| Name: |
Turks & Caicos Islands
(Pronounced KAY-KOS).
 |
Capital:
|
Cockburn Town, Grand Turk
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| Area: |
Turks and Caicos are two island groups separated by a 22-mile passage; the Caicos to the west and the Turks to the east, comprise about 40 islands and cays.
193 square miles.
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| Population: |
14,000
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| Primary Islands: |
Grand Turk, 7 square miles and Providenciales (Provo), 37.5 square miles.
|
| Airport: |
Grand Turk, Providenciales, South Caicos
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| Entry Requirements: |
Visitors from the U.S. and Canada require proof of citizenship such as a passport, birth certificate or voter registration card, and photo identification plus a return ticket. Airport departure tax for stay-over visitors is $15.
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| Customs: |
Arriving passengers are allowed one quart of liquor or two bottles of wine, 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or eight ounces of tobacco duty free.
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| Telephone: |
The area code for the Turks and Caicos Islands is 649, then dial the full 7-digit number.
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| Electricity: |
110v, 60 cycles
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| Transportation: |
Taxis are available at the airports and hotels and can be hired for an agreed rate. Several car rental companies are represented on Provo and Grand Turk. Driving is on the left. Scooters, bicycles and buggies may be rented.
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| Temperature: |
Temperatures average around 85 degree, winter 72 - 80 degrees
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| Visibility: |
Underwater visibility of 200 feet
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| Beach: |
230 miles of white, powdery beaches
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| Language: |
English
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| Currency: |
U.S. dollar
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| Government: |
British Crown colony with a stable ministerial government
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| Sports: |
The 72-par Provo Golf Club is considered among the best in the Caribbean.
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| Recreation: |
Watersports abound on the islands with an endless choice of snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, boating and swimming. On land activities include tennis, cycling, horseback riding, bird and whale watching, and shopping.
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| Nightlife: |
Hotels maintain current information on performing local bands, discos and evening boat cruises. Port Royal Casino at the Turquoise Reef Resort is also popular.
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| Dining: |
The variety of cuisine ranges from tree-ripened mangoes to gourmet dining on Providenciales. Local seafood specialties include conch, spiny lobster and fish. Mexican, French, Chinese, German and Italian dishes are also available.
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| Sightseeing: |
The Turks and Caicos Islands National Museum on Grand Turk contains elements of one of the most important underwater archaeological discoveries in the western hemisphere, the Molasses Reef Wreck, as well as remains from the oldest Lucayan Indian site.
The Caicos Conch Farm on Providenciales teaches visitors how conchs are bred and harvested.
The Conch Bar Caves on Middle Caicos, formed by erosion of the limestone, were a sacred sight to the ancient Lucayan Indians.
Wades Green on North Caicis was the second largest Loyalist plantation on the island and today the site is designated for historical and architectural studies.
Cheshire Hall on Provo is a National Historic Site. The ruins are comprised on the Main House, the overseer's house and some unidentified structures as well as the grounds surrounding these buildings. Visitors can learn about the Loyalist period in the Turks & Caicos Islands. |
