Azores

(azõrz,) or WESTERN ISLANDS. [Po. Açores.] A group of 9 islands in the N. Atlantic Ocean-St. Mary, St. Michael, Terceira, Graciosa, St. George, Pico, Fayal, Flores, and Corvo, between Lat. 36°57′ and 39° 45' N., and Lon. 24° 55′ and 31° 15′ W., belonging to Portugal. They are of volcanic origin, with steep and rugged coasts, and abounding with deep ravines and lofty mountains, the highest of which is the cone of Pico, 7,613 feet above sea. Climate temperate and healthy; soil extremely fertile. The A. were first colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th cent., and form now a colonial govt., of which the C. is Angra in Terceira.. Pop. 343,571. [s. 65]