The Turks and Caicos Islands

Geography
The Turks and Caicos Islands ("TCI") are located to the south east of the Bahamas island chain and 575 miles south east of Miami.

TCI is approximately halfway between Miami and Puerto Rico, 90 miles north of Hispaniola and separated from the Bahamas by a 30-mile wide ocean passage.

TCI is comprised of two island groups, the Caicos Islands to the west and the Turks Islands to the east, separated by a 27-mile wide deep-water channel, the Columbus Passage (also known as the Turks Island Passage). The country has 40 islands and cays, 8 of which are inhabited.

The island of Grand Turk is TCI’s capital and seat of Government.

The population of TCI is estimated at 36,000 with the majority of residents living on the island of Providenciales.

Providenciales is the main business centre of TCI. Situated on the west side of the Caicos archipelago, Providenciales has an area of 38 square miles.

Investment Considerations
Advantages of investment opportunities in the TCI include:

• No exchange control (local currency is the US Dollar)


• The Islands' proximity to the U.S. (1.5 hours from Miami by major airlines)


• An excellent business infrastructure of accountants, bankers and lawyers
  
• Modern comminications of all kinds including direct dial telephone, telefax, cellular, internet and courier services


• No direct taxation


• English-speaking domicile


• Attractive, friendly location for business with a beautiful climate and high quality hotel accommodation

Other Facts About the TCI
TCI is a British Overseas Territory.

TCI has been proclaimed to have among the best beaches in the world, winning several Condé Nast Traveller’s Reader's Choice Poll awards .

The average annual temperature is 28 degrees Celsius and rainfall averages 22 inches annually. The island is cooled by near constant trade winds and has a year-round comfortable climate.

The landmass of TCI covers 193 square miles and is surrounded by one of the largest coral reefs in the world. Including wetlands, TCI has over 300 square miles of National Parks, Nature Reserves, Sanctuaries and Historical Sites, which are protected as part of TCI’s efforts to maintain the unspoiled beauty of its islands.

TCI is on Eastern Standard Time (GMT –5). Daylight savings time is in effect for April through October.