turks and caicos

The Turks and Caicos Islands are a British Overseas Territory consisting of two groups of tropical islands in the Lucayan Archipelago of the Atlantic Ocean and northern West Indies. The territory includes the larger Caicos Islands and the smaller Turks Islands. These islands are located southeast of Mayaguana in the Bahamas and north of Hispaniola (Haiti and the Dominican Republic). The capital is Cockburn Town, situated on Grand Turk island. Geographically, the territory covers a total land area of about 430 square kilometers (170 square miles) and features low, flat limestone islands with marshes, mangrove swamps, and beaches. The climate is tropical savannah, with temperatures fairly consistent year-round, and the islands enjoy around 350 days of sunshine annually. The main natural resources include spiny lobster, conch, and other shellfish. Turks and Caicos is widely known for tourism, including luxury resorts, beautiful beaches like Grace Bay Beach, snorkeling with sharks and sea turtles, and biodiversity with various endemic species. The islands' history includes indigenous Taíno inhabitants, European colonization, and a colonial relationship under British governance. The island groups are separated by the Turks Island Passage. The Turks Islands include Grand Turk and Salt Cay, while the Caicos Islands feature several inhabited islands like Providenciales and Middle Caicos. The islands are also recognized for their significance in marine biodiversity and conservation efforts. In summary, Turks and Caicos is a tropical island destination with historical, ecological, and tourism importance, under British Overseas Territory status, located near the Bahamas and the Caribbean region.