The U.S. Virgin Islands is a Caribbean US territory comprising St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, with white-sand beaches, the historic colonial port of Charlotte Amalie, and the Virgin Islands National Park.
Geography & climate
U.S. Virgin Islands lies in the Territory of the United States, set at approximately 18.3°N, 64.9°W and falling within a sub-tropical to tropical climate band. The state covers around 346 km² of land, with topography that runs from coastal lowlands and river basins to interior plains and (where present) mountain ranges. Local weather, growing seasons and outdoor recreation in U.S. Virgin Islands all flow from this geographic profile.
Capital, principal city & population
The capital of U.S. Virgin Islands is Charlotte Amalie, where the legislature, governor’s office and state supreme court are based. The largest city by population is Saint Croix, often the economic and cultural anchor of the state. Total population sits at around 100K, distributed across metropolitan areas, smaller cities, and rural counties — each with its own dialect, demographics and economic character.
Status & relationship to the United States
U.S. Virgin Islands is a United States territory rather than a state. Residents are US nationals (and in most cases US citizens), but representation in Congress is non-voting and many federal programmes apply differently. Local government, courts and schools operate under territorial law in coordination with federal agencies.
Symbols & emblems
U.S. Virgin Islands is nicknamed “United in Pride and Hope”, with the state motto United in Pride and Hope. The state seal, flag and coat of arms each carry historic meaning, often referencing founding settlers, native communities, agricultural roots or pivotal episodes of state history. State legislatures have additionally adopted official symbols — a state bird, flower, tree, song, fossil and more — chosen by lawmakers (and sometimes by schoolchildren) to celebrate distinctive elements of the state’s natural and cultural heritage.
Economy & industry
The economy of U.S. Virgin Islands is shaped by its geography, infrastructure and population centres. Major sectors typically span agriculture, manufacturing, energy or natural resources, services, tourism and (in metropolitan corridors) finance and technology. Federal facilities, military bases and research institutions can also be substantial regional employers in U.S. Virgin Islands.
Travel, food & culture
For visitors, U.S. Virgin Islands offers a mix of urban culture (museums, music venues, sports teams, cuisine) and outdoor experience (state parks, trails, coastline or mountains, depending on the geography). Regional foodways, festivals and dialects make travel between counties feel meaningfully different — even short drives across U.S. Virgin Islands can shift the cultural landscape noticeably.
By the numbers
Sort or filter the table to find the values you need at a glance.
| Field | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | VI | two-letter postal code |
| Capital | Charlotte Amalie | — |
| Largest city | Saint Croix | — |
| US region | Territory | — |
| Population | 100K | people |
| Area | 346 | km² |
| Statehood | Territory | unincorporated / organised |
| Admission order | — | — |
| Nickname | United in Pride and Hope | — |
| Motto | United in Pride and Hope | — |
| Latitude | 18.3 | degrees |
| Longitude | -64.9 | degrees |
Did you know?
The U.S. Virgin Islands are one of only two US territories to drive on the left side of the road — a holdover from Danish colonial rule.
