Turks-and-Caicos-Islands

TURKS-AND-CAICOS-ISLANDS

Information about travelling to Turks-and-Caicos-Islands

Turks-and-Caicos-Islands is located in Caribbean, two island groups in the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of The Bahamas, north of Haiti

Facts about Turks-and-Caicos-Islands
Population22,352 (July 2008 est.)
CapitalGrand Turk (Cockburn Town)
Time zoneUTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard Time) daylight saving time: +1hr, begins fi
Location Caribbean, two island groups in the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of The Bahamas, north of Haiti

General info about Turks-and-Caicos-Islands
The islands were part of the UK's Jamaican colony until 1962, when they assumed the status of a separate crown colony upon Jamaica's independence. The governor of The Bahamas oversaw affairs from 1965 to 1973. With Bahamian independence, the islands received a separate governor in 1973. Although independence was agreed upon for 1982, the policy was reversed and the islands remain a British overseas territory.
Languages spoken
English (official)
What about drugs?
transshipment point for South American narcotics destined for the US and Europe
Ethnic division
black 90%, mixed, European, or North American 10%
HIV/AIDS prevalence rate
NA
Climate
tropical; marine; moderated by trade winds; sunny and relatively dry
Resources
spiny lobster, conch
Economy
The Turks and Caicos economy is based on tourism, offshore financial services, and fishing. Most capital goods and food for domestic consumption are imported. The US is the leading source of tourists, accounting for more than three-quarters of the 175,000 visitors that arrived in 2004. Major sources of government revenue also include fees from offshore financial activities and customs receipts.
Environment
limited natural fresh water resources, private cisterns collect rainwater

Cities in Turks-and-Caicos-Islands




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