Tortola

Tortola is the largest and most populated of the British Virgin Islands, a group of islands which form part of the archipelago of the Virgin Islands. Tortola is 12 miles long and 3 miles wide.

Tortola is a mountainous island which was formed by volcanic activity; its highest peak is Mount Sage at 1750 feet. Tortola lies near an earthquake fault, and minor earthquakes are common.

The population of Tortola is roughly 14,000. The principal settlement is Road Town, the capital of the British Virgin Islands.

Tourism is the main source of income to the island. Visitors either arrive by boat or fly to Beef Island and drive across the short bridge to Tortola. White-sand beaches, such as Cane Garden Bay, are popular attractions.

You can find a map of Tortola at Caribbean-On-Line.com

Even though the British Virgin Islands (BVI) are under the British flag, the U.S. dollar is the official currency. The island is home to many offshore banking companies that do business worldwide.

The local music is called Fungi Band music (pronounced "foon-jee"). It comprises small ukulele guitars, 'bath-pan bass', a flute and 'shack-shack' made from the shell of a dried out gourd. The lead singers perform in the call and response singing pattern. The theme of the music ranges from love relationships to social issues affecting the people and government economy.