A British overseas territory located in the West Indies, Turks and Caicos Islands are just a short one hour flight from Miami, Florida. Consisting of two groups of sub-islands, Caicos is the largest group of islands and Turks is the smaller group. 

 

The Turks and Caicos Islands economy is driven by tourism and offshore financial investments. Regarded as a tax haven because of the low taxes, lenient regulations, banking secrecy, and anonymity, several major offshore companies were founded in Turks and Caicos. About 30 percent of the islanders work in the financial industry and another 28 percent work in the islands’ hotels and restaurants. The islands are considered to be extremely safe with a very low incidence of reported crimes. 

 

The islands have been ruled by several different governments since the Amerindians first inhabited them. Spanish conquistador Juan Ponce de Leon claimed the islands for Spain in 1512 but the islands were subsequently ruled by the French and the British. At one time, pirates used the islands as a Caribbean hideout and the Bermudian salt collectors called the island home in the 1600s. In 1842 Spanish slave ship wrecked near one of the Caicos Islands. Because the islands were under British rule at the time, a county that had outlawed slavery, the 192 African survivors stayed on the island and apprenticed in various trades. In 1972, the islands were finally granted their independence to operate as British colony and have been ruled by a governor ever since. 

 

Of the 30 islands that make up the Turk and Caicos Islands territory, only 8 are in habited. One of the Caicos Islands, Pine Cay, has only 30 residents. Providenciales, with a population of 22,542, is the most populated island, the most renowned tourists’ destination, and even claims to be the most developed island of the Turks and Caicos. The rest of the inhabited islands have populations ranging from 100 to 5,500 residents. Dellis Cay, which had been uninhabited until 2007, will have a grand opening for the new luxury Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Although the official language of the islands is English, the natives also speak a Turks and Caicos dialect. 

 

The island boasts crystal clear waters, world-class diving and deep sea/game fishing. 

With less than 50 inches of rainfall per year, Turks and Caicos Islands are fairly dry. The temperature is moderate with winter temperatures ranging from 70 to 80 degrees. Summer temperature rise into the 90s but the islands are still considered arid when compared to other Caribbean islands. Visitors will enjoy the 18- hole championship golf course at the Provo Golf Club. Avid swimmers will enjoy scuba diving with the experts at Dive Provo and beginners can experience the SNUBA tour.