British Virgin Islands Population 2026

Overview

The British Virgin Islands, a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean, has a relatively small but steadily growing population. With a 1-year growth rate of 1.25% in 2025, the territory adds roughly 490 people per year. Over the past decade, the average annual growth rate has been higher at 1.82%, indicating a period of sustained demographic expansion, likely driven by migration for employment in tourism and financial services. Classified as a high-income economy, the British Virgin Islands benefits from a strong financial sector, which attracts foreign workers and supports population growth despite the territory's limited land area. In the regional context of Latin America and the Caribbean, the British Virgin Islands is a minor contributor to the overall population, but its growth rate is notable compared to some larger, slower-growing nations in the region. The population is concentrated on the main islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke, with Tortola hosting the majority of residents. The 10-year average growth of 1.82% suggests that the territory has been experiencing moderate demographic expansion, influenced by both natural increase and net migration. As a high-income territory, it often attracts workers from other Caribbean nations, contributing to its demographic trends. The relatively small population size—ranking 209th globally—underscores its status as a microstate, yet its economic output per capita remains high.

Key Facts

• The population of the British Virgin Islands in 2025 is 39,471.
• The annual population growth rate for 2025 is 1.25%.
• Over the past 10 years, the population has grown at an average rate of 1.82% per year.
• The British Virgin Islands is the 209th most populous country or dependency globally.
• The territory is classified as a high-income economy within the Latin America & Caribbean region.
• With a 1-year growth rate of 1.25%, the population increases by approximately 490 people annually.