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Turks
& Caicos Islands/Useful Information
The
islands were part of the UK's Jamaican colony until 1962,
when they assumed the status of a separate crown colony upon
Jamaica's independence. The governor of The Bahamas oversaw
affairs from 1965 to 1973. With Bahamian independence, the
islands received a separate governor in 1973. Although independence
was agreed upon for 1982, the policy was reversed and the
islands are presently a British overseas territory.
Location: Caribbean, two island groups in the North
Atlantic Ocean, southeast of The Bahamas
coordinates: 21 45 N, 71 35 W
Area
total: 430 sq km land: 430 sq km water:
territorial
sea: 12 NM
Population:
18,122 (July 2001 est.)
Population
growth rate: 3.41% (2001 est.)
Dependency status: overseas territory of the UK Government
Capital:
Cockburn Town (on Grand Turk)
Constitution: introduced 30 August 1976; suspended
in 1986; restored and revised 5 March 1988
Legal system: based on laws of England and Wales, with
a small number adopted from Jamaica and The Bahamas
Suffrage: 18 years of age;
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February
1953), represented by Governor Mervyn JONES (since 27 January
2000)
head of government: Chief Minister Derek H. TAYLOR
(since 31 January 1995)
cabinet: Executive Council consists of three ex officio
members and five appointed by the governor from among the
members of the Legislative
Legislative
branch: unicameral Legislative Council (19 seats, of which
13 are popularly elected; members serve four-year terms)
Flag description: blue, with the flag of the UK in
the upper hoist-side quadrant and the colonial shield centered
on the outer half of the flag; the shield is yellow and contains
a conch shell, lobster, and cactus.
Economy - overview: 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 was the leading source of tourists in 1996, accounting
for more than half of the 87,000 visitors; tourist arrivals
had risen to 93,000 by 1998. Major sources of government revenue
include fees from offshore financial activities and customs
receipts.
Currency code: USD Exchange rates: the US dollar is
used
Ports and harbors: Grand Turk, Providenciales
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