The Azores Islands are located in the Atlantic Ocean, about two hours flying time and 930 miles from Lisbon, and about five hours flying time and 2422 miles from the eastern coast of North America. The Azores have a total area of 910 square miles. The Azores sit atop of the Atlantic ridge and are of volcanic origin.

The Azores were discovered in 1427 by Goncalo Velho, a captain sailing under the command of Henry the Navigator. The colonization of the Islands started in 1439 with people from Portugal, North Africa, Flanders and Spain. There was no human life on the Azores at time of discovery. There are 9 major islands and 8 little Formigas.

The Azores are a Portuguese Autonomous Region, the executive section of the local authority has been located in Ponta Delgada, the legislative in Horta and the judicial in Angra do Heroísmo.

The President of the Regional Government is now Carlos César. There are five cities in the Azores: Ponta Delgada and Ribeira Grande on São Miguel Island; Angra do Heroísmo and Praia da Vitória on the island of Terceira, and Horta on the island of Faial.