South-east of the of the Bahamas chain and 44 km north of Haiti
and the Dominican Republic, and 920 km south-east of Miami.
Size
The territory comprises some 40 islands and cays split into two
groups by a deep-water channel. The total land area is 430 sq
km.
Location: South-east of the of the Bahamas chain and 44 km north
of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and 920 km south-east of
Miami.
Climate
The climate is warm throughout the year but tempered by constant
trade winds.
Topography
Limited rainfall plus poor soil and a limestone base restrict
the possibilities for agricultural development. The islands are
rocky, semi-barren and covered with cacti and thorny acacia trees.
There are 200 miles of white beaches.
Biodiversity
More than 30 protected areas have been designated to conserve
the delicate ecosystems and wildlife habitats of the creeks, sand
flats, lagoons, and marshy wetlands. The islands provide a home for
at least 14 unique plants, reptiles, and an unknown number of
invertebrates, as well as the vulnerable reddish egret and West
Indian whistling duck.
Main economic activities
The major industries are tourism, property development, real
estate, international finance and fishing.
Other information
Population - 32,000 (2006 census estimate). Only six of the
islands are permanently inhabited.
Information link
JNCC has prepared a series of outreach materials which
give a general background to climate change and includes territory
specific information on climate
change impacts.