Country exposure · GEC-TK
Turks and Caicos Islands
Central America N Caribbean · Grand Turk (Cockburn Town) · parliamentary democracy
What Turks and Caicos Islands means for your money — the prices you pay, the tariffs in motion, and where U.S. policy could change both.
60K
Population
$1.7B
GDP
U.S. exposure
Minimal direct economic exposure
Turks and Caicos Islands is not a significant U.S. goods-trade partner and has no tracked tariff actions. Policy changes here are unlikely to reach American prices directly.
Reference
The country itself
Central America N Caribbean · Geography, people, economy, and government — public-domain data from the CIA World Factbook.
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 remain a British overseas territory. Grand Turk Island suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Maria in 2017.
Geography
- Location
- two island groups in the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of The Bahamas, north of Haiti; note - although the Turks and Caicos Islands do not border the Caribbean Sea, geopolitically they are often designated as being Caribbean
- Area
- 948 sq km
- Climate
- tropical; marine; moderated by trade winds; sunny and relatively dry
- Terrain
- low, flat limestone; extensive marshes and mangrove swamps
- Natural resources
- spiny lobster, conch
- Coastline
- 389 km
- Natural hazards
- frequent hurricanes
People & society
- Population
- 60,439 (2024 est.)
- Nationality
- none
- Ethnic groups
- Black 87.6%, White 7.9%, mixed 2.5%, East Indian 1.3%, other 0.7% (2006 est.)
- Languages
- English (official)
- Religions
- Protestant 72.8% (Baptist 35.8%, Church of God 11.7%, Anglican 10%, Methodist 9.3%, Seventh Day Adventist 6%), Roman Catholic 11.4%, Jehovah's Witness 1.8%, other 14% (2006 est.)
- Median age
- 36.6 years (2025 est.)
- Life expectancy at birth
- 81.3 years (2024 est.)
Economy
- Economic overview
- British Caribbean island territorial economy; GDP and its tourism industry hit hard by COVID-19 disruptions; major biodiversity locale; US dollar user; fossil fuel dependent; negative trade balance; increasing unemployment
- Industries
- tourism, offshore financial services
- Agricultural products
- corn, beans, cassava (manioc, tapioca), citrus fruits; fish
- Exports - partners
- Gabon 27%, USA 25%, Zimbabwe 17%, Czechia 8%, UAE 3% (2023)
- Imports - partners
- USA 73%, Dominican Republic 4%, Italy 3%, Japan 3%, China 2% (2023)
Government
- Government type
- parliamentary democracy
- Capital
- Grand Turk (Cockburn Town)
- Independence
- none (overseas territory of the UK)
- Constitution
- several previous; latest signed 7 August 2012, effective 15 October 2012 (The Turks and Caicos Constitution Order 2011)
- Executive branch
- King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor Dileeni Daniel-SELVARATNAM (since 29 June 2023)
- Legislative branch
- House of Assembly
Full reference data
Every field, by section — CIA World Factbook. Open a topic to expand it.
Introduction
Background
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 remain a British overseas territory. Grand Turk Island suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Maria in 2017.
Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in the Turks and Caicos Islands due to crime. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport is valid at the date of their entering the country and during the length of their entire visit. No need for blank pages in their passport for any entry stamp. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 89 days.
US Embassy/Consulate
None (overseas territory of the UK); US citizens may call US Dept of State (202)-501-4444 for emergencies; alternate contact is the Embassy in The Bahamas [1] (242) 322-1181, 328-2206 (after hours); US Embassy Nassau, 42 Queen St., Nassau, The Bahamas; acsnassau@state.gov; https://bs.usembassy.gov/
Telephone Code
649
Local Emergency Phone
999, 911
Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations http://www.who.int/
Climate
Tropical; marine; moderated by trade winds; sunny and relatively dry
Currency (Code)
Dollar (USD)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
120 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B
Major Languages
English
Major Religions
Protestant 72.8%, Roman Catholic 11.4%, Jehovah's Witness 1.8%
Time Difference
UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Yes
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Left
Tourist Destinations
Crossing Place trail hike; Mudjin Harbour; Pine Cay; Salt Cay; Conch Bar Caves National Park; Grand Turk Lighthouse; Turks & Caicos National Museum
Major Sports
Soccer, sailing
Cultural Practices
Dining does not usually call for formal wear, but stylish and appropriate clothing is expected.
Tipping Guidelines
Check your bill to see if a 10% service charge has been added. If so, you may supplement it by 5% or even more if service was outstanding. If no service charge has been added, then tip as you would in the US, about 15%. Be aware that when a large party dines together, a hefty service fee may be added at the end. Taxi drivers expect about a 10% tip.
Souvenirs
Handmade baskets and plaited straw hats, hand-screened cloth, ocean-themed wood carvings including wooden boats and models, conch shell items, sea glass and other beaded jewelry, wind chimes, rum, ceramics
Traditional Cuisine
Cracked Conch — conch meat pounded with a meat tenderizer, seasoned, coated in a flour batter, and then deep fried
CIA source last updated
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
Travel resources
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs: American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency? Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers: from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Wednesday, July 20, 2022
Geography
Location
two island groups in the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of The Bahamas, north of Haiti; note - although the Turks and Caicos Islands do not border the Caribbean Sea, geopolitically they are often designated as being Caribbean
Geographic coordinates
21 45 N, 71 35 W
Map references
Central America and the Caribbean
Area - total
948 sq km
Area - land
948 sq km
Area - water
0 sq km
Area - comparative
2.5 times the size of Washington, D.C.
Land boundaries - total
0 km
Coastline
389 km
Maritime claims - territorial sea
12 nm
Maritime claims - exclusive fishing zone
200 nm
Climate
tropical; marine; moderated by trade winds; sunny and relatively dry
Terrain
low, flat limestone; extensive marshes and mangrove swamps
Elevation - highest point
Blue Hill on Providenciales and Flamingo Hill on East Caicos 48 m
Elevation - lowest point
Atlantic Ocean 0 m
Natural resources
spiny lobster, conch
Land use - agricultural land
1.1% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 1.1% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 0% (2022 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 0% (2022 est.)
Land use - forest
11.1% (2023 est.)
Land use - other
87.9% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
0 sq km (2022)
Population distribution
eight of the thirty islands are inhabited; the island of Providenciales is the most populated, but the most densely populated is Grand Turk
Natural hazards
frequent hurricanes
Geography - note
include eight large islands and numerous smaller cays, islets, and reefs; only two of the Caicos Islands and six of the Turks group are inhabited
People and Society
Population - total
60,439 (2024 est.)
Population - male
30,389
Population - female
30,050
Nationality - noun
none
Nationality - adjective
none
Ethnic groups
Black 87.6%, White 7.9%, mixed 2.5%, East Indian 1.3%, other 0.7% (2006 est.)
Languages
English (official)
Religions
Protestant 72.8% (Baptist 35.8%, Church of God 11.7%, Anglican 10%, Methodist 9.3%, Seventh Day Adventist 6%), Roman Catholic 11.4%, Jehovah's Witness 1.8%, other 14% (2006 est.)
Age structure - 0-14 years
20.4% (male 6,288/female 6,056)
Age structure - 15-64 years
73.2% (male 22,232/female 22,011)
Age structure - 65 years and over
6.4% (2024 est.) (male 1,869/female 1,983)
Dependency ratios - total dependency ratio
36.6 (2024 est.)
Dependency ratios - youth dependency ratio
27.9 (2024 est.)
Dependency ratios - elderly dependency ratio
8.7 (2024 est.)
Dependency ratios - potential support ratio
11.5 (2024 est.)
Median age - total
36.6 years (2025 est.)
Median age - male
36.5 years
Median age - female
36.1 years
Population growth rate
1.73% (2025 est.)
Birth rate
12.73 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
3.59 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Net migration rate
8.13 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Population distribution
eight of the thirty islands are inhabited; the island of Providenciales is the most populated, but the most densely populated is Grand Turk
Urbanization - urban population
94.2% of total population (2023)
Urbanization - rate of urbanization
1.46% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population
5,000 GRAND TURK (capital) (2018)
Sex ratio - at birth
1.05 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 0-14 years
1.04 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 15-64 years
1.01 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 65 years and over
0.94 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - total population
1.01 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Infant mortality rate - total
10.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
Infant mortality rate - male
13.9 deaths/1,000 live births
Infant mortality rate - female
8.1 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth - total population
81.3 years (2024 est.)
Life expectancy at birth - male
78.5 years
Life expectancy at birth - female
84.1 years
Total fertility rate
1.7 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.83 (2025 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: urban
urban: 99.2% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: rural
rural: 91.8% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: total
total: 98.8% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: urban
urban: 0.8% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: rural
rural: 8.2% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: total
total: 1.2% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: urban
urban: 98.8% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: rural
rural: 97.7% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: total
total: 98.7% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: urban
urban: 1.2% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: rural
rural: 2.3% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: total
total: 1.3% of population (2022 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
0.4% (2020 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
59.3% (2020 est.)
Child marriage - women married by age 15
0% (2020)
Child marriage - women married by age 18
23.3% (2020)
Child marriage - men married by age 18
5.1% (2020)
Education expenditure - Education expenditure (% GDP)
2.9% of GDP (2024 est.)
Education expenditure - Education expenditure (% national budget)
9.8% national budget (2025 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - total
14 years (2023 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - male
15 years (2023 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - female
14 years (2023 est.)
People - note
destination and transit point for illegal Haitian immigrants bound for the Bahamas and the US
Government
Country name - conventional long form
none
Country name - conventional short form
Turks and Caicos Islands
Country name - abbreviation
TCA
Country name - etymology
the Turks Islands are named after the Turk's cap cactus, which is native to the islands and appears on the flag and coat of arms; the name Caicos may derive from caya hico , a phrase meaning “string of islands” in the Lucayan (Arawak) language, or from the Spanish word cayo , meaning "rock"
Government type
parliamentary democracy
Dependency status
overseas territory of the UK
Capital - name
Grand Turk (Cockburn Town)
Capital - geographic coordinates
21 28 N, 71 08 W
Capital - time difference
UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Capital - daylight saving time
+1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends first Sunday in November
Capital - etymology
named after Sir Francis COCKBURN, who served as governor of the Bahamas from 1837 to 1844
Legal system
mixed system of English common law and civil law
Constitution - history
several previous; latest signed 7 August 2012, effective 15 October 2012 (The Turks and Caicos Constitution Order 2011)
Citizenship
see United Kingdom
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch - chief of state
King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor Dileeni Daniel-SELVARATNAM (since 29 June 2023)
Executive branch - head of government
Premier Washington MISICK (since 19 February 2021)
Executive branch - cabinet
Cabinet appointed by the governor from among members of the House of Assembly
Executive branch - election/appointment process
the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the governor appoints the leader of the majority party as the premier
Legislative branch - legislature name
House of Assembly
Legislative branch - legislative structure
unicameral
Legislative branch - number of seats
21 (directly elected or appointed)
Legislative branch - electoral system
mixed
Legislative branch - scope of elections
full renewal
Legislative branch - term in office
4 years
Legislative branch - most recent election date
2/07/2025
Legislative branch - parties elected and seats per party
PNP (16); PDM (2); independents (1)
Legislative branch - percentage of women in chamber
27.3%
Legislative branch - expected date of next election
2029
Judicial branch - highest court(s)
Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and other judges, as determined by the governor); Court of Appeal (consists of the court president and 2 justices)
Judicial branch - judge selection and term of office
Supreme Court and Appeals Court judges appointed by the governor in accordance with the Judicial Service Commission, a 3-member body of high-level judicial officials; Supreme Court judges serve until mandatory retirement at age 65, but terms can be extended to age 70; Appeals Court judge tenure determined by individual terms of appointment
Judicial branch - subordinate courts
magistrates' courts
Judicial branch - note
note: appeals beyond the Supreme Court are referred to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London)
Political parties
People's Democratic Movement or PDM Progressive National Party or PNP
Diplomatic representation in the US
none (overseas territory of the UK)
Diplomatic representation from the US - embassy
none (overseas territory of the UK)
International organization participation
Caricom (associate), CDB, Interpol (subbureau), UPU
Independence
none (overseas territory of the UK)
Flag
description: blue with the UK flag in the upper-left quadrant and the colonial shield centered on the right half of the flag; the shield is yellow and displays a conch shell, a spiny lobster, and Turk's cap cactus
National symbol(s)
conch shell, Turk's cap cactus
National anthem(s) - title
"God Save the King"
National anthem(s) - lyrics/music
unknown
National anthem(s) - history
official anthem, as a UK overseas territory
Economy
Economic overview
British Caribbean island territorial economy; GDP and its tourism industry hit hard by COVID-19 disruptions; major biodiversity locale; US dollar user; fossil fuel dependent; negative trade balance; increasing unemployment
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024
$1.554 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023
$1.471 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022
$1.293 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - note
note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2024
5.6% (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2023
13.7% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2022
14.1% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - note
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2024
$33,400 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2023
$31,800 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2022
$28,200 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita - note
note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP (official exchange rate)
$1.745 billion (2024 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate) - note
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022
8.5% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2021
5% (2021 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2020
2.3% (2020 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - note
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - agriculture
0.4% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - industry
9.3% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - services
72.6% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - note
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Agricultural products
corn, beans, cassava (manioc, tapioca), citrus fruits; fish
Industries
tourism, offshore financial services
Industrial production growth rate
9% (2024 est.)
Industrial production growth rate - note
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Remittances - Remittances 2023
0% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances - Remittances 2022
0% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances - Remittances 2021
0% of GDP (2021 est.)
Remittances - note
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget - revenues
$247.3 million (2017 est.)
Budget - expenditures
$224.3 million (2017 est.)
Current account balance - Current account balance 2018
$172.709 million (2018 est.)
Current account balance - Current account balance 2017
$35.016 million (2017 est.)
Current account balance - Current account balance 2016
$247.081 million (2016 est.)
Current account balance - note
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports - Exports 2018
$826.824 million (2018 est.)
Exports - Exports 2017
$602.581 million (2017 est.)
Exports - Exports 2016
$741.173 million (2016 est.)
Exports - note
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Gabon 27%, USA 25%, Zimbabwe 17%, Czechia 8%, UAE 3% (2023)
Exports - partners - note
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
plastics, shellfish, carbonates, tobacco, garments (2023)
Exports - commodities - note
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports - Imports 2018
$544.219 million (2018 est.)
Imports - Imports 2017
$484.842 million (2017 est.)
Imports - Imports 2016
$438.041 million (2016 est.)
Imports - note
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
USA 73%, Dominican Republic 4%, Italy 3%, Japan 3%, China 2% (2023)
Imports - partners - note
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, cars, aluminum structures, furniture, plastic products (2023)
Imports - commodities - note
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Exchange rates
the US dollar is used
Energy
Electricity access - electrification - total population
99.9% (2022 est.)
Electricity access - electrification - urban areas
100%
Electricity access - electrification - rural areas
100%
Electricity - installed generating capacity
94,000 kW (2023 est.)
Electricity - consumption
252.088 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity - transmission/distribution losses
12.912 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - fossil fuels
98.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - solar
1.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Petroleum - refined petroleum consumption
3,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Communications
Telephones - fixed lines - total subscriptions
4,000 (2021 est.)
Telephones - fixed lines - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
9 (2022 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular - total subscriptions
25,085 (2004 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
110 (2004 est.)
Broadcast media
no local terrestrial TV stations; broadcasts from the Bahamas, multi-channel cable, and satellite TV available; state-run radio network operates alongside private broadcasters, with a total of about 15 stations
Internet country code
.tc
Internet users - percent of population
93.5% (2022)
Transportation
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
VQ-T
Airports
9 (2025)
Merchant marine - total
3 (2023)
Merchant marine - by type
general cargo 1, other 2
Ports - total ports
3 (2024)
Ports - large
0
Ports - medium
0
Ports - small
0
Ports - very small
2
Ports - size unknown
1
Ports - ports with oil terminals
1
Ports - key ports
Cockburn Harbor, Grand Turk, Providenciales
Military and Security
Military - note
defense is the responsibility of the UK
Transnational Issues
Refugees and internally displaced persons - refugees
8 (2024 est.)
Environment
Environmental issues
limited natural freshwater resources
Climate
tropical; marine; moderated by trade winds; sunny and relatively dry
Land use - agricultural land
1.1% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 1.1% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 0% (2022 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 0% (2022 est.)
Land use - forest
11.1% (2023 est.)
Land use - other
87.9% (2023 est.)
Urbanization - urban population
94.2% of total population (2023)
Urbanization - rate of urbanization
1.46% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - total emissions
447,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - from petroleum and other liquids
447,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)