Tortola
Tortola (/tɔːrˈtoʊlə/) is the largest and most populated island of the British Virgin Islands, a group of islands that form part of the archipelago of the Virgin Islands. It has a surface area of 55.7 square kilometres (21.5 square miles) with a total population of 23,908, with 9,400 residents in Road Town. Mount Sage is its highest point at 530 metres (1,740 feet) above sea level.
Road Town on Tortola | |
Tortola The location of Tortola within the British Virgin Islands Tortola Tortola (Caribbean) | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Caribbean Sea |
| Coordinates | 18°25′24″N 64°37′05″W |
| Archipelago | Virgin Islands |
| Area | 55.7 km2 (21.5 sq mi) |
| Length | 19 km (11.8 mi) |
| Width | 5 km (3.1 mi) |
| Highest elevation | 530 m (1740 ft) |
| Highest point | Mount Sage |
| Administration | |
| British Overseas Territory | British Virgin Islands |
| Largest settlement | Road Town (pop. 9,400) |
| Demographics | |
| Demonym | Tortolian |
| Population | 23,491 (2010) |
| Pop. density | 429.23/km2 (1111.7/sq mi) |
| Additional information | |
| Time zone | |
| ISO code | VG |
Although the British Virgin Islands (BVI) are under the British flag, it uses the U.S. dollar as its official currency due to its proximity to and frequent trade with the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. The island is home to many offshore companies that do business worldwide. Financial services are a major part of the country's economy.
On 6 September 2017, the British Virgin Islands were extensively damaged by Hurricane Irma. The most severe destruction was on Tortola. News reports over the next day or two described the situation as "devastation".