World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples - British Virgin Islands
| Publisher | Minority Rights Group International |
| Publication Date | 2007 |
| Cite as | Minority Rights Group International, World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples - British Virgin Islands, 2007, available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/4954ce0c23.html [accessed 27 June 2017] |
| Comments | In October 2015, MRG revised its World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples. For the most part, overview texts were not themselves updated, but the previous 'Current state of minorities and indigenous peoples' rubric was replaced throughout with links to the relevant minority-specific reports, and a 'Resources' section was added. Refworld entries have been updated accordingly. |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Environment
The British Virgin Islands are a group of forty islands located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. They form part of the Lesser Antilles. The islands are generally mountainous and around 16 are inhabited.
History
The British Virgin Islands were first settled by the Dutch in 1648, before being acquired by England in 1666.
The British introduced sugar cane and for several centuries brought in thousands of Africans who were forced to provide labour on the plantations. From 1871 to 1956 the islands existed as part of the Federation of the Leeward Islands.
Peoples
Main languages: English
Main religions: Christianity (majority Protestant)
The original population of the Virgin Islands consisted of Arawaks (Taino) and Caribs (Kalinago) who were largely decimated during the European colonizing process. The majority of the population is of African origin and there is also a large white expatriate community.
Governance
British Virgin Islands are a British overseas territory with a large degree of internal self-government.
The governor is appointed by the British crown and is responsible for the courts the public service and external and internal security. The Legislative Council consists of nine elected members and the attorney general, who serves as an ex officio member.
Minorities
None listed.
Resources
None listed.
