North & Central America and Caribbean

British Virgin Islands (British Overseas Territory)
Last reviewed: 14 February 2012

Country information

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Map of the British Virgin Islands

THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS TODAY

Country Facts

Status: British Overseas Territory
Area: 153 sq km (59 sq miles)
Population: 28,000 (2008 estimate)
Capital: Road Town, Tortola
Languages: English
Religion: Christian
Currency: US Dollar
Major political parties: National Democratic Party (NDP), Virgin Islands Party (VIP).
Governor: His Excellency Boyd McCleary CMG
Premier: Dr The Honourable D Orlando Smith OBE

Drugs

Problems associated with serious organised crime and drug trafficking are the most serious threat to stability in the BVI. The territory is a major transit route for traffickers because of its numerous small uninhabited islands and close proximity to the USVI and Puerto Rico, which serve as gateways to the US mainland. Drugs also move through the BVI to the UK and continental Europe. The BVI has achieved considerable success in drug interdiction with substantial seizures over the past three years of cocaine and drug related cash.

The BVI has a full Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) with the US and enjoys close co-operation with US and UK law enforcement agencies.