📍 Location & Geography
St. Thomas is one of the three main islands that make up the U.S. Virgin Islands, an unincorporated territory of the United States. It is located in the Caribbean Sea, approximately 1,100 miles southeast of Miami, Florida. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and mountainous terrain. The capital city of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Charlotte Amalie, is located on St. Thomas.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates for St. Thomas are approximately 18.3 degrees North latitude and 64.9 degrees West longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
St. Thomas is part of the Caribbean region. It covers an area of approximately 32 square miles, making it the second-largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands. The island is divided into three large districts: East End, West End, and Northside.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2010 U.S. Census, the population of St. Thomas was approximately 51,634. The island is known for its diverse culture, with residents of African, European, and American descent. The majority of the population speaks English, though Spanish and Creole are also spoken by some residents.
🏛️ History
St. Thomas was originally inhabited by the Ciboney, Carib, and Arawak tribes. Christopher Columbus sighted the island on his second voyage to the New World in 1493. It was later colonized by the Danish in the 17th century and served as a major center of the Atlantic slave trade. The United States purchased the Virgin Islands from Denmark in 1917.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
St. Thomas is known for its rich biodiversity. The island is home to numerous species of tropical plants, birds, and marine life. Coral reefs surround the island, providing habitats for a variety of fish and other sea creatures. The island’s climate is tropical, with average temperatures ranging from 77 to 83 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.
🏫 Education
Education on St. Thomas is overseen by the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Education. The island has several public and private schools, including elementary, middle, and high schools. Higher education is offered by the University of the Virgin Islands, which has a campus on St. Thomas.
🚧 Transportation
St. Thomas is served by the Cyril E. King Airport, the busiest airport in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The island also has a well-developed road network, with both public buses and taxis available for transportation. Ferries provide transportation to the other Virgin Islands and to the British Virgin Islands.
📜 Trivia & Events
St. Thomas is known for its vibrant culture and hosts several annual events, including the St. Thomas Carnival, one of the largest festivals in the Caribbean. The island is also home to Blackbeard’s Castle, a national historic landmark said to have been used by the infamous pirate. Additionally, St. Thomas is a popular destination for cruise ships, with hundreds of ships docking at the island’s port each year.