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.
Turks and Caicos Population: 21,152 (July 2006 est.)
Economy - overview: The Turks and Caicos economy is based
on tourism, fishing, and offshore financial services.
Most capital goods and food for domestic consumption are
imported. The US is the leading source of tourists,
accounting for more than half of the annual 93,000
visitors in the late 1990s. Major sources of government
revenue also include fees from offshore financial
activities and customs receipts.
Communications Telephones -
lines in use: 5,700 (2002)
mobile cellular: 1,700 (1999)
Telephone system: general assessment: fully digital
system with international direct dialing domestic: full
range of services available international: country code -
1-649; 2 submarine cables; satellite earth station - 1
Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)
Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 7, shortwave 0 (2004)
Television broadcast stations: 0 (broadcasts from The
Bahamas are received; 2 cable television networks) (2004)
Internet users: 1,488 (2005)