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The British Virgin Islands are a geologic extension of the central fault-block mountains of Puerto Rico and present a variety of physical features, including low mountains, lagoons with coral reefs and barrier beaches, and landlocked harbours. Except for Anegada, the islands are hilly. The highest point is Mount Sage (1,709 feet [521 metres]), on Tortola. The long and narrow Virgin Gorda (“Fat Virgin”), with an area of approximately 8 square miles (21 square km), rises to an elevation of more than 1,300 feet (400 metres). Jost Van Dyke is a rugged island only about 3 square miles (8 square km) in area. Anegada, the northernmost extension of the chain, is a flat coral island surrounded by dangerous reefs. Its elevation is never more than 10 to 15 feet (3 to 5 metres) above sea level. There are no rivers on any of the islands.

Climate

The British Virgin Islands have a subtropical climate that is pleasant and mild for most of the year, a factor in the islands’ important tourist industry. Although they are located in the tropics, the heat is tempered by gentle trade winds that blow from the northeast most of the year. Temperatures average 78 °F (26 °C) annually, and humidity is low. The dry season lasts from February to July and the wet season from September to December. Hurricanes—averaging perhaps four in a century—usually occur between August and October, and there are occasional light earthquakes.

Water scarcity is a serious problem. Rainfall averages about 50 inches (1,270 mm) a year, but much of it runs off unused. In the driest sections of the large islands, rainfall usually averages a little less than 30 inches (760 mm), with possibly as much as 80 inches (2,030 mm) on the upper slopes of Mount Sage on Tortola. Rainfall is erratic, however, varying widely from year to year. British Virgin Islanders have long depended almost entirely upon their own cisterns and wells, and nearly all buildings, both private and public, have their own water catchments. In addition, water is imported in barges to meet the needs for fresh water—needs now rapidly increasing in proportion to population and industrial growth. Only Road Town has a piped supply.

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Islands and Archipelagos

Plant and animal life

Vegetation is tropical. Supported in most places by thin soil, it includes royal poinciana (flamboyant) trees and other lush blooms, but the islands’ generally sparse stands of shrubs and trees are not sufficient to be of commercial value. Among the tree species are mangoes, soursop (a small tropical tree with a large, succulent fruit), coconut palms, and breadfruit. Cacao and wild orchids grow in the hills, while cactus, acacia, grass, and sugarcane flourish in the lowlands. The woodlands are not dense, and there are numerous species of birds and small game, such as deer. Sailfish, tarpon, marlin, kingfish, and wahoo abound in the coastal waters and offshore.

Agriculture

Agriculture was the backbone of the economy until tourism replaced it in the 1970s. Farms are usually smallholdings worked by owner-occupiers, many of whom are also engaged part-time in fishing. The most important agricultural activity is livestock raising. The main crops are bananas, sugarcane, citrus fruits, coconuts, mangoes, and various root crops. Some fruits and vegetables continue to be exported, but most crops are grown for local consumption. Fishing in the well-endowed coastal waters is a growing industry, and fresh fish have become a significant export. Manufacturing is restricted to the production of rum, paint, and building materials (sand and gravel). Cottage industries produce woven baskets and other items that appeal to the tourist trade.

Trade

Imports—mostly from the United States, Puerto Rico, and the United Kingdom—consist chiefly of foodstuffs, beverages, machinery, motor vehicles, building materials, and petroleum products. Exports, mainly to the U.S. Virgin Islands, include fresh fish, rum, sand and gravel, charcoal, fruits, and vegetables.

Transportation

Tortola has two main highways and numerous side routes; Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke also have road systems. In the mid-1990s the British Virgin Islands began an extensive overhaul of its road network. Small boats ply to and from the U.S. Virgin Islands. The main entry point by air, Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, is located on Beef Island, which is connected by bridge to Tortola. There is also a small airport on Anegada that receives connecting flights from Beef Island, and there is plane service to the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Antigua. Port Purcell and West End, both on Tortola, are deepwater ports.