capital: Cockburn Town, Grand Turk
Land Area: 193 sq miles or approximately 500 sq kilometers
Estimated Population: 32,000
Density of population: 134.8 per square mile (2004)
Geographical Location: Located in the Atlantic Ocean and lie between the longitude 71 31’
west and the latitude 21 45’ north, 575 miles southeast of Miami, Florida, around 30 miles southeast
of the Bahamas and 100 miles north of Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
Language: English
Flag: The National Flag of the Turks and Caicos Islands is set on a navy blue background. The islands’ Coat of Arms (has a base which is shaped like a shield, a Queen Conch Shell, a Spiny Lobster and a Turks Head
Cactus, items common to the Turks and Caicos Islands, appear on the shield. At the top of the shield is a wreath
made up of two sisal plants with a pelican between them. The shield is supported on either side by a Flamingo)
is located on the right hand side of the flag while a miniature of the British Flag, the Union Jack, is situated
in the upper left hand corner.
Coat of Arms: The islands’ Coat of Arms has a base which is shaped like a shield, a Queen Conch Shell, a Spiny
Lobster and a Turks Head Cactus, items common to the Turks and Caicos Islands, appear on the shield. At the top of the
shield is a wreath made up of two sisal plants with a pelican between them. The shield is supported on either side by a Flamingo.
National Holidays (2006):
New Years Day
Observed
Commonwealth Day
Good Friday
Easter Monday
National Heroes Day
Her Majesty The Queen’s Official Birthday
Observed
Emancipation Day
National Youth Day
Columbus Day
International Human Rights Day
Christmas Day
Boxing Day
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January 1
January 2
March 13
April 14
April 17
May 29
June 11
June 12
August 7
September 29
October 9
October 24
December 25
December 26
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Climate: Subtropical climate with temperatures of around 770F in the December to
March period and 830F during April to November. The hottest month is August ranging
from an average daily minimum of 260C to a maximum of 320C; and coldest months are
January and February (21–270C). The driest month is March with 29 mm average rainfall;
and wettest month is October with 114 mm average rainfall. Trade winds temper the higher
temperatures making the climate comfortable for visitors. Rainfall averages 25 inches
per annum on the Turks Islands and around 40 inches on the Caicos Islands. Humidity
is 60%, relatively low for the Caribbean.
Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time [EST] (May – October) and Daylight Savings Time
[DST] (November – April)
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Exchange Rate: 1 USD = 0.832856 EUR
Main Resources: Tourism and Fishery and Natural Resources
Key Economic Sectors: The Turks and Caicos economy is based on tourism, fishing and offshore financial
services. Most capital goods and food for domestic consumption are imported. The US is the leading source of
tourists, accounting for more than half of the 173,081 tourists in 2004.
Labour Force: 11,275 (2001)
Labour Force by Industry: (%, 2001)
Hotels, Restaurants & Tourism:¦23.26
Public Administrative and Defense, Social Security: 19.86
Construction-13.50%; Personal Services: 8.65
Financing, Insurance, Real Estate and Business Services: 8.47
Wholesale & Retail Trade: 6.45
Transport, Storage & Communication: 4.62
Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing: 2.33
Manufacturing: 2.20
Electricity, Gas & Water: 1.60
Computer & Information Technology Services: 0.20
Mining & Quarrying: 0.17
Agricultural Products: corn, beans, cassava, citrus fruits, fish
Electricity Production: 15 million kwh (2003)
Electricity Consumption: 13 million kwh (2003)
IMPORT COMMODITIES:
Food; beverages & tobacco; crude materials, inedible except fuels;
mineral fuels, lubricants & related materials; animals & vegetable oils, fats & waxes; chemicals &
related products; manufactured goods classified chiefly by materials; machinery & transport equipment;
miscellaneous manufactured articles.
Fiscal Year: April 1 - March 31
Ports and Harbours: Grand Turk & Providenciales
International Airport: Providenciales (PLS)
Other Airports: 2
Domestic Airstrips: 5
Direct Flights: USA, Canada, Britain
Political System: UK Overseas Territory where the Chief of State is Queen Elizabeth II (since February 6, 1953), represented by the Governor.
The Constitution was introduced on August 30, 1976; suspended in 1986; restored and revised March 5, 1988. There are two political parties: People's
Democratic Movement (PDM) and Progressive National Party (PNP). The Executive Branch consists of the three ex officio members and five appointed by
the governor from among the members of the Legislative Council. The Unicameral Legislative Council seats 19 seats of which 13 are popularly elected;
members serve four-year terms. The government is run by a Chief Minister and five other ministers, each of whom is responsible for a separate ministry.
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About Us > Facts and Figures Turks & Caicos Islands, Beautiful by nature
