US Virgin Islands

The US Virgin Islands consist of three main islands (and a few dozen other minor islands) in the Caribbean: Saint Croix, Saint John, and Saint Thomas. The total land area of the territory is 133.73 square miles (about double the size of Washington D.C.). Purchased by the United States from Denmark in 1917, the population of the island is comprised largely of those with Afro-Caribbean origin. Tourism, trade, and other services are the primary economic activities, accounting for nearly 60% of the Virgin Island's GDP and about half of total civilian employment. The USVI public school system is comprised of more than 40 schools and is modeled after the U.S. education system. Education is free and compulsory for children between the ages of 5 and 16. Despite primary school being compulsory, it is estimated that only 20% of the population continues on to earn some kind of postsecondary education.