• About Us
• Advertise With Us
• Contact Us

General Facts

  

The beautiful Turks and Caicos Islands are a British Overseas Territory comprising a small archipelago of eight major islands and numerous uninhabited keys, 575 miles southeast of Miami. Most tourist facilities are located on Providenciales, commonly known as “Provo”. The name ‘Turks’, is derived from the indigenous Turks Head cactus, while, ‘Caicos’ is derived from the Lucayan term ‘caya hico’ meaning ‘string of islands’.

Situated in the Atlantic Ocean, Turks and Caicos Islands, known colloquially as TCI, has been blessed with stunning beaches and beautiful turquoise waters. The fabulous beaches that are scattered on all sides of “Provo” have been named among the best in the tropics. The Turks and Caicos Islands are also home to the world’s third largest unspoiled coral reef system, making it a premier diving destination. In spite of these natural wonders, it is the warmth and friendliness of the people that continue to captivate the hearts of visitors to their shores.

The islands are relatively flat, but depending on the island, the terrain varies from sand dunes and lush green vegetation to limestone with extensive marshes and mangrove swamps. “Provo” is the most populous of the islands with over 65 percent of the total population, while Grand Turk, of the Turks group, is the official capital and has the islands’ main cruise centre.

The islands are only about 10 to 25 minutes by air from Provo and the majority can be reached by boat, too. Regular ferries are also available from North to Middle Caicos.

Enjoy this idyllic tropical destination and everything that TCI has to offer!

OUR GOVERNMENT

A British Overseas Territory, the islands are governed by a queen-appointed Governor with executive power who presides over an Executive Council. A Premier heads the local government consisting of several other ministers and a Legislative Council to enact statutes. The legal system is based on English Common Law and the Judicial Branch is headed by a Chief Justice, a Chief Magistrate, and three Deputy Magistrates.

OUR PEOPLE

The islands’ population is estimated at well over 35,000, comprising of people from different ethnicity. The local population, known as “Belongers”, are either from neighboring islands or descendants from African slaves who were originally brought in to work in the salt pans and cotton plantations. The expatriate community consists of British, Canadians, Americans, French, Bahamians as well as people from Hispaniola and other residents from countries all over the world.

LANGUAGE

English is the primary language of the Turks & Caicos Islands.

CLIMATE

The weather in Turks and Caicos Islands is sunny and wonderful, coupled with a near constant trade wind that keeps you feeling cool and very comfortable at all times.

The average temperature ranges from between 85 and 90 degrees (29-32 degrees Celsius) from June to October, which sometimes reach the mid 90s (35 degrees Celsius), especially in the late summer months. The average temperature from November to May is 80 to 84 degrees (27-29 degrees Celsius).

There is an annual rainfall of 21 inches on Grand Turk and South Caicos, but the average rainfall could increase to 40 inches toward the West. In an average year the Turks and Caicos Islands have 350 days of sunshine. The hurricane season can vary but usually runs from June to October.

LANGUAGE

English is the primary language of the Turks & Caicos Islands.

Also please visit our other directories:

Anguilla, Aruba, Barbados, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean YP, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Montserrat, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, and Turks & Caicos