Group of nine islands in the N Atlantic,
belonging to Portugal; area 2,247 sq km/867
sq mi; population (1987) 254,000. They are 
outlying peaks of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and
are volcanic in origin.  The capital is Ponta
Delgada on the main island, San Miguel.
Portuguese from 1430, Azores were granted
partial autonomy 1976, but remain a
Portuguese overseas territory. It has a
separatist movement.  The Azores command the
Western shipping lanes.

Subject by: Russell Webb