United States Virgin Islands (USVI)

Government Unincorporated Unites States Territory Capital Charlotte Amalie Currency US$ Area 346.36km2 Population (2007) 108,448 Language English Islands 130 (most uninhabited) Economy Tourism and Agriculture GDP per Capita $14,500 (78th worldwide) Links CIA Factbook, Wikipedia Page, Tourism Portal

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The USVI is just a stone's throw from the BVI (well, more like a 3-Wood, but I'm sure you understand the drift), yet it is a completely different world from the neigh boring BVI. The sailing and cruising on the main islands, St. John, St. Thomas and Christiansted are similar, but the USVI are undoubtedly and unequivocally part of the USA. The culture, the language and the fast-food chains are unmistakably American and little remains of the originally Dutch culture.

Numerous cruise ships call in at Charlotte Amalie, making it a busy city while the neigh boring island of St. John is quiet, with most of the island designated as a national park.

For a map with clickable pictures from this site displayed geographically please click here

The long walk up the hill and up the numerous stairs to get to the dining room is strenuous, but the meal is worth the exercise. [18°21'39.96"N 64°44'34.24"W (facing W)] Maho Bay campsite stairs

Charlotte Amalie Cruiseships [18°20'2.96"N 64°55'56.24"W (facing E)] Cruise Ships at Charlotte Amalie

Looking towards shore at Mahoe Bay in the USVI Mahoe Bay Anchorage

St. John shoreline [18°17'42.02"N 64°41'44.19"W (facing NW)] St. John

I love that name. Who needs Oregano in the islands, anyway? [17°7'10.75"N 61°50'45.61"W ] RastaPasta - Oregano on the pizza?