The United States Virgin Islands, commonly called the US Virgin Islands or USVI, is a group of islands and islets located in the Caribbean Sea. The territory consists of four main islands: St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John, and Water Island, as well as numerous smaller islands and cays.
The US Virgin Islands are an unincorporated territory of the United States, which means they are under US sovereignty but not part of any state. The official language is English, and the US dollar is the currency.
Tourism is the main industry in the US Virgin Islands, with beautiful beaches, clear waters, and tropical climate attracting millions of visitors every year. The islands also have a rich history, having been colonized by the Danish in the 17th century before being sold to the United States in 1917.
St. Croix is the largest of the four main islands and has a diverse economy, with tourism, agriculture, and oil refining being the main industries. St. Thomas is the most densely populated island and is a major tourist destination, known for its beaches, shopping, and nightlife. St. John is the smallest of the three and is largely protected by the Virgin Islands National Park, making it a popular destination for hiking and snorkeling.
The US Virgin Islands have a unique culture, blending Caribbean and American influences. Music and dance are an important part of local life, with genres such as calypso, reggae, and steel drum music being popular. The islands also have a rich culinary heritage, with dishes such as conch fritters, callaloo, and Johnnycakes being local favorites.
The US Virgin Islands are an overseas voting district of the United States, meaning that US citizens residing in the territory can vote in federal elections. The territory is represented in Congress by a non-voting delegate in the House of Representatives, who can introduce legislation but cannot vote on the House floor.