Tortola
Tortola is the largest island in the British Virgin Islands, a group of Caribbean islands that are a British Overseas Territory. It covers about 55.7 square kilometers (21.5 square miles) and is roughly 19 kilometers (12 miles) long and 5 kilometers (3 miles) wide. The highest point is Mount Sage at 530 meters (1,740 feet).
About 23,900 people live on Tortola, and Road Town, the capital, has about 9,400 residents. The island uses the US dollar as its official currency. Its economy relies on financial services and offshore companies, along with tourism.
History in brief: Tortola’s name likely comes from Dutch origins. English settlers built sugar plantations that used enslaved Africans. Slavery ended in 1834, and over time the sugar industry declined. An 1867 earthquake affected the island, and in 2017 Hurricane Irma caused major damage, with the UK offering aid for recovery.
Government: Tortola is part of the British Virgin Islands. The territory has a Governor, a Premier (Andrew Fahie), and a 14-member House of Assembly.
Getting there and around: Tortola is served by Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island, connected to Tortola by a bridge. Ferries link Tortola with St. Thomas and St. John. Taxis and boats are common for getting around.
Beaches and activities: The northern coast has popular beaches such as Smuggler’s Cove and Cane Garden Bay. Visitors enjoy swimming, sailing, surfing, scuba diving, windsurfing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. The island is a frequent stop for cruise ships.
Notable: Tortola is home to many offshore companies; Citco, a large hedge fund administrator, is based there.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 15:31 (CET).