17 Tantalizing Facts about Turks and Caicos
1. There are more uninhabited islands here than there are inhabited.
Turks and Caicos is an archipelago of around 40 islands (although only 8 are inhabited) in the Atlantic Ocean.
2. There’s no border neighbors.
As an archipelago, this country has no borders. Its nearest countries are Puerto Rico to the southeast, Dominican Republic and Haiti to the south, Jamaica to the southwest, Cuba to the west and the Bahamas and USA to the northwest and north.
3. Here’s the call code for Turks and Caicos.
Want to call your family or friends here? You’ll need to use the international dialing code, +1649.
Flag of Turks and Caicos
4. And here’s your compass stats!
If you fancy topping up your tan, enjoy a spot of diving or a week of fishing, set your boat for Turks and Caicos! The coordinates for which are 21.7500° N, 71.5833°
5. The land lies low here.
The terrain here is low, flat limestone islands, some with mangrove swamps and extensive marshes.
6. The area is absolutely tiny.
The total land area of the Turks and Caicos Islands is 161 square miles (417 square kilometers).
7. There are very few people who live here, too!
Turks and Caicos’s population was 38,718 in 2020.
8. What’s the capital of Turks and Caicos?
The capital is Cockburn Town which has a population of 4,831 (2012).
9. Life is long and lovely out here.
The average life span here is 80.1 sun kissed years. (2018)
10. The weather’s absolutely wonderful.
Turks and Caicos enjoys a tropical marine climate, with sunny, hot and relatively dry weather. Perfect!
11. It’s one of the sunniest places on Earth.
On average, there are 350 days of sunshine in Turks and Caicos! Not bad, eh?
12. There’s no border neighbors.
During the summer months, the water temperature here is around 82 degrees Fahrenheit! Just right for swimming!
13. Grab a shell or two!
Turks and Caicos is home to the only commercial conch farm in the world!
14. Whale you’re at it…
If you’re a nature lover, head to Turks and Caicos to watch the annual Humpback whale migration!
15. There’s no need to learn new lingo.
The official language of Turks and Caicos is English.
A conch
16. USD works well here!
Despite being a British overseas territory, the US Dollar is the official currency here.
17. Here’s some export and industry facts.
The people of Turks and Caicos grow beans, corn, citrus fruits and cassava and they also catch fish.
The industry here consists of tourism and offshore financial services.
Turks and Caicos exports lobster, fresh and dried conch and conch shells.
FAQs about Turks and Caicos
Is it safe to head out to Turks and Caicos?
On the whole, yes - but safety levels are generally lower than you’d expect on the US mainland.
Who owns Turks and Caicos?
The region is still owned by Britain - technically - though it is actually internally governed.
Can you drink the water in Turks and Caicos?
Yes - it’s safe - but we've heard it tends not to be the tastiest!
Do you know any fun facts about Turks and Caicos Islands? Share them in the comments below!
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This page was last modified on July 30, 2023. Suggest an edit
