Located in the Caribbean, the U.S. Virgin Islands is made up of over 60 islands…most of them uninhabited.
The three most populated, and most visited, are St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. The U.S. Virgin Islands are an organized, unincorporated United States territory and their people are U.S. citizens.
The appeal of these tropical islands is the mixture of the exotic and the recognizable—an island paradise with modern comforts and a balance of Caribbean culture and American practicality.Surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean, these islands have some of the most stunning coastline in the world, with white sandy beaches, astonishing coral reefs and pristine marine life, secluded coves, and untouched rainforests rising up above the sea-swept landscape. It’s not hard to see why these islands have long been popular with tourists, honeymooners, and cruise ships.
The U.S. Virgin Islands capital of Charlotte Amalie, on St. Thomas, boasts an attractive harbor and is famous for its duty-free shopping and vibrant atmosphere. St. John and St. Croix are much quieter and are unspoiled nature-lovers paradises…perfect for snorkeling and hiking.Although a U.S. territory, the islands still retain some of their West Indian cultural influence. Calypso and reggae rhythms can be heard everywhere and curried meats, callaloo soup, and mango-sweetened microbrews fill restaurant tables.Learn more about the U.S. Virgin Islands and other destinations from around the world in IL's free daily postcards.
