one of the Virgin Islands, West Indies, belonging to Great Britain, N. Lat. 18.24°, W. Long. 64.32°, between Virgin Gordà and St John's. It is 12 miles long by 4 broad, and is chiefly occupied by a chain of steep and rugged mountains, about 1600 feet high, stretching from end to end. On the north side is a harbour, on which stands Tortola, the chief town. The island has an unhealthy climate, and exports sugar, molasses, rum, copper, &c. Tortola is the most important of the Virgin Islands, and the seat of the lieutenant-governor and the administrative council (consisting, since 1854, of 6 elective and 3 non-elective members) of the group. It came into British possession in 1666. Pop. 4600.