GOVERNMENT. The USVI is an organized, unincorporated territory of the United States, meaning it follows U.S. laws but also has its own local government. It also means that not all of the U.S. Constitution applies to the people living there.

northeastern Caribbean Sea United States Virgin Islands, also called U.S. Virgin Islands, organized unincorporated island territory of the United States, situated at the eastern end of the Greater Antilles, about 40 miles (64 km) east of Puerto Rico, in the northeastern Caribbean Sea.

The U.S. Virgin Islands consist of the main islands of Saint Croix, Saint John, and Saint Thomas and 50 other surrounding minor islands and cays. The total land area of the territory is 133.73 square miles (346.36 km2). The territory's capital is Charlotte Amalie on the island of St. Thomas.

The USVI consist of 4 larger islands: St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John and Water Island, and some 50 smaller islets and cays.

Passports for U.S. Citizens are NOT required for the U.S. Virgin Islands, but you must be prepared to show evidence of citizenship upon leaving the territory (such as a government issued photo ID or your passport).

50 There are fifty (50) states and Washington D.C.The last two states to join the Union were Alaska (49th) and Hawaii (50th). Both joined in 1959. Washington D.C. is a federal district under the authority of Congress.

The three main islands are the hilly, volcanic islands of St. Thomas and St. John, which border the North Atlantic Ocean to the north and the Caribbean Sea to the south, and St. Croix in south, the largest island of USVI is entirely in the Caribbean Sea.

Christopher Columbus named the islands after Saint Ursula and the 11,000 Virgins (Spanish: Santa Úrsula y las Once Mil Vírgenes), shortened to the Virgins (las Vírgenes).

About 50 islands and cays constitute the U.S. group. Only three are of importance; several are uninhabited. The largest, St. Croix, is 28 miles long, 84 square miles in area, and lies about 40 miles south of the other islands.

The number one reason visitors come to the USVI is for its incredible beaches. Fringed by palms, sea grape trees and wild jungle, the peaceful, uncrowded and well-maintained white sand acts a gateway to swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and picnicking.

In 1493, Christopher Columbus visited these islands. He had been searching for a route to India and consequently he called the people he encountered Indians. Columbus named the beautiful islands 'The Virgins' in reference to the legendary beauty of St. Ursula and her 11,000 virgins.