The Turks and Caicos Islands are a British Overseas Territory. The Governor is appointed by the Queen and presides over an Executive Council. Local self-government is headed by the Chief Minister and is carried out by elected ministers and a legislative council, which is empowered to enact local status. Government offices are located on Grand Turk.

The country consists of two island groups separated by the 22-mile-wide Columbus Passage. To the west is the Caicos group of Islands: West Caicos, Providenciales, North Caicos, Middle Caicos, East Caicos, and South Caicos. To the east is the Turks Island group; Grand Turk and Salt Cay.

The legal system is based upon the English Common Law and is administered by a resident Chief Justice, Chief Magistrate and three Deputy Magistrates. Judges of the Courts of Appeal visit the Islands twice a year and there is a final right to Her Majesty’s Privy Council in London, U.K.

The United States dollar is the primary currency of TCI. Travelers’ cheques in U.S. dollar amounts are widely accepted and other currency can be changed at local Banks. American Express, VISA, and MasterCard are welcomed by many locations.

TCI is Eastern Standard Time, observing Daylight Saving Time.

The average annual temperature is 83 degrees in the summer and 70 degrees in the winter. Rainfall averages 22 inches annually.

The electricity is suitable for all U.S. appliances (110 volts, 60 cycles).

Historically, the economy of TCI relied upon the export of salt. Currently, tourism is the main industry followed by financial services. Fishing is also one of the most important industries in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Islands’ main exports are lobster and conch. Practically all consumer goods and most foods are imported.

The Turks and Caicos Islands are recognized as an important Offshore Center offering services as company formation, offshore insurance, banking, trust, limited partnership and limited life companies. The Financial Services Commission regulates the industry and spearheads the development of offshore legislation.

Travel to the Turks and Caicos is relatively easy, with direct flights offered by American Airlines, US Airways, Delta Airlines, Air Canada and British Airways from Miami, New York, Boston, Charlotte, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Toronto, and London to the International Airport in Providenciales. Local carriers SkyKing and Turks Air Turks has daily flights throughout the islands. Charters are also available to travel around the islands.

Most visitors are required to travel with their passports. Visitors from North America may enter without a passport if they have a birth certificate and one piece of identification bearing a photograph. A valid onward or return ticket is also required.

The population in the Turks and Caicos Islands is around 25,000 plus.

There is no exchange control and there is no direct taxation.

The Turks and Caicos is a premier dive and snorkeling destination. The landmass of TCI covers 193 square miles and is surrounded by one of the largest coral reefs in the world.

TCI has over 325 square miles of National Parks, Nature Reserve, Sanctuaries and Historical Sites, which are protected as part of TCI’s effort to maintain the unspoiled beauty of its islands, and preserve the indigenous flora and fauna. Approximately 210 square miles of this protected area are sensitive and ecologically essential wetlands of international importance as ratified under the Ramsar Convention.