Location
The Turks and Caicos Islands are a British Overseas Territory consisting of two groups of tropical islands in the West Indies, the larger Caicos Islands and the smaller Turks Islands Located southeast of the Bahamas, north of Hispaniola and 914 km (494 nautical mi.) from Miami, USA.

Size
Total area is 417 sq. km (161 sq. miles).

History
The islands, once the homes to Arawaks, Ciboneys and Caribs, were named "Antigua" by Christopher Columbus in 1493 in honour of the Santa Maria La Antigua Cathedral in Seville. In 1632 a group of English colonists settled in Antigua to grow cash crops of tobacco, ginger, indigo and sugar. Sugar became Antigua's main crop from about 1674, when Christopher Codrington settled at Betty's Hope Estate. Nelson's dockyard was started in 1725 to provide a base for a squadron of British ships whose main function was to patrol West Indies and thus maintain Britain's sea power. In 1967, with Barbuda and the tiny island of Redonda as dependencies, Antigua became an associated state of the Commonwealth and in 1981 it achieved full independence from Britain.

Population
30,600

Capital
The island's capital is Cockburn Town located on Grand Turk.

Government
As a British territory, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom is the sovereign, represented by a governor. The head of government is the premier. The monarch is hereditary, the governor is appointed by the monarch, and the premier appointed by the governor. The Turks and Caicos participate in the Caribbean Development Bank, and is an associate in CARICOM.

Language
English is the official language but the population also speaks Turks and Caicos Islands Creole which is similar to Bahamian Creole

Climate
Summer: high/low 90/83 degrees F. Winter: high/low 75/70 degrees F. Avg. humidity - 35%. Average rainfall is 21 inches.

Tourism Activities & Sightseeing
Well known for their annual Music and Cultural Festival which showcases local talent and brings celebrities from abroad. The Indy Turks & Caicos Grand Prix is slated for February 2009 hosted by the Indy Racing League. Provo Golf Club on the island of Providenciales is its only 18-hole championship golf course at this time. Grand Turk: Governor's Beach. Victoria Public Library. Lighthouse. Whale watching between January and April. Turks and Caicos National Museum on Front Street. The cultural history of the Islands, their discovery and the impact of early European settlement, natural and political history, and the role played in twentieth century space exploration are all recorded at the museum. Turks Inn. Waterloo Governor's House. Governor's Beach. Middle Caicos: Mudjin Harbour Beach. Bambarra Beach, craft demonstrations, sail boats races and the Caves. Salt Cay: The remains of the Salt Industry Sites - like the White House, North Shore Beach, underwater shipwreck and whale watching between January and April. Provo: The Hole. Conch Farm. Rock Carvings - made by shipwrecked sailors on Sapodilla Hill. Island Tour is recommended. North Caicos: Cottage Pond. Wades Green. Plantation ruins. Flamingo Pond. Island Tour recommended. South Caicos: Boiling Hole. Cockburn Harbour. Lobster Plants. Long Cay.

Airports
GDT: Grand Turk.
PLS: Providenciales (XSC).

Currency
The US Dollar (USD)

Electricity
Power on the island is 120 volts AC on 60 cycles.

Time zone
GMT-5

Driving
On the left.

Flag

The Official Tourism Website of the Turks & Caicos Tourist Board
www.turksandcaicostourism.com