Atlantic, 1,300km (780 miles) due west of Portugal.

GMT - 1 (GMT from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

2,333 sq km (900 sq miles).

244,000 (2007).

104.6 per sq km.

São Miguel: Ponta Delgada; Faial: Horta; Terceira: Angra do Heroismo.

The Azores are a widely separated group of nine islands in the Atlantic, due west of mainland Portugal. The islands are Corvo, Faial, Flores, Graciosa, Pico, Santa Maria, São Jorge, São Miguel and Terceira. The islands are mountainous in the interior and forested, leading down to long beaches and fishing harbours. There are several hot springs and spas.

220/110 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are in use.