U.S. Virgin Islands
The
Virgin Islands of the United States is a group of
islands in the
Caribbean that is a
dependency of the
United States. These islands are geographically part of the
Virgin Islands.
History
\nDuring the 18th century, the archipelago was divided into two territorial units, one English and the other
Danish.
Sugarcane, produced by slave labour, drove the islands' economy during the 18th and early 19th centuries. During the submarine warfare phases of the
First World War, the
USA feared that these islands might be seized by
Germany as a submarine base and accordingly approached
Denmark to sell the islands to the
USA. On
January 17,
1917, the
United States bought the
Danish West Indies for $25 million and took possession of the islands on
March 31. The Danish Crown may have felt pressure to accept the sale, thinking that the
USA would seize the islands, if Denmark was invaded by Germany. US
citizenship was later granted to the inhabitants of the islands in
1927. This part of the islands had been in economic decline since the abolition of slavery in
1848.
Geography
\nMain article: Geography of the U.S. Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands consist of three main islands: Saint Thomas, Saint John, and
Saint Croix.
Economy
\nMain article: Economy of the U.S. Virgin Islands
Tourism is the primary economic activity, accounting for more than 70% of GDP and 70% of employment. The islands normally host 2 million visitors a year. The manufacturing sector consists of petroleum refining, textile, electronics, 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. One of the world's largest
petroleum refineries is at
Saint Croix. The islands are subject to substantial damage from storms.
Miscellaneous
Military - note:\ndefense is the responsibility of the US
See: Virgin Islands and Danish colonization of the Americas, Henry E. Rohlsen International Airport
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Category:Political divisions of the United States\nCategory:U.S. Virgin Islands\nCategory:Insular areas of the United States
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