Why is the U.S. Virgin Islands not a state?


Why is the U.S. Virgin Islands not a state? They were sold to the United States by Denmark in the Treaty of the Danish West Indies of 1916. Now an organized, unincorporated United States territory, the islands are considered an insular area, which is a U.S. territory that is not related to any of the 50 U.S. states or the District of Columbia.


Who owns Virgin Islands?

History & Political Status In 1917, the United States purchased the Danish part for $25 million, mainly for strategic reasons to assure tranquility in the Caribbean Ocean. U.S. citizenship was conferred on U.S. Virgin Islanders in 1927.


Can I enter the U.S. Virgin Islands without a passport?

Passports for U.S. Citizens are NOT required for the U.S. Virgin Islands, but you must be prepared to show evidence of citizenship upon leaving the territory (such as a government issued photo ID or your passport). Citizens of countries other than the U.S. should follow U.S. travel regulations.


Is there 50 or 52 states in the US?

There are fifty (50) states and Washington D.C.The last two states to join the Union were Alaska (49th) and Hawaii (50th). Both joined in 1959. Washington D.C. is a federal district under the authority of Congress.