Caribbean, southeast of The Bahamas.

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

430 sq km (166 sq miles).

26,000 (2005 estimate).

44.2 per sq km.

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

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.

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

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

Premier Galmo Williams since 2009.

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.

The official language is English. Some Creole is spoken.

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

120/240 volts AC, 60 Hz.

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.