World Factbook
British Virgin Islands
Last updated: 2026-03-28 (today)
Flag
description: blue with the UK flag in the upper-left quadrant and the Virgin Islander coat of arms centered on the right half of the flag; the coat of arms depicts a woman between two columns of six oil lamps, above a scroll with the Latin word VIGILATE (Be Watchful) meaning: Christopher COLUMBUS named the islands in 1493 in honor of Saint Ursula and her virgin followers, and the figure holding a lamp represents the saint, with the other lamps symbolizing her followers
Capital
name
Road Town
etymology
name refers to the nautical term "roadstead" or "roads," a body of water less sheltered than a harbor but where ships can still lie at anchor
time difference
UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
geographic coordinates
18 25 N, 64 37 W
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Citizenship
see United Kingdom
Constitution
history
several previous; latest effective 15 June 2007 (The Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007)
amendment process
initiated by any elected member of the House of Assembly; passage requires simple majority vote by the elected members of the Assembly and assent by the governor on behalf of the monarch
Country name
etymology
the islets, cays, and rocks surrounding the major islands reminded explorer Christopher COLUMBUS in 1493 of Saint Ursula and her 11,000 virgin followers (Santa Ursula y las Once Mil Virgenes), which over time was shortened to the Virgins (las Virgenes)
abbreviation
BVI
conventional long form
none
conventional short form
British Virgin Islands
Independence
none (overseas territory of the UK)
Legal system
English common law
Government type
Overseas Territory of the UK with limited self-government; parliamentary democracy
Judicial branch
highest court(s)
the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) is the superior court of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States; the ECSC is headquartered on St. Lucia and consists of the Court of Appeal -- headed by the chief justice and 4 judges -- and the High Court with 18 judges; the Court of Appeal travels to member states on a schedule to hear appeals from the High Court and subordinate courts
subordinate courts
Magistrates' Courts
judge selection and term of office
Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the British monarch; other justices and judges appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission; Court of Appeal justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 65; High Court judges appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 62
Executive branch
note
note: on 5 May 2022, Premier Andrew FAHIE was removed from office by a no-confidence vote in the House of Assembly after his arrest on drug-trafficking and money-laundering charges; Premier Dr. Natalio WHEATLEY was sworn in as premier on 5 May 2022
cabinet
Executive Council appointed by the governor from members of the House of Assembly
chief of state
King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor Daniel PRUCE (since 29 January 2024)
head of government
Premier Dr. Natalio WHEATLEY (since 5 May 2022)
election/appointment process
the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the governor usually appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as premier
National holiday
Territory Day, 1 July (1956)
Dependency status
overseas territory of the UK; internal self-governing
National color(s)
yellow, green, red, white, blue
Political parties
National Democratic Party or NDP Progressive Virgin Islands Movement or PVIM Progressives United or PU Virgin Islands Party or VIP
Legislative branch
term in office
4 years
number of seats
15 (directly elected and appointed)
legislature name
House of Assembly
scope of elections
full renewal
legislative structure
unicameral
most recent election date
4/24/2023
expected date of next election
2027
parties elected and seats per party
VIP (6); NDP (3); PVIM (3); PU (1)
National anthem(s)
title
"God Save the King"
history
official anthem, as a UK overseas territory
lyrics/music
unknown
National symbol(s)
zenaida dove, white cedar flower
Diplomatic representation in the US
none (overseas territory of the UK)
Diplomatic representation from the US
embassy
none (overseas territory of the UK)
International organization participation
ACS (associate), Caricom (associate), CDB, Interpol (subbureau), IOC, OECS, UNESCO (associate), UPU