About the Azores
The Azores archipelago is located in the North Atlantic Ocean, about two hours flying time and 1500km from Lisbon (Portugal), and about five hours flying time and 3900km from the east coast of North America.
It is composed of nine volcanic islands separated by deep waters with scattered seamounts. The islands are divided into three groups: the Eastern Group of São Miguel and Santa Maria; the Central Group of Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico and Faial; and the Western Group of Flores and Corvo.
The archipelago is an autonomous region of the Portuguese Republic and covers a total land surface of 2,333km2 and a total population of about 240,000 inhabitants. The population is predominantly Roman Catholic and popular festivals are living proofs of the people’s religious spirit.
Since they were first settled in the 15th century, each island has developed at a different speed. They are all verdant, peaceful, diverse and extremely beautiful, with small rural houses, green pastures and grazing cows, lush gardens, forests, impressive volcanic landscapes and an incredible deep blue sea – an unique pace of life in which there is time to stop and appreciate living.
The archipelago lies from 37º - 41º N and 25º - 31º W in the North Atlantic Ocean, extending more than 480km along a northwest-southeast trend and crossing the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. (esta frase deve aparecer como legenda do mapa dos açores)