Who Lives in Turks and Caicos?

The overall population of Turks and Caicos has almost doubled in the last 10 years to 47,754 people in 2013. Turks and Caicos has a 2.87% calculated growth rate. The Turks and Caicos Islands are home to roughly 7,000 natives colloquially known as “belongers.” The remaining population is made up of expatriates who have established residency or work in the islands.Most of the residents of Turks Caicos are from the United Kingdom, France, Haiti, Canada, the Dominican Republic, and Scandinavia. African Americans make-up a majority of the population at 87.6%, and then Caucasians follow with 7.6%. The 4.8% remaining population consist mostly of mixed races and Indians.People ages 25-54 years of age comprise 53.5% of the overall population, while those aged 0-14 years make up 22.3%. The average age for a resident of Turks and Caicos is 31 years.

A major portion of the population works in government, agriculture, or financing. Along with these 3 main positions, tourism makes up a large portion of the overall population size. About 283,000 people visit the islands every year.

The capital of the Turks and Caicos Islands is Grand Turk with a population of 6,000 people. Government employment plays a major role in the economy of Turks and Caicos; 33% of the population holds a government position.

Agriculture is another major source of income here. 20% of people are employed within the agriculture field. The main forms of agriculture here include corn, beans, cassava, citrus fruits, and fish.

The Turks and Caicos Islands primarily obtain broadcast news and overall information from the Bahamas. All of the on-air radio stations in Turks and Caicos are run by the government with a private broadcaster. There are 15 total radio stations today varying in content and audience.

Turks and Caicos tourism and overall population continues to grow. There are a total of 8 airports and/or airfields throughout the islands. There are two international airports: Providenciales International Airport (PLS) and Grand Turk Island Airport (GDT).