The British Virgin Islands offers leadership, the integrity of a progressively governed British Dependent Territory, and a sophisticated, democratic and stable society.

The BVI's role as the world leading corporate domicile has attracted delegations from around the world and a number of other offshore jurisdictions - described as simple and flexible for business operations and structuring.

There is a commitment to the investor’s right to confidentiality, and highly professional banking, legal, accounting, trust and company management services. In collaboration with the private sector, the Government continues to embrace innovative financial service concepts, consistent with its priority of protecting and further enhancing the reputation of the global finance industry.

A comprehensive list of Trust Companies, Law Firms and Accounting Firms on the island can be found in the Financial Sector menu.

Head Of State: Queen Elizabeth II, represented by the Governor

Demographic: In 2000, persons under the age of 15 years of age accounted for 27 percent of the population, persons age 16-64 years of age for 67 percent, and persons 65 years of age and older for 5 percent. Over half the adult population is foreign, mostly from other Caribbean and International countries, and half of these have been resident for at least 10 years.

Topography: With the exception of Anegada, the islands are hilly, being of volcanic origin.

Geology: The rocks on these islands fall into two major categories:
Volcanic and sedimentary.

Anegada is of coral and limestone formation.

Vegetation: As elevation increases coastal scrub gradually transitions into dry woodland. Characteristic species include the Turpentine tree (Burseria simaruba) and Mampoo or Loblolly/Blollee tree (Pisonia subcordata), which are found at higher slopes of the larger islands, the best examples are found at Sage Mountain and Gorda Peak, both of which have been designated National Park areas. These areas possess the best diversity of tree species remaining in all of the Virgin Islands. Trees such as the Bulletwood and the BVI’s national tree, the White Cedar (Tabebuia heterophylla) grow to significant heights. Most of the Territory’s trees are evergreen. The Territory’s vegetation type is largely influenced by rainfall.

Rainfall: The heaviest rainfall is typically recorded between August and November although this cannot be relied on since there are irregularities from year to year.

Forms of Government: UK Overseas Territory - a UK appointed governor controls defence, foreign affairs, the civil service, the judiciary and certain financial matters.

Legislature: Unicameral Legislative Council with a four-year term, currently composed of a speaker, elected from outside the council by its members, the attorney-general as an ex-officio member and 13 directly elected representatives.

Elections: August 20, 2007, next national due by September 2011

Main political organisations:
Government - Virgin Islands Party (VIP)
Opposition - National Democratic Party (NDP)

Total GDP ($m) 2006 - 1,041 2007 - 1,133	Real GDP Growth (annual % change) 2006 - 11.82 2007 - 8.88	Inflation (annual % change in CPI) 2006 - 2.73 2007 - 3.1
Merchandise exports ($m) 2006 - 25.4 2007 - 25.9		Merchandise imports ($m) 2006 - 339 2007 - 356

The BVI economy is characterized by growing output, full employment, and strong public sector financial performance, heavy public sector infrastructural investment, growing private sector, gross fixed capital formation and low inflation.

The estimated GDP per capita in 2007 was US$41,000. The economy, with one of the highest per capita GDP in the region, is the preferred corporate domicile for international business companies in the Caribbean and a primer upscale tourist destination in the Caribbean as well.

Government’s fiscal policy has contributed to a healthy savings rate which grew from 9 percent of GDP in 1983 to an estimated 48 percent in 2003. This fiscal situation has given the BVI the distinction of the highest investment rate in the Caribbean and one of the smallest foreign debts in the region.

The service-based industries of tourism and financial services employ 75 percent of the work force. Government is the other major employer of the labor force. The unemployment rate is low at an estimated 3.1 percent.

The overwhelming share of international trade is with the USA and Europe. The BVI uses the US dollar as the official tender and the largest share of imports come from, or through, the USA markets.

The banking, insurance and credit card systems, in short the financial systems, are well integrated in the USA financial system with two major US banks.