About the Turks & Caicos Islands
 
The Turks and Caicos Islands consist of eight islands and about 40 cays that are located at the southeastern end of the Bahama chain, 575 miles southeast of Miami and 90 miles north of the island of Hispaniola . The islands are generally flat, with rolling hills, and the highest elevation can be found on Grand Turk at 163 feet.

The islands were first settled by the Taino Indians, later known as the Lucayans, centuries before Christopher Columbus became the first European to discover them. Claimed at various times by the Spanish, French and English, the islands are rich in history. They were well-known to the Caribbean pirates of the 17th and 18th centuries, to British Loyalists fleeing America after the revolution and to whalers in the 19th century. From the 1600s to the mid-1900s production of sea salt, known in the islands as "white gold," was the main source of income.
 
Today, tourism provides the primary source of revenue for the Turks Islanders, who are noted for their friendly and good-natured hospitality. Only the continent of Australia and the Caribbean coast of Central America boast larger coral reef systems than the Turks & Caicos, making it one of the premier diving destinations in the world.
 
Sport fishing is another major attraction; bonefish, marlin, tuna, wahoo and other prized fish are abundant in the crystal clear waters. Championship golf, tennis, international shopping, numerous restaurants and nightclubs, museums and historical sites are other attractions.