Where are the Azores Located
The Azores are an archipelago consisting of 9 volcanic islands. The Azores are one of the two autonomous regions of Portugal (the other is Madeira, which is also an archipelago). The nine major Azores islands are clustered into three main groups. Flores and Corvo are to the west, Graciosa, Terceira, São Jorge, Pico and Faial in the center and São Miguel, Santa Maria and the Formigas Reef to the east. The population of these islands is about 247,000 and São Miguel has the largest population at 137,000. The islands stretch for more than 600km (370mi) and have about 2,333 km2 (901 sq mi) total land area. Let’s find out where these islands are located.
Where are the Azores islands located?
The Azores are located approximately 1,500 km (930 mi) west of Portugal and about 3,900 km (2,420 mi) due east of the North American coast (the islands are virtually directly west of New York City). The islands and about 1,100,000 km2 of the surrounding area is also included in the exclusive economic zone of Portugal. This means that Portugal retains the rights to the use and exploration of marine resources in this area.
The following is a map showing the exact location of the Azores.
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This map shows the exclusive economic zone of Portugal.
Did you know?
The highest point in Portugal is Mount Pico, which is on the island of Pico. It stands at 2,351 m (7,713 ft). The last eruption of this volcano occurred in 1718.
The history of the Azores is the subject of much debate. It is thought that they may have been known to sailors as early as the 1300’s, but the official discovery is usually credited to Gonçalo Velho Cabral in 1431 or Diogo de Silves in 1427.
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