340

The 340 area code is unique as it is assigned to the United States Virgin Islands, distinguishing it in the Caribbean telecommunications landscape. International Assignment: Unlike many area codes that are part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) and pertain to the United States or Canada, the 340 area code is specifically allocated to the United States Virgin Islands, a group of islands in the Caribbean that are an unincorporated territory of the United States. This assignment facilitates direct dialing to the U.S. Virgin Islands from other countries within the NANP, allowing calls to be made without the international long-distance charges typically associated with calls outside the NANP. Territorial Coverage: The 340 area code covers the entire territory of the United States Virgin Islands, which includes the main islands of Saint Thomas, Saint John, Saint Croix, and several smaller islands. Having a single area code for the entire territory simplifies telecommunications across these diverse and dispersed islands. Economic and Cultural Significance: The U.S. Virgin Islands, known for their stunning natural beauty and as a popular tourist destination, rely heavily on effective telecommunication systems for their economic well-being. The 340 area code plays a critical role in this regard, facilitating seamless communication for businesses, residents, and the large number of tourists who visit the islands. It supports various sectors, including tourism, finance, and services, which are vital to the territory's economy. These key facts about the 340 area code highlight its crucial role in the telecommunications infrastructure of the United States Virgin Islands, supporting not just local and international communication but also bolstering the territory's economy and connectivity in a globally connected world.