Turks and Caicos Islands Key Facts

Location

Caribbean, southeast of The Bahamas.

Time

GMT - 5 (GMT - 4 from first Sunday in April to last Sunday in October).

Area

430 sq km (166 sq miles).

Population

26,000 (2005 estimate).

Population Density

44.2 per sq km.

Capital

Grand Turk. Population: 3,720 (official estimate 2003).

Geography

The Turks and Caicos Islands are an archipelago of 40 islands (eight of which are inhabited) forming the southeastern end of the Bahamas chain. There are two principal groups, each surrounded by a continuous coral reef. Caicos is the larger group and includes Providenciales, Middle (or Grand) Caicos, and the islands of North, South, East and West Caicos, plus numerous small cays, some of which are inhabited. The Turks group, separated by a 35km- (22-mile-) wide channel of water, consists of Grand Turk, Salt Cay and a number of small uninhabited cays.

Government

British Overseas Territory since 1670. Gained internal autonomy in 1962.

Head of State

HM Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by His Excellency Richard Tauwhare since 2005. 

Head of Government

Premier Galmo Williams since 2009.

Recent History

The ruling Progressive National Party (PNP) won a second term in government following parliamentary elections in February 2007. The party originally came to power in 2003 after eight years in opposition. The PNP holds 13 of the 15 seats available in parliament.

Language

The official language is English. Some Creole is spoken.

Religion

Roman Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, Baptist, Seventh Day Adventist and Pentecostal.

Electricity

120/240 volts AC, 60 Hz.

Social Conventions

Shaking hands is the normal form of greeting. Hospitality is important and, when visiting someone's home, normal social courtesies should be observed - if possible, a return invitation should be made. A souvenir from home is well received. Informal dress is accepted for most events, but beachwear should be confined to the beach.
Need some holiday inspiration?
Tired of the same holiday destination?
Fresh ideas are just one click away...
Sign up for our newsletter
Be the first to hear about the coolest destinations and the latest travel trends. Plus, competitions, holiday inspiration and amusing facts, delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up for our newsletter
Advertisement
Spot the holiday killer - Protect yourself from malaria. Before you travel, find out if your holiday destination is in a malaria zone.

Travel Deals for Turks and Caicos Islands

Advertising features
Travel Partners
Advertisement
Advertisement