British Virgin Islands
Virgin Islands
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +0.88%
As a microstate in Caribbean, British Virgin Islands is home to just 39.5k people, making it one of the less populous countries in the world. Despite covering only 151 km², the territory records a density of 261 people per km². Its capital is Road Town, and English is the official language, while the United States dollar serves as the national currency.
Population
39,471
Area
151 km²
Density
261/km²
World Rank
#218
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. The gap between the birth rate (8.3 per thousand) and death rate (6 per thousand) has narrowed considerably. The age distribution is relatively balanced, with 14.5% of residents under 15 and 9.6% over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Road Town
- Region
- Americas
- Subregion
- Caribbean
- Continent
- North America
- Languages
- English
- Currencies
- United States dollar ($)
- Calling Code
- +1284
- Top-Level Domain
- .vg
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- No
- Timezones
- UTC-04:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 39,471
- Land Area
- 151 km²
- Population Density
- 261 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +0.88%
- Annual Growth
- +347 people
- Daily Growth
- +1 people
- World Population Share
- 0.00%
- Coordinates
- 18.43°, -64.62°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
Detailed economic indicators for British Virgin Islands are limited, though the Caribbean context provides some frame of reference for its development trajectory.
Life Expectancy
77.3 years
Birth Rate
8.3 per 1,000
Death Rate
6.0 per 1,000
Urban Population
56.5%
Fertility Rate
1.05 births/woman
Infant Mortality
11.6 per 1,000
Internet Users
77.7%
Under 15
14.5%
Over 65
9.6%
Age Distribution
0-14 years
6K
15-64 years
30K
65+ years
4K
Urbanization
About 56.5% of the population is urban, indicating a society in the midst of a rural-to-urban transition. Road Town serves as the administrative heart of the country and concentrates much of its commercial and civic life. Net inward migration of 153.0 per thousand is contributing to urban growth and reshaping community demographics.
22,305
56.5%
17,166
43.5%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 77.3 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 11.6 per thousand live births, significantly higher than the global average. Internet penetration of 77.7% is above the global average, influencing access to information, education, and digital services.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that British Virgin Islands is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. Below-replacement fertility of 1.1 births per woman means natural growth alone cannot sustain the current population level indefinitely. The territory's governance arrangements will influence how effectively it adapts to evolving population dynamics.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 39,471 |
| 2030 | 40,869 |
| 2035 | 42,667 |
| 2040 | 44,524 |
| 2045 | 46,443 |
| 2050 | 48,429 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of British Virgin Islands?
The population of British Virgin Islands is approximately 39,471 as of 2026, making it #218 in the world by population.
What is the capital of British Virgin Islands?
The capital of British Virgin Islands is Road Town.
What languages are spoken in British Virgin Islands?
The main languages spoken in British Virgin Islands are English.
How big is British Virgin Islands?
British Virgin Islands covers an area of 151 km² with a population density of 261 people per km².
Is British Virgin Islands growing or shrinking?
British Virgin Islands is growing at a rate of 0.88% per year, adding approximately 347 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in British Virgin Islands?
The average life expectancy in British Virgin Islands is 77.3 years.
What is the GDP per capita of British Virgin Islands?
GDP per capita data is not currently available for British Virgin Islands.