Special Sub-Topic: Azores Click Here To Play: Azores

Administratively, the Azores have three capital cities. Which of the following is not one of the capital cities of the Azores?

Santa Cruz da Graciosa. Ponta Delgada, located on São Miguel Island, is the most populous city in the Azores and the location of the presidency of the Regional Government. Angra do Heroísmo is the largest city on Terceira Island and is the location of the Supreme Court of the Azores. Horta is the largest city on Faial Island and is the location of the Legislative Assembly of the Azores.

Within the Azores there are nine major islands and eight smaller islands. What is the collective name for the eight smaller islands?

Formigas. In 1988 the Formigas were deemed a nature reserve by the Portuguese government. The word formigas means ants in Portuguese, so named because there are so many tiny islets.

Along with the Azores, what other archipelago is considered an Autonomous Region of Portugal?

Madeira. The Portuguese Republic consists of Continental Portugal, the Azores and Madeira. Madeira was given autonomous status on July 1, 1976.

Which world leader sent a fleet to the Azores in 1583 to quell an uprising that was trying to establish a pretender to the Portuguese throne?

Philip II of Spain. Philip II of Spain ruled as King Philip I of Portugal from 1580 to 1598. In 1588 he sent the Spanish Armada which battled unsuccessfully against the English.

What name was given to the Portuguese Civil War fought from 1828 to 1834 between the liberals and the absolutists that established Terceira Island as the new government headquarters?

Liberal Wars. The liberals won the war and established the new government in the Azores at Angra do Heroísmo on Terceira Island. The Liberal Wars has also been called The War of the Two Brothers (in view of the dispute between Miguel I of Portugal and Pedro IV of Brazil) and The Miguelite War.

What long-time Portuguese dictator leased bases on the Azores to the Allied Forces from 1943 to 1945?

António de Oliveira Salazar. The Allies' use of the bases on the Azores is considered an important strategic element in the Allies' eventual victory in the Battle of the Atlantic. Before 1943 the Portuguese government had allowed German U-boats to refuel in the Azores.

What mountain in the Azores contains the highest point in all of Portugal?

Mount Pico. Mount Pico, located on Pico Island, rises to an altitude of 7,713 feet (2,351 meters) above sea level. Mount Pico last erupted in 1720.

The nine major islands of the Azores are divided into three main groups. Which of the following is not one of the three groups?

Southern Group. The Eastern Group (Grupo Oriental) consists of São Miguel, Santa Maria and Formigas Islets. The Central Group (Grupo Central) consists of Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico and Faial. The Western Group (Grupo Ocidental) consists of Flores and Corvo.

What bird of prey, the symbol of the Azores, is pictured near the center of the flag of the Azores?

Goshawk. The Goshawk has a wingspan of about four feet and it is the largest bird of the genus Accipiter. The flag of the Azores is the same as the flag of Portugal from the years 1830 to 1910 with the exception that the Goshawk replaced the Portuguese coat of arms.

The motto of the Azores "Antes morrer livres que em paz sujeitos" can be found on the Coat of Arms. What does this phrase translate to in English?

Rather die free than in peace be subjugated.. These words sound similar to Patrick Henry's "Give me Liberty, or give me Death" speech. The Coat of Arms of the Azores also contains nine stars, a goshawk, two bulls and two flags.