 The United States Virgin Islands is an
official American territory governed by U.S. laws, The USVI has one non-voting delegate to the
United States House of Representatives. All persons born on the islands
are citizens of the United States. The currency is the U.S. dollar and
mail is delivered via U.S. mail services with the same postage rates.
English is the native language spoken by Virgin Islands residents,
enhanced with a charming lilt called "calypso."
Christopher Columbus discovered the islands in 1493, first landing on
the northern shore of St. Croix, which he named Santa Cruz (Holy Cross).
Before the United States purchased the islands for $25 million in 1917,
six other flags - Spanish, Dutch, British, French, Knights of Malta and
Danish - flew over St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas.
 The U.S. Virgin Islands consists of three major islands -
St. Croix, St.
John and St. Thomas. However, there are 50 islands in all, some merely
rocks or islets jutting out on the shimmering turquoise waters. St.
Croix, the largest of the islands - 28 miles long and seven miles at its
widest point - lies entirely in the Caribbean Sea. St. John and St.
Thomas, 35 miles east of St. Croix, lie between the Atlantic Ocean and
the Caribbean Sea.
The average tempartures range from 77°F in the winter to 82°F in the
summer. St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas are in the Atlantic Stardard
Time zone, one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time (except during
daylight savings time).
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