Area code 340 serves the U.S. Virgin Islands, including St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John. It was created in 1997 from a split of area code 809, which once covered most Caribbean territories in the North American Numbering Plan. The 340 area code provides localized dialing for both personal and business telecommunications throughout the U.S. territory. It plays a key role in tourism, government, and international commerce. 340 is an essential part of regional identity and communication infrastructure for the U.S. Virgin Islands.