“The islands are part
of the European Union and run the Euro.
Parts of the islands
are UNESCO World Heritage.”
The Azores form an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean and consist of in total 9 inhabited islands, divided over 3 groups, the western islands Corvo and Flores, the central islands Faial, Graciosa, Terceira, Sao Jorge and Pico, and the eastern islands Sao Miguel and Santa Maria, which together form an autonomous region of Portugal. The islands are part of the European Union and run the Euro.
The Azores have 3 major cities on 3 different islands, between which the main powers are divided. Ponta Delgada is the largest city in the Azores and is located on the largest island São Miguel, which is also where the executive power is located. Consequently, most political parties have their headquarters here. Angra do Heroismo on Terceira is the formal capital, as well as ecclesiastical capital, home to the highest members of the Catholic Church. The legal power, the Assembleia Legislativa, resides in Horta, Faial.
Parts of the islands are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Angra do Heroismo and the vineyards on Pico are unquestionably special. The islands of Sao Jorge, Flores, Corvo and Graciosa have been designated biosphere reserves in their entirety.
