.S. Virgin Islanders are descended from [[Africa]]ns, who were en[[slave]]d and brought to the Caribbean by Europeans to labor on sugar plantations. Most of the residents were born in the islands, although many migrated to the U.S. Virgin Islands from other islands in the [[West Indies]], the United States, and other countries.
  
In the context of [[global warming]], the Virgin Islands are by far the worst emitter of [[carbon dioxide]] per capita (see [[List of countries by carbon dioxide emissions per capita]]).
+
The official language is English, although [[Virgin Islands Creole]], an English-based [[dialect]], is spoken in informal situations. The Virgin Islands Creole spoken on St. Croix, known as ''Crucian'', is slightly different from that spoken on St. Thomas and St. John. Because the U.S. Virgin Islands are home to thousands of immigrants from across the Caribbean, [[Spanish (language)|Spanish]] and various [[French-based creole languages|French creole]] languages are also widely spoken.  
  
==Demographics==
+
As in most Caribbean countries, [[Christianity]] is the dominant religion. In a reflection of the territory's [[Denmark|Danish]] colonial heritage, [[Protestantism]] is most prevalent although there is also a strong [[Roman Catholic]] presence.<ref name=cia/>
As of the census of 2000, there were 108,612 people, 40,648 households, and 26,636 families residing in the territory. The racial makeup of the territory was 76.19% Black or African Descent, 13.09% White, 7.23% from other races, and 3.49% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 13.99% of the population.
 
  
There were 40,648 households out of which 34.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 33.2% were married couples living together, 24.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.5% were non-families. 30.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.64 and the average family size was 3.34.
+
==Culture==
 +
Historically, the society was divided along [[Caste system|caste]] and color lines. Even after emancipation in 1848, ex-slaves' participation in the political process was restricted and their freedom of movement and emigration were limited by legislation. A result of Danish determination to maintain the status quo was the Fireburn of 1878, a labor revolt on Saint Croix that destroyed many plantations.
  
In the territory the population was spread out with 31.6% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 27.1% from 25 to 44, 24.9% from 45 to 64, and 8.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 91.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.7 males. The annual population growth is -0.12%.
+
===Architecture===
 +
Several cultures have influenced local [[architecture]]. Wattle and daub construction, the use of cisterns to collect water, the "Big Yard" or common area, and verandas and porches can be traced to [[Africa]]. [[Denmark|Danish]] culture is reflected in the design of towns, especially the "step streets"; street names; ovens and cookhouses; and red roofs. Yellow ballast brick, carried in ships from Europe, was used in construction along with locally quarried stone and coral. Open market areas, formerly the sites of slave markets, are found in the main towns. Many urban buildings date back to the colonial period.
  
The median income for a household in the territory was $24,704, and the median income for a family was $28,553. Males had a median income of $28,309 versus $22,601 for females. The per capita income for the territory was $13,139. About 28.7% of families and 32.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 41.7% of those under age 18 and 29.8% of those age 65 or over.
+
===Cuisine===
 +
[[Cassava]], pumpkins, and sweet potatoes are native to the islands, and a variety of seafood is found in the surrounding waters. Many recipes are based on African sources. [[Okra]] is an ingredient in ''killaloo'', a stew with local greens and [[fish]], and in ''fungi,'' a cornmeal-based side dish; [[conch]] appears in fritters, chowders, and mixed with rice. [[Guava]], soursop, and [[mango]] are eaten, along with mamey and mesple.
  
==Districts and sub-districts==
+
Sugar cakes made with [[coconut]] and boiled sugar are a traditional mid-afternoon snack. ''Maubi,'' a local drink, is made from the bark of a tree, herbs, and yeast. ''Souse'' is a stew of pig's head, tail, and feet, flavored with lime juice that is served on festive occasions.
{{main|Districts and sub-districts of the United States Virgin Islands}}
 
[[Image:US Virgin Islands admin divisions.png|thumb|500px|right|Districts and Sub-districts of the U.S. Virgin Islands]]
 
The U.S. [[Virgin Islands]] are administratively divided into two [[district]]s and subdivided into 20 [[sub-district]]s.
 
  
The [[Districts and sub-districts of the United States Virgin Islands|districts]] are:
+
==Notes==
 
+
<references/>
*[[Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands|St. Croix]]
 
*[[Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands|St. Thomas]]/[[Saint John, U.S. Virgin Islands|St. John]]/[[Water Island, U.S. Virgin Islands|Water Island]]
 
{|
 
|- valign="top" cellpadding="2"
 
|
 
'''Sub-districts of [[Saint Croix]]:'''
 
#Anna's Hope Village
 
#[[Christiansted, U.S. Virgin Islands|Christiansted]]
 
#East End (St. Croix)
 
#[[Frederiksted, U.S. Virgin Islands|Frederiksted]]
 
#Northcentral
 
#Northwest
 
#Sion Farm
 
#Southcentral
 
#Southwest
 
|}<br style="clear:right">
 
{|
 
|- valign="top" cellpadding="2"
 
|
 
<span style="padding-right:3em">'''Sub-districts of [[Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands|Saint Thomas]]:'''</span>
 
#[[Charlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands|Charlotte Amalie]]
 
#East End (St. Thomas)
 
#Northside
 
#Southside
 
#Tutu
 
#Hassel Island
 
#West End
 
'''Sub-districts of [[Saint John, U.S. Virgin Islands|Saint John]]:'''
 
#Central
 
#Coral Bay
 
#[[Cruz Bay, United States Virgin Islands|Cruz Bay]]
 
#East End (St. John)
 
|}
 
The fourth U.S. Virgin Island is [[Water Island]], formerly a district of St. Thomas.
 
 
 
==See also==
 
{{sisterlinks|United States Virgin Islands}}
 
* [[Communications in the United States Virgin Islands]]
 
* [[Demographics of the United States Virgin Islands]]
 
* [[Government of the United States Virgin Islands]]
 
* [[Transportation in the United States Virgin Islands]]
 
* [[Music of the Virgin Islands]]
 
* [[Virgin Islands Creole]]
 
* [[List of United States Virgin Islands Governors]]
 
* [[United States Congressional Delegations from U.S. Virgin Islands]]
 
* [[List of United States Virgin Islands highways]]
 
* [[Scouting in the United States Virgin Islands]]
 
* [[Danish colonization of the Americas]]
 
* [[Henry E. Rohlsen International Airport]]
 
* [[Cyril E. King Airport]]
 
* [[List of Reggae Bands from the Virgin Islands]]
 
* [[United States Virgin Islands Police Department]]
 
* [[University of the Virgin Islands]]
 
* [[British Virgin Islands]]
 
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
* [http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/DTTable?_bm=y&-show_geoid=Y&-tree_id=405&-_caller=geoselect&-context=dt&-errMsg=&-all_geo_types=N&-mt_name=DEC_2000_IAVI_P001&-redoLog=true&-transpose=N&-search_map_config=|b=50|l=en|t=4001|zf=0.0|ms=sel_00dec|dw=0.9528487917191559|dh=0.6838460131961157|dt=gov.census.aff.domain.map.EnglishMapExtent|if=gif|cx=-67.48042614595042|cy=18.385966173167105|zl=6|pz=6|bo=318:317:316:314:313:323:319|bl=362:393:358:357:356:355:354|ft=350:349:335:389:388:332:331|fl=381:403:204:380:369:379:368|g=04000US72&-PANEL_ID=p_dt_geo_map&-_lang=en&-geo_id=04000US78&-CONTEXT=dt&-format=&-search_results=ALL&-ds_name=DEC_2000_IAVI Virgin Islands of the United States, United States Census Bureau]
+
* Buckman, Robert T. ''Latin America''. World Today Series. Harpers Ferry, WV: Stryker-Post Publications, 2006. ISBN 1887985751
<references/>
+
* ''Countries and their Cultures''. [http://www.everyculture.com/To-Z/United-States-Virgin-Islands.html Culture of United States Virgin Islands] Retrieved December 15, 2007.
 +
* Luntta, Karl. ''Virgin Islands''. 2nd ed. Moon Handbooks. Emeryville, CA: Avalon Travel Publishing, 2001. ISBN 1566913411
 +
* Sullivan, Mark. ''U.S. and British Virgin Islands''. New York, NY: Fodor's Travel Publications, 2008. ISBN 9781400018178
 +
* Smith, Tom. ''Discovery of the Americas: 1492-1800.'' New York, NY: Facts On File, 2005. ISBN 081605262X
 +
* ''United States Census Bureau''. [http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/DTTable?_bm=y&-show_geoid=Y&-tree_id=405&-_caller=geoselect&-context=dt&-errMsg=&-all_geo_types=N&-mt_name=DEC_2000_IAVI_P001&-redoLog=true&-transpose=N&-search_map_config=|b=50|l=en|t=4001|zf=0.0|ms=sel_00dec|dw=0.9528487917191559|dh=0.6838460131961157|dt=gov.census.aff.domain.map.EnglishMapExtent|if=gif|cx=-67.48042614595042|cy=18.385966173167105|zl=6|pz=6|bo=318:317:316:314:313:323:319|bl=362:393:358:357:356:355:354|ft=350:349:335:389:388:332:331|fl=381:403:204:380:369:379:368|g=04000US72&-PANEL_ID=p_dt_geo_map&-_lang=en&-geo_id=04000US78&-CONTEXT=dt&-format=&-search_results=ALL&-ds_name=DEC_2000_IAVI Virgin Islands of the United States] Retrieved December 15, 2007.
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
=== Official sites ===
+
All links retrieved April 1, 2020.
 +
 
 
* [http://uniset.ca/other/cs6/39Stat1706.html Convention between the United States and Denmark for cession of the Danish West Indies] - Document signed in New York, August 4, 1916
 
* [http://uniset.ca/other/cs6/39Stat1706.html Convention between the United States and Denmark for cession of the Danish West Indies] - Document signed in New York, August 4, 1916
* [http://www.usvitourism.vi/ US Virgin Islands] - Official site for United States Virgin Islands Department of Tourism
 
 
* [http://www.dkconsulateusvi.com/TRANSFER/transfer.html Transfer Day] - Denmark's consulate in the U.S. Virgin Islands
 
* [http://www.dkconsulateusvi.com/TRANSFER/transfer.html Transfer Day] - Denmark's consulate in the U.S. Virgin Islands
* [https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/print/vq.html Virgin Islands] - The World Factbook, CIA Publications
+
* [http://anti-slaverysociety.addr.com/hda-scholten.htm Emancipation of Danish Slaves]
* [http://anti-slaverysociety.addr.com/hda-scholten.htm "Scholten and the emancipation of Danish Slaves in the Danish West Indies"]
 
* [http://www.governordejongh.com/ USVI Governor's Website] - Governor John P. deJongh's Website
 
 
*[http://www.usgs.gov/state/state.asp?State=VI USGS real-time, geographic, and other scientific resources of Virgin Islands]
 
*[http://www.usgs.gov/state/state.asp?State=VI USGS real-time, geographic, and other scientific resources of Virgin Islands]
 
=== News and media ===
 
 
* [http://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/ The Virgin Islands Daily News] - Daily newspaper in St. Thomas  
 
* [http://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/ The Virgin Islands Daily News] - Daily newspaper in St. Thomas  
* [http://stx.onepaper.com/ St. Croix Source] - Daily online news source from St. Croix
 
 
* [http://www.stjohntradewindsnews.com St. John Tradewinds] - Weekly newspaper in St. John
 
* [http://www.stjohntradewindsnews.com St. John Tradewinds] - Weekly newspaper in St. John
  
<br>
 
{{U.S. Virgin Islands}}
 
 
{{West Indies}}
 
{{United States}}
 
 
{{coor title dm|18|20|N|64|50|W|region:VI}}
 
  
 
{{credit|United_States_Virgin_Islands|145786435|History_of_the_United_States_Virgin_Islands|144441451}}
 
{{credit|United_States_Virgin_Islands|145786435|History_of_the_United_States_Virgin_Islands|144441451}}
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[[Category:Caribbean]]
 
[[Category:Caribbean]]
 
[[Category:United States]]
 
[[Category:United States]]
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[[Category:Territories]]
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[[Category:Islands]]

Revision as of 20:02, 1 April 2020

Virgin Islands of the United States
Flag of United States Virgin Islands Coat of arms of United States Virgin Islands
MottoUnited in Pride and Hope
Anthem: "Virgin Islands March"
Location of United States Virgin Islands
Capital
(and largest city)
Charlotte Amalie
18°21′N 64°56′W
Official languages English
Ethnic groups  black 76.2%, white 13.1%, Asian 1.1%, other 6.1%, mixed 3.5%[1]
Demonym US Virgin Islander
Government Unincorporated, organized territory
 -  President Barack Obama (D)
 -  Governor John de Jongh (D)
 -  Lieutenant Governor Gregory R. Francis (D)
U.S territory
 -  Treaty of the Danish West Indies March 31, 1917 
 -  Revised Organic Act July 22, 1954 
Area
 -  Total 346.36 km² (202nd)
133.73 sq mi 
 -  Water (%) 1.0
Population
 -  2010 census 109,750 
 -  Density 354/km² (34th)
916.9/sq mi
GDP (PPP) 2003 estimate
 -  Total $1.577 billion 
Currency US$ (USD)
Time zone AST (UTC−4)
 -  Summer (DST) No DST (UTC−4)
Internet TLD .vi and .us
Calling code [[++1 (spec. +1-340)]]

The United States Virgin Islands are a group of islands in the Caribbean that are an insular area of the United States. The islands are geographically part of the Virgin Islands archipelago and are located in the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles.

The U.S. Virgin Islands consist of the main islands of Saint Croix, Saint John, and Saint Thomas, along with the much smaller but historically distinct Water Island, and many other surrounding minor islands. The total land area of the territory is 133.73 square miles (346.36 km²).

During the seventeenth century, the archipelago was divided into two territorial units, one English and the other Danish. Sugarcane, produced by slave labor, drove the islands' economy during the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. In 1917, the United States purchased the Danish portion, which had been in economic decline since the abolition of slavery in 1848.

The islands' crystal clear waters, white-sand beaches and beautiful coral reefs draw over 2.5 million visitors annually. Tourism income is a mainstay of the economy.


Geography

Map of the U.S. Virgin Islands

The U.S. Virgin Islands are located in the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, about 50 miles east of Puerto Rico and eleven hundred miles southeast of Miami, Florida. The territory consists of four main islands: Saint Thomas, Saint John, Saint Croix, and Water Island, as well as several dozen smaller islands. The combined land area of the islands is roughly twice the size of Washington, D.C.

The islands were formed almost 100 million years ago, when volcanic eruptions forced the undersea crust above the ocean's surface. The U.S. Virgin Islands are known for their white sand beaches, including Magens Bay and Trunk Bay, and strategic harbors, including Charlotte Amalie and Christiansted.

The terrain is mostly hilly to rugged and mountainous with little level land. The highest point is Crown Mountain on Saint Thomas at 1,556 feet (474 m). Saint Croix, the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, lies to the south and has a flatter terrain. The National Park Service owns more than half of Saint John, nearly all of Hassel Island, and many acres of coral reef. Whales breed off of the north end of Saint Thomas from January through April.

The Virgin Islands lie on the boundary of the North American plate and the Caribbean Plate. Natural hazards include earthquakes, hurricanes, and tsunamis. In recent history, substantial damage was caused by Hurricane Hugo in 1989 and Hurricane Marilyn in 1995. The islands were also struck by Hurricane Bertha in 1996, Hurricane Georges in 1998 and Hurricane Lenny in 1999, but damage was not as severe in those hurricanes.

The climate is subtropical, tempered by easterly trade winds, with relatively low humidity, little seasonal temperature variation; the rainy season is September to November.

History

The Ciboneys

Trunk Bay, St. John

Although not much is known about the Ciboney people who first inhabited the islands during the Stone Age, they were hunter-gatherers. They made tools of stone and flint but left no other artifacts behind.

The Arawaks

Experts at canoe building and seamanship, the Arawaks (Taino) are generally believed to have migrated from the Amazon River Valley and Orinoco regions of Venezuela and Brazil, settling on the islands near coasts and rivers. These peaceful people excelled at fishing and farming. Their main crops were cotton, tobacco, maize, yucca, and guava; they grew a variety of other fruits and vegetables as well.

The Arawaks developed rich social and cultural lives. For recreation, they held organized sporting events. They also valued artistic endeavors, such as cave paintings and rock carvings, some of which have survived to the present day. Religion played a large role in their daily lives, and through ceremonial rituals they asked their gods for advice to help them through troubled times. Their civilization flourished for several hundred years, until the Caribs invaded.

The Caribs

While the Caribs came from the same area as the Arawaks and may have been distantly related, they did not share the Arawaks' friendly nature. Not only were they fierce warriors, they supposedly feasted on their adversaries. Their bloodthirsty reputation spawned the English word "cannibal," derived from the name the Spanish gave them, Caribal.

Whether or not they actually ate their victims, the Caribs did destroy numerous Arawak villages, murdering as many as they could. By the mid-fifteenth century, the Caribs had slashed the Arawak population from several million to a few thousand.

Colonization

Blown off course during his 1493-1496 voyage, Christopher Columbus landed on Saint Croix, then continued his explorations on Saint Thomas and Saint John. He gave the islands their original Spanish names (Santa Cruz, San Tomas, and San Juan), focusing on religious themes. The collection of tiny islets, cays, and rocks dotting the sea around them reminded Columbus of Saint Ursula and her 11,000 virgin martyrs, inspiring the name Las Once Mil Virgenes.

The first encounter Columbus had with the Caribs quickly erupted into a battle. When Columbus and his crew decided to move on to other islands, they kidnapped six Arawaks to guide them. Although Columbus left without founding a colony, many more battles between the Spanish and Caribs followed over the next century.

Other European explorers tried to convert the Caribs and Arawaks to Catholicism, which largely failed. They also enslaved the native populations to work on plantations. With tobacco already cultivated on the islands, it made a good cash crop. Later, coffee, sugar, and cotton also were grown.

Slavery, coupled with murder and disease, took a large toll on both the Arawaks and the Caribs. Several groups of Arawaks committed mass suicide rather than submit to foreign rule. By the late seventeenth century, the Arawaks had been completely exterminated and few Caribs remained.

With no native slaves left, the African slave trade began in 1673. The difficult conditions and inhumane treatment slaves were subjected to bred discontent. In 1733, a long drought followed by a devastating hurricane pushed slaves in Saint John to the breaking point. They staged a massive rebellion, seizing control of the island for six months. The Danish, who controlled the island at that point, enlisted the help of the French to regain control.

The Danish West India Company had settled on Saint Thomas in 1672, on Saint John in 1694, and purchased Saint Croix from France in 1733. The islands became royal Danish colonies in 1754, their name translating to Jomfruøerne in Danish. Sugarcane, produced by slave labor, drove the islands' economy during the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, until the price of sugar on the world market dropped when beet sugar was introduced commercially. In 1833 Great Britain emancipated all slaves on British-held plantations in the Americas, including all those on neighboring Caribbean islands, causing great concern for the remaining slave-based plantations.

Another slave revolt in 1848 was more successful. The governor at the time, Peter von Scholten, felt enough sympathy for the slaves to grant them emancipation, even though it was against the wishes of Danish rule, on July 3, 1848.

For the remainder of the period of Danish rule, the islands were not economically viable and significant transfers were made from the Danish state budgets to the authorities in the islands. In 1867 a treaty to sell Saint Thomas and Saint John to the United States was agreed on, but the sale was never effected. [2] A number of reforms aimed at reviving the islands' economy were attempted, but none had great success. A second draft treaty to sell the islands to the United States was negotiated in 1902, but was narrowly defeated in the Danish parliament. [2]

Purchase by U.S.

Did you know?
The United States bought the U.S. Virgin Islands from Denmark in 1917

The onset of World War I brought reforms to a close and again left the islands isolated and exposed. The United States, fearing that the islands might be seized by Germany as a submarine base, again approached Denmark about buying them. After a few months of negotiations, a selling price of $25 million was agreed on. The Danish Crown may have felt some pressure to accept the sale, thinking that the United States would seize the islands if Denmark were invaded by Germany. At the same time, the economics of continued possession weighed heavily on the minds of Danish decision makers, and a bipartisan consensus in favor of selling emerged in the Danish parliament. A subsequent referendum, held in late 1916, confirmed the decision to sell by a wide margin. The deal was thus finalized on January 17, 1917, when the United States and Denmark exchanged their respective treaty ratifications. The United States took possession of the islands on March 31, 1917, and the territory was renamed the Virgin Islands of the United States. U.S. citizenship was granted to the inhabitants of the islands in 1927.

Water Island, a small island just to the south of Saint Thomas, was not included in the original sale. It remained in the possession of the Danish East Asiatic Company until 1944, when it too was bought by the United States for $10,000. It was initially administered by the U.S. government and did not become part of the U.S. Virgin Islands territory until 1996.

Politics

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands
Christiansted, St. Croix

The U.S. Virgin Islands are an organized, unincorporated territory of the United States. Even though they are U.S. citizens, Virgin Islanders cannot vote in U.S. presidential elections.

The main political parties in the U.S. Virgin Islands are the Democratic Party of the Virgin Islands, the Independent Citizens Movement (ICM), and the Republican Party of the Virgin Islands. Additional candidates run as independents.

At the national level, the U.S. Virgin Islands elects a delegate to Congress from its at large congressional district. However, the elected delegate, while able to vote in committee, cannot participate in floor votes. The current House of Representatives delegate is Donna Christensen (D).

At the territorial level, fifteen senators—seven from the district of Saint Croix, seven from the district of Saint Thomas and Saint John, and one senator at-large who must be a resident of Saint John—are elected for two-year terms to the unicameral Virgin Islands legislature.

The U.S. Virgin Islands has elected a territorial governor every four years since 1970. Previous governors were appointed by the president of the United States.

The U.S. Virgin Islands has a District Court, Supreme Court, and Superior Court. The District Court is responsible for federal law, while the Superior Court is responsible for Virgin Islands law at the trial level and the Supreme Court is responsible for appeals from the Superior Court for all appeals filed on or after January 29, 2007. Appeals filed prior to that date are heard by the Appellate Division of the District Court. Judges are appointed by the president and the governor, respectively.

The United States Congress has organized several local referendums to aid in self-determination. As with Puerto Rico, the residents have been given the choice of independence, status quo, or statehood; however, these measures have failed to attract sufficient civic interest or voter turnout to produce even a noteworthy plurality, much less a majority, and thus the islands will retain their current territorial status for the foreseeable future.

With much controversy, these efforts by the federal government to normalize the unincorporated territory's status are completely discounted by the United Nations Committee on Decolonization, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are currently in the United Nations list of Non-Self-Governing Territories.

Administrative divisions

The U.S. Virgin Islands are divided into two districts and subdivided into twenty sub-districts.

Economy

Magens Bay, St. Thomas

Tourism is the primary economic activity. The islands normally host two million visitors a year, many of whom visit on cruise ships. Public access to beaches is considered a civil right. (Public access over land, however, is not.)

The manufacturing sector consists of petroleum refining, textiles, electronics, rum distilling, pharmaceuticals, and watch assembly plants. The agricultural sector is small, with most food being imported. International business and financial services are a small but growing component of the economy. Hovensa, one of the world's largest petroleum refineries, is located on Saint Croix.

The government is working to improve fiscal discipline, to support construction projects in the private sector, to expand tourist facilities, to reduce crime, and to protect the environment. GDP per capita is $14,500 (2004 estimate).

Demographics

As of the census of 2010, the population of the U.S. Virgin Islands was 106,405, a decrease of 2.0 percent from the 2000 Census population of 108,612.[3]

Most U.S. Virgin Islanders are descended from Africans, who were enslaved and brought to the Caribbean by Europeans to labor on sugar plantations. Most of the residents were born in the islands, although many migrated to the U.S. Virgin Islands from other islands in the West Indies, the United States, and other countries.

The official language is English, although Virgin Islands Creole, an English-based dialect, is spoken in informal situations. The Virgin Islands Creole spoken on St. Croix, known as Crucian, is slightly different from that spoken on St. Thomas and St. John. Because the U.S. Virgin Islands are home to thousands of immigrants from across the Caribbean, Spanish and various French creole languages are also widely spoken.

As in most Caribbean countries, Christianity is the dominant religion. In a reflection of the territory's Danish colonial heritage, Protestantism is most prevalent although there is also a strong Roman Catholic presence.[1]

Culture

Historically, the society was divided along caste and color lines. Even after emancipation in 1848, ex-slaves' participation in the political process was restricted and their freedom of movement and emigration were limited by legislation. A result of Danish determination to maintain the status quo was the Fireburn of 1878, a labor revolt on Saint Croix that destroyed many plantations.

Architecture

Several cultures have influenced local architecture. Wattle and daub construction, the use of cisterns to collect water, the "Big Yard" or common area, and verandas and porches can be traced to Africa. Danish culture is reflected in the design of towns, especially the "step streets"; street names; ovens and cookhouses; and red roofs. Yellow ballast brick, carried in ships from Europe, was used in construction along with locally quarried stone and coral. Open market areas, formerly the sites of slave markets, are found in the main towns. Many urban buildings date back to the colonial period.

Cuisine

Cassava, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes are native to the islands, and a variety of seafood is found in the surrounding waters. Many recipes are based on African sources. Okra is an ingredient in killaloo, a stew with local greens and fish, and in fungi, a cornmeal-based side dish; conch appears in fritters, chowders, and mixed with rice. Guava, soursop, and mango are eaten, along with mamey and mesple.

Sugar cakes made with coconut and boiled sugar are a traditional mid-afternoon snack. Maubi, a local drink, is made from the bark of a tree, herbs, and yeast. Souse is a stew of pig's head, tail, and feet, flavored with lime juice that is served on festive occasions.

Notes

  1. 1.0 1.1 Central Intelligence Agency, Virgin Islands The World Factbook. Retrieved January 17, 2012.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Danish National Archives. A Brief History of the Danish West Indies, 1666-1917 Retrieved December 15, 2007.
  3. U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Census Bureau Releases 2010 Census Population Counts for the U.S. Virgin Islands August 24, 2011. Retrieved January 31, 2012.

References
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External links

All links retrieved April 1, 2020.


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