chief island of the British overseas territory of the Turks and Caicos Islands, in the West Indies north of Hispaniola. The territorial seat of government is at Cockburn Town, directly across Turks Island Passage from the port of Cockburn Harbour, on South Caicos Island. Traditionally the chief economic resource was the production of salt by evaporation of seawater in artificial basins, but the industry became increasingly unprofitable and ceased in the 1960s. The export of seafood, including spiny lobster and conch, has become one of the island's top economic activities after tourism and offshore banking. Area 6.7 square miles (17.4 square km). Pop. (2006 est.) 5,718.