The 1992 CIA World Factbook. United States. Central Intelligence Agency

read and write (1970)

       Labor force:

       4,911 (1980)

       Organized labor:

       NA% of labor force

      :British Virgin Islands Government

      Long-form name:

       none

       Type:

       dependent territory of the UK

       Capital:

       Road Town

       Administrative divisions:

       none (dependent territory of the UK)

       Independence:

       none (dependent territory of the UK)

       Constitution:

       1 June 1977

       Legal system:

       English law

       National holiday:

       Territory Day, 1 July

       Executive branch:

       British monarch, governor, chief minister, Executive Council (cabinet)

       Legislative branch:

       unicameral Legislative Council

       Judicial branch:

       Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court

       Leaders:

       Chief of State:

       Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor P. A.

       PENFOLD (since NA 1991)

       Head of Government:

       Chief Minister H. Lavity STOUTT (since NA 1986)

       Political parties and leaders:

       United Party (UP), Conrad MADURO; Virgin Islands Party (VIP), H. Lavity

       STOUTT; Independent Progressive Movement (IPM), Cyril B. ROMNEY

       Suffrage:

       universal at age 18

       Elections:

       Legislative Council:

       last held 12 November 1990 (next to be held by November 1995); results -

       percent of vote by party NA; seats - (9 total) VIP 6, IPM 1, independents 2

       Member of:

       CARICOM (associate), CDB, ECLAC (associate), IOC, OECS, UNESCO (associate)

       Diplomatic representation:

       none (dependent territory of UK)

       Flag:

       blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Virgin

       Islander coat of arms centered in the outer half of the flag; the coat of

       arms depicts a woman flanked on either side by a vertical column of six oil

       lamps above a scroll bearing the Latin word

       VIGILATE (Be Watchful)

      :British Virgin Islands Economy

      Overview:

       The economy, one of the most prosperous in the Caribbean area, is highly

       dependent on the tourist industry, which generates about 21% of the national

       income. In 1985 the government offered offshore registration to companies

       wishing to incorporate in the islands, and, in consequence, incorporation

       fees generated about $2 million in 1987. Livestock raising is the most

       significant agricultural activity. The islands' crops, limited by poor

       soils, are unable to meet food requirements.

       GDP:

       purchasing power equivalent - $130 million, per capita $10,600; real growth

       rate 6.3% (1990)

       Inflation rate (consumer prices):

       2.5% (1990 est.)

       Unemployment rate:

       NEGL%

       Budget:

       revenues $51 million; expenditures $88 million, including capital

       expenditures of $38 million (1991)

       Exports:

       $2.7 million (f.o.b., 1988)

       commodities:

       rum, fresh fish, gravel, sand, fruits, animals

       partners:

       Virgin Islands (US), Puerto Rico, US

       Imports:

       $11.5 million (c.i.f., 1988)

       commodities:

       building materials, automobiles, foodstuffs, machinery

       partners:

       Virgin Islands (US), Puerto Rico, US

       External debt:

       $4.5 million (1985)

       Industrial production:

       growth rate—4.0% (1985)

       Electricity:

       10,500 kW capacity; 43 million kWh produced, 3,510 kWh per capita (1990)

       Industries:

       tourism, light industry, construction, rum, concrete block, offshore

       financial center

       Agriculture:

       livestock (including poultry), fish, fruit, vegetables

       Economic aid:

       NA

       Currency:

       US currency is used

       Exchange rates:

       US currency is used

       Fiscal year:

       1 April - 31 March

      :British Virgin Islands Communications

      Highways:

       106 km motorable roads (1983)

       Ports:

       Road Town

       Airports:

       3 total, 3 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways less than 1,220 m

       Telecommunications:

       3,000 telephones; worldwide external telephone service; submarine cable

       communication links to Bermuda; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, 1 TV

      :British Virgin Islands Defense Forces

      Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK

      :Brunei Geography

      Total area:

       5,770 km2

       Land area:

       5,270 km2

       Comparative area:

       slightly larger than Delaware

       Land boundaries:

       381 km; Malysia 381 km

       Coastline:

       161 km

       Maritime claims:

       Exclusive fishing zone:

       200 nm

       Territorial sea:

       12 nm

       Disputes:

       may wish to purchase the Malaysian salient that divides the country; all of

       the Spratly Islands are claimed by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam; parts of them

       are claimed by Malaysia and the Philippines; in 1984, Brunei established an

       exclusive fishing zone that encompasses Louisa Reef, but has not publicly