_#_Political parties and leaders:
United Party (UP), Conrad MADURO;
Virgin Islands Party (VIP), H. Lavity STOUTT;
Independent People's 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, independent 2
_#_Communists: probably none
_#_Member of: CARICOM (observer), CDB, ECLAC (associate), IOC,
OECS (associate), UNESCO (associate)
_#_Diplomatic representation: none (dependent territory of the 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)
_*_Economy
_#_Overview: The economy 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: $106.7 million, per capita $8,900; real growth rate 2.5%
(1987)
_#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.0% (1987)
_#_Unemployment rate: NEGL%
_#_Budget: revenues $32.8 million; expenditures $32.4 million,
including capital expenditures of $6.3 million (FY90)
_#_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
_*_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; stations--1 AM,
no FM, 1 TV
_*_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 boundary: 381 km with Malaysia
_#_Coastline: 161 km
_#_Maritime claims:
Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm;