The Azores are a group of Islands belonging to Portugal, in the middle of th Atlantic Ocean,
about 800 nautical miles (1500 km.) west of Portugal. The nine islands can be divided in to
three groups: the eastern group consisting of Sant Maria and Sao Miguel, the central group
consisting of Graciosa, Terceira, Sao Jorge, Pico and Faial and the western group consisting
of Corvo and Flores. The distance between the most western and most eastern island is more
than 300 nautical miles (600 km.). The Azores are located on the mid-Atlantic ridge and
are of vulcanic origin. The highest point on the Azores (on the island Pico) is 2351 metres.
The Azores are located at the star in the map below.