Country name conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Turks and Caicos Islands Background The islands were part of the UK"s Jamaican colony until 1962, when they assumed the status of a separate crown colony upon Jamaica"s independence. The governor of The Bahamas oversaw affairs from 1965 to 1973. With Bahamian independence, the islands received a separate governor in 1973. Although independence was agreed upon for 1982, the policy was reversed and the islands are presently a British overseas territory.Location Caribbean, two island groups in the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of The Bahamas, north of Haiti Area total: 430 sq km
water: 0 sq km
land: 430 sq km Area - comparative 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC Coastline 389 km Climate tropical; marine; moderated by trade winds; sunny and relatively dry Terrain low, flat limestone; extensive marshes and mangrove swamps Elevation extremes lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Blue Hills 49 m Natural hazards frequent hurricanes Environment - current issues limited natural fresh water resources, private cisterns collect rainwater Geography - note about 40 islands (eight inhabited) Population 19,350 (July 2003 est.) Age structure 0-14 years: 32.5% (male 3,202; female 3,094)
15-64 years: 63.7% (male 6,484; female 5,848)
65 years and over: 3.7% (male 321; female 401) (2003 est.) Median age total: 27 years
male: 27.7 years
female: 26.3 years (2002) Sex ratio at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.11 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female
total population: 1.07 male(s)/female (2003 est.) Nationality noun: none
adjective: none Ethnic groups black 90%, mixed, European, or north American 10% Religions Baptist 40%, Methodist 16%, Anglican 18%, Church of God 12%, other 14% (1990) Languages English (official) Internet country code .tc Literacy definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school
female: 98% (1970 est.)
male: 99%
total population: 98% Government type NA National holiday Constitution Day, 30 August (1976) Legal system based on laws of England and Wales, with a few adopted from Jamaica and The Bahamas International organization participation Caricom (associate), CDB, Interpol (subbureau) Economy - overview The Turks and Caicos economy is based on tourism, fishing, and offshore financial services. Most capital goods and food for domestic consumption are imported. The US is the leading source of tourists, accounting for more than half of the 93,000 visitors in 1998. Major sources of government revenue include fees from offshore financial activities and customs receipts. Tourism fell by 6% in 2002 but appeared to be picking up at yearend. Exports - partners US, UK Currency US dollar (USD) Currency code USD Exchange rates the US dollar is used Airports 8 (2002) Airports - with paved runways total: 5
1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2002) Airports - with unpaved runways total: 3
914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 2 (2002) Disputes - international none |
