The
Turks and Caicos Islands
are a British overseas territory located in the Atlantic Ocean and considered part of the Caribbean region. These islands are home to around 54,000 inhabitants and are made up of around 30 islands. The peak tourist season in the Turks and Caicos Islands runs from January to April, due to the high risk of hurricanes during the other half of the year. West Indies Video (WIV) is the only cable television provider in the Turks and Caicos Islands, while WIV4 (a subsidiary of WIV) is the only broadcaster in the islands.Flights from more than twenty major cities land at Providenciales International Airport (PLS). Those who wish to stay for longer periods must commit to working in the Turks and Caicos Islands for four years in order to receive additional education. Grand Turk (Cockburn Town), the capital since 1766, is located on Grand Turk Island, about 1,042 kilometers (647 miles) east-southeast of Miami, United States. In 2002, the British Overseas Territories Act restored full British citizenship to all citizens of British overseas territories, including the Turks and Caicos Islands.
This increase largely has to do with the fact that many cruise lines now include the Turks and Caicos Islands as a port of call. Providenciales International Airport is the main point of entry to the Turks and Caicos Islands, while JAGS McCartney International Airport serves Cockburn Town on Grand Turk Island. The Turks and Caicos Islands participate in the Caribbean Development Bank, are partners in CARICOM, members of the Universal Postal Union and maintain an Interpol sub-office. They form part of the Lucaya archipelago together with the Bahamas, which are part of a group of islands in the Antilles.
When Jamaica was granted independence from Great Britain in August 1962, the Turks and Caicos Islands became a Crown colony. The majority of visitors arrive on cruise ships to Grand Turk Cruise Center on Grand Turk Island. In terms of topography, these islands are mainly characterized by low, flat limestone terrain. Most healthcare is provided by public-private partner hospitals managed by Interhealth Canada, with one hospital in Providenciales and one on Grand Turk Island.
