The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is a British overseas territory whose Governor is appointed by the Queen on the advice of the British Government. Defence and Foreign Affairs are the responsibility of the United Kingdom. The Chief Minister and members of the legislative council are elected as the head of the government. The Executive Council is nominated by the Chief Minister and appointed by the Governor. The unicameral Legislative Council has 13 members. Elections in 2003 were deemed free and fair.

The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, consisting of the High Court of Justice and the Court of Appeal along with the Magistrate's Court and the Juvenile Court, make up an independent judiciary.

The economy is dependent on tourism and financial services. Freedom of speech and of the press are guaranteed. There are no public broadcasters in the British Virgin Islands, and all TV and radio stations are operated privately. International TV services are widely available via cable and satellite, and Internet access is not restricted.
The government is taking steps to deal with a growing drug problem.

Education is compulsory and free in public schools. There are also private primary schools. Students may enrol in Distance Learning courses at the regional University of the West Indies. Scholarships are available for students to attend secondary schools.

A 2-year programme begins at age 3. At this level 100% of education is private. The net enrolment rate (NER) is 81%. All 49 teachers working at this level are women. The pupil/teacher ratio (PTR) is 14 : 1.

Education is compulsory for ages 5 to 16. Primary school begins at age 5 and continues for 7 years. At this level 19% of education is private. The NER is 95% (48% female). 4% of students repeat grades. 203 teachers (94% female) work at this level, of whom 82% are trained. The PTR is 14 : 1.

Secondary education begins at age 12 and is completed in 7 years. 2% of students in lower secondary and 40% in upper secondary education study in technical vocational programmes. The NER is 80%. 9% of students repeat grades. There are 184 secondary teachers, 114 (62% female) in lower secondary and 70 (79% female) in upper secondary. 69% of secondary teachers are trained. The PTR in lower secondary is 9 : 1 and in upper secondary 11 : 1.

277 tertiary-level students studying abroad, mainly in the USA (145), Jordan (56), the UK (50), Germany (8) and Canada (7).

Services for children with special needs are provided through a centre operating within the Ministry of Education and Culture. A group of volunteers provides meals and helps arrange medical care. A vocational rehabilitation programme offers services to the community to generate income to cover the participants' salaries and materials. Social Security Invalidity Benefits are payable to persons permanently incapable of work. There is little information on people with disabilities, and no clear national policy or legislation promoting their rights.

No information is available on the situation of refugees. Reports indicate that Haitians have been deported back to Haiti because their documents were false.

83% of the population is Afro-Caribbean. Other ethnic groups include those of British and other European origin, with smaller groups of Indian and Lebanese citizens accounting for the balance.

Reports do not indicate any restrictions of academic freedom.

The role and status of women have improved, especially in the areas of employment, education and health. Figures from the Ministry of Education and Culture indicate that women were awarded 63.9% of all scholarships, mostly for studies in business, education and medical care.

Reports indicate that more instances of domestic violence are reported but few result in charges being brought against offenders, in part because of women's reluctance to press charges and the perception among some police officers that domestic violence is a private affair in which the state should not interfere.

Reports do not provide information on the development of trade unions in this territory