A very small (pop. 36,000) British colony, geographically part of the Bahamas group. They were first settled from Bermuda in 1678 and were ruled from Jamaica from 1874 until 1959.

They remain a colony mainly because no agreement has been made to transfer them to any other sovereignty and are too small to exist in independence. In the long run if a Caribbean political entity develops along the lines of the European Community these islands might become a territory.

At least since 1917 there have been proposals that the islands be transferred to Canada, perhaps as a Territory rather than as a Province. Many of the tourists who visit the islands, especially in the winter, are Canadian. At present both the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of police are Canadian citizens. This union might happen.

Creole

English

British Overseas Territory with some measure of local government (but a high level of local corruption).

It was reported in March 2009 that the local government was to be superseded by the Governor because of financial corruption. This was implemented in August 2009. The British Foreign Office says it will be temporary while legal proceedings take place.

Since then the British Department of International Development has been trying to control the budget deficit.

But in the long run the question arises whether this territory should be added to the Bahamas - itself rather corrupt.

The whole situation may illustrate the limits of sovereignty. How far can such a small number of people be a sovereign body without a supervising government, as in a federation. A number of the small islands of the Caribbean are also in this situation, in danger of being manipulated by such people as a Texas financier (name if he is convicted), as in Antigua.

The Canadian solution may look attractive.

Banking, drug smuggling and tourism.

The coasts might be suitable sites for Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion plants to produce non-carbon emitting energy, fresh water and mitigation of Hurricanes.

Islanders were awarded full British citizenship on 21 May 2002. However, British citizens do not have the right to move there.