Turks and Caicos Islands Introduction - 2023

GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES 

Background

The islands were part of the UK's Jamaican colony until 1962, when they assumed the status of a separate Crown colony upon Jamaica's independence. The governor of The Bahamas oversaw affairs from 1965 to 1973. With Bahamian independence, the islands received a separate governor in 1973. Although independence was agreed upon for 1982, the policy was reversed and the islands remain a British overseas territory. Grand Turk island suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Maria on 22 September 2017 resulting in loss of power and communications, as well as damage to housing and businesses.

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Definitions and Notes

NOTE: The information regarding Turks and Caicos Islands on this page is re-published from the 2023 World Fact Book of the United States Central Intelligence Agency and other sources. No claims are made regarding the accuracy of Turks and Caicos Islands 2023 information contained here. All suggestions for corrections of any errors about Turks and Caicos Islands 2023 should be addressed to the CIA or the source cited on each page.