Turks and Caicos Islands (redirected from Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands)

Turks and Caicos Islands (kī`kōs), dependency of Great Britain (2005 est. pop. 20,600), 166 sq mi (430 sq km), West Indies. There are more than 30 cays and islands, of which only six are inhabited. The islands are geographically a southeastern continuation of the Bahamas. The capital is at Cockburn Town on Grand Turk. Lobster and conch are primary exports; the economic mainstays are offshore banking and tourism. There is also an underground economy based on the transportation of illegal narcotic drugs. The population is largely of African descent. The islands are governed under a constitution that came into effect in 2006. A governor represents the British monarch, who is head of state; the government is headed by a premier, who is chosen by the majority party or coalition in the 21-seat unicameral council. The islands were first visited by Europeans in 1512 when Ponce de León landed there.

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Turks and Caicos Islands

British dependency (pop., 2002 est.: 18,738), West Indies. It comprises two small island groups at the southeastern end of The Bahamas. The Turks group includes Grand Turk, Salt Cay, and lesser cays. The Caicos group includes South Caicos, East Caicos, Middle (or Grand) Caicos, North Caicos, Providenciales, West Caicos, and several smaller cays. The seat of government is at Cockburn Town on Grand Turk Island. When Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León visited in 1512, the islands were inhabited by Indians. British colonists from Bermuda arrived in 1678. The islands were at first placed under the government of The Bahamas, but in 1874 they were annexed to the colony of Jamaica. The Turks and Caicos Islands became a crown colony in 1962 and shared a governor with The Bahamas from 1965 to 1973. A new constitution was adopted in 1988. The chief industries are tourism and offshore financial services.