| 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.
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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.
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 (ponounced "foon-jee".
It comprises small ukelelee 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.
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