The Azores (Açores) is a Portuguese archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, about 930 miles from Lisbon and about 2,400 miles from the east coast of North America. The Monchique Islet on Flores Island is regarded as the westernmost point in Europe, even though from a geographical standpoint, the two westernmost Azorean islands (Flores and Corvo) actually lie on the North American Continental plate. The current Azores' main industries are tourism, cattle raising for milk and meat, and fishing.

The Azores were discovered about 1427 by the Portuguese navigator Diago de Silves. Portugal secured the islands in the 15th century and established the first settlement, on Santa Maria, about 1432. From 1580 to 1640 the Azores were subject to Spain.

A U.S. naval base was established at Ponta Delgada in 1917. After World War II, the islands acquired a renewed importance as a refueling stop for transatlantic air transport. The United States maintains defense s in the Azores as part of the collective security program of NATO. Since 1976 the Azores are an Autonomous Region with a regional government and parliament. ENJOY!!

Languages: Portuguese
Religions: Roman Catholic
Status: Azores Autonomous Region
Currently uses the Euro

Today’s selection is a 1905 issue of 10 Mil Reis Ouro

(Front) Luis de Camoes at left, two figures and globe at lower center, ships at right. (Back) Infante D. Henrique at upper left. Overprint: MOEDA INSULANA with large ACORES. Watermark: A. de Albuquerque. Book Value $250.00