Faced with the prospect of a growing tourism industry, the Turks and Caicos Islands has chosen to protect its beauty and peaceful atmosphere as its main asset.
Rather than forgetting this country's natural beauty and catering exclusively to tourists with huge resorts and activities - and completely commercializing the islands - the Turks and Caicos protect their laid-back, Caribbean lifestyle. Indeed, these efforts have been successful, as sun-loving tourists continue to visit the islands. For more information on the Turks and Caicos Islands visit the official Turks and Caicos Islands tourism Web site, CIA World Factbook for the Turks and Caicos Islands.
| Currency | The official currency is the U.S. Dollar (USD). |
| Electricity | The islands use the same 110 volt system as the U.S. Mainland, so most North American visitors will not need adapters. |
| GDP Per Capita | The average per capita income is $11,500(USD). |
| Island Size | The total land area of this island group is about 191.1 square miles. |
| Language | English is the official language of the islands. |
| Population | The eight inhabited islands of the Turks and Caicos Islands are home to about 193,00 people; the country also sees about 165,200 tourists annually, with 76 percent hailing from the U.S. |
Getting There
Most Caribbean travelers will arrive at the Turks and Caicos Islands at Providenciales International Airport on Providenciales. Direct flights are usually available from the U.S. mainland and Canada, but some flights connect through Montego Bay in Jamaica. The airport hosts major carriers, including, but not limited to, Air Jamaica, Air Transit, American Airlines, Bahamasair, British Airways, Continental Airlines, Interisland Airways, Lynx, Miami Air, North American, Signature Vacation, Sky King, and Sky Services. Taxis are government regulated and unmetered, with rates posted in the car. Cabs are always waiting at the airport, and fares run about $15(USD) to most hotels on Providenciales.
Entry Requirements
Citizens of all nations, including those of the Caribbean, will need a current passport as well as a return or on-going ticket to enter Turks and Caicos.
Climate
The Turks and Caicos are rather dry, experiencing just 23.8 inches of rain annually. Temperature vary a bit more here by season than in some Caribbean locations. January averages range from 73 to 80; July averages range from 80 to 87 (all in degrees Fahrenheit).
Geography
The Turks and Caicos Islands is not technically part of the Caribbean. Located at the tail end of The Bahamian archipelago, these islands border the Caribbean Sea but are in the Atlantic Ocean. The group consists of many islands, but only eight of them are inhabited, the main islands being Providenciales (for tourism) and Grand Turk (where the capital city is located). Located directly north of Haiti and 575 miles southeast of Miami, these islands lie in waters rich with lobster and crayfish. Additionally, the islands have 225 miles of gorgeous shoreline for bathing and swimming. Surrounded by 500 miles of coral reef and largely untouched by development and pollution, the islands also offer great diving.
Health and Safety
The Turks and Caicos are serviced by qualified medical practitioners and nursing staff. In the unfortunate circumstance of critical illness, individuals are evacuated to Nassau or Miami by an on-call airlift. Petty theft is a slight problem, but no more so than in any other city; if belongings are left unattended they are liable to be snatched up. As always, follow basic safety precautions. Although the water is filtered in the Turks and Caicos, it may be preferable to stick with bottled water, as changes even in clean water can upset the stomach of many Western travelers.
People
The people of the Turks and Caicos Islands speak English, but with a Caribbean lilt that may make it difficult for traditional English speakers to understand. Certain phrasing and expressions may seem odd at first, but context usually helps visitors to understand meaning. Once you become accustomed to this dialect, it will feel like second nature.
The main eight islands are home to most of the English speakers. Native people who make up the remainder of the population are descendants of African slaves who were originally brought to the island to grow cotton. These people, nicknamed "Belongers," are kind-natured, friendly, and very religious.
The expatriate population is a community of people who have moved here from all over the world, including the Americas, the U.K., Scandinavia, and various Caribbean islands. This variety gives the islands an international flavor and culture. "Ex-pats" move to the island for its relaxed attitude, which any visitor will come to know and love.
Activities in the Caribbean offer fun for the whole family.
