Geography: The Turks and Caicos islands lie some 575 miles southeast of Miami - about 1 1/2 hours flying time - with the Bahamas about 30 miles to the northwest and the Dominican Republic some 100 miles to the southeast. The country of Turks and Caicos totals 166 square miles of land area spread over 8 islands and 40 small cays.

Population: Approximately 25,000

Language: English

Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time

Currency: U.S. dollars. Travelers checks and major credit cards are widely accepted.

Economy: Historically the country relied on the export of salt. Currently tourism, the offshore finance industry and fishing generate the most private sector income. The island's main export is Conch and Lobster.

Entry Requirements: Passports are required.

Internet: Unlimited usage, high-speed wireless internet access is available at the villa.

Electricity: 120/240 volts, 60 Hz, suitable for all U.S. appliances.

Medical Services: No endemic tropical diseases exist in the Turks and Caicos Islands. There are numerous private general practitioners on Providenciales as well as an emergency care facility. A small hospital is located on Grand Turk. In medical emergencies patients are flown to full-service hospitals in Miami or Nassau via air ambulance.

Crime: The Turks & Caicos Islands have the lowest crime rate and the highest crime-solved rate in the Caribbean.