Maria is a constituent republic of Atlantic Region.
| Maria Republic | |
|---|---|
| Island of Santa Maria | |
| Constituent Republic of Vekllei | |
 |
|
| Part of the Atlantic Region | |
| Maria is especially known for its white grapes, which are distinct to the discerning palette from those of Terceira or Graciosa. | |
| Population | 28,443 |
| Demographics |
88% Azorean 7% European 3% African
2% other
|
| Economy | Livestock & dairy Food & drink, Fisheries & shipping |
| Produces | Wine, Fish, Tuna, Dairy, Cheese |
| Working week | 18.8 hours |
| Specialisation | Agriculture, Land & Sea |
| Accession | 1982, as part of the Azores Delegation |
| Area | 96.87 km² |
| Capital | Porta |
| Languages | English, Portuguese |
The Maria Republic is a constituent republic of the Commonwealth at the southeastern corner of the Azores archipelago, and the oldest and southernmost island of the group. It presents a distinct appearance from its neighbours – strokes of amber and white across round hills rather than volcanic green pasture, and its cliffs are bleached pale by its sunny and dry climate. It was uninhabited at the time of Portuguese settlement, who arrived some time in the 1430s, but has received migrants from the Algarve and Mediterranean islands since.
Unlike the rest of the Azores, Maria is not volcanic, which manifests in obvious ways throughout the landscape. Its geology is older and its terrain less dramatic, giving wide and gentle space for agriculture. Maria retains many historic vineyards, some over 500 years old, which are scattered down the southwest coast where they produce a rounder, less mineral wine than its volcanic neighbours. It is especially known for its white grapes, which are distinct to the discerning palette from those of Terceira or Graciosa. The waters around the island are rich with marlin and tuna, which are mostly exported domestically. In fact, the republic produces most of its own food.
Maria is historically and contemporaneously agricultural and has little in the way of major industries. It was a regular waypoint for transatlantic crossings, a history that carries on in modernised form with its large port and airport that distribute much of the region’s bulk cargoes to the smaller islands of the archipelago. The airport also serves the Littoral Service, which bases long-range patrol aircraft there.
The capital, Porta, is a modest port town somewhat dwarfed by its harbour, with a few good cafes and a specialist hospital built under federalisation. It offers tourists conventional Portuguese colonial attractions, including a pretty church and shaded plazas, but the interior is very pastoral and charming. Most of the island’s residents work in agriculture, fishing, logistics or the public service, which is outsized for an island of its population.
- Adhesives
- Petroleum
- Electronic Components
- Glass
- Wheat
- Grapes
- Paper
- Plastics
- Timber
Climate
Drier and sunnier than the rest of the Azores. Mild year-round, with warm summers and cool winters. Very little frost; occasional summer droughts.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 17° 12° 17° 12° 17° 12° 18° 13° 20° 14° 22° 16° 24° 18° 25° 19° 25° 19° 22° 17° 20° 15° 18° 13°
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun 17° 12° 17° 12° 17° 12° 18° 13° 20° 14° 22° 16° Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 24° 18° 25° 19° 25° 19° 22° 17° 20° 15° 18° 13°
Public Holidays
- New Year’s Day 1 Jan
- Republic Day 12 Feb
- Good Friday
- Easter
- Commonwealth Day 1 May
- Azores Day 1 Jun
- St. John’s Day 24 Jun
- Assumption Day 15 Aug
- All Saints Day 1 Nov
- Feast of Imm. Con. 8 Dec
- Christmas Day 25 Dec
- Santa Maria Airport: The largest airfield in the Azores, operated jointly by civilian services and the [[Littoral Service]].
- Baía de São Lourenço: The island’s principal natural bay, with ochre cliffs and calm swimming water.
- Praia Formosa: A long beach of amber sand on the north coast, formed by the island’s sedimentary geology.
- Anjos Village: Small village on the island’s northwest coast, historically significant as a waypoint for Columbus on his return voyage in 1493.
- Agriculture, Land & Sea 13.4%
- Education 10.1%
- Skilled Trades & Construction 9.5%
- Domestic 9.3%
All 19 groups
Hide table
- Agriculture, Land & Sea 13.4%
- Education 10.1%
- Skilled Trades & Construction 9.5%
- Domestic 9.3%
| Occupation | Share | Posts |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture, Land & Sea | 13.4% | 4,660 |
| Education | 10.1% | 3,520 |
| Skilled Trades & Construction | 9.5% | 3,300 |
| Domestic | 9.3% | 3,240 |
| Healthcare | 9.3% | 3,230 |
| Industry | 6.5% | 2,250 |
| Government & Civil Administration | 5.5% | 1,910 |
| Arts & Media | 5.4% | 1,860 |
| Transport | 4.9% | 1,720 |
| Security & Defence | 4.5% | 1,580 |
| Retail, Distribution & Logistics | 4.1% | 1,440 |
| Sport & Recreation | 3.2% | 1,110 |
| Economic Planning | 3.1% | 1,060 |
| Hospitality & Participatory Trades | 2.6% | 890 |
| Law & Justice | 2.2% | 780 |
| Science & Research | 2.0% | 710 |
| Information & Communications | 1.8% | 640 |
| Energy & Resources | 1.5% | 540 |
| Religious & Ceremonial | 1.0% | 360 |
Register estimates of posts located in the republic, rounded; figures under 50 suppressed. Includes 100 posts held by non-residents.
-
2025
Common University opens to students on Maria
-
1982
Remaining Azores territories accede, including Costa Verde, Fayal, Flores, Graciosa, Maria, Mira, Pico, Porto Santo, Terceira, and Velas
-
1493
Columbus stops at Anjos Village on Maria during his return voyage, establishing the island as a trans-Atlantic waypoint
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c.1430
Santa Maria becomes the first permanently inhabited island of the Azores, settled by Portuguese colonists from the Algarve