Pico is a constituent republic of Atlantic Region.
| Pico Republic | |
|---|---|
| Pico Island | |
| Constituent Republic of Vekllei | |
 |
|
| Part of the Atlantic Region | |
| It is a striking island shaped almost entirely by Pico Mountain, the highest peak in the country at 2,351 metres. | |
| Population | 18,013 |
| Demographics |
90% Azorean 6% European 2% African
2% other
|
| Economy | Orchards & fruit Livestock & dairy, Food & drink |
| Produces | Wine, Grapes, Mandarins, Peaches, Cherries |
| Working week | 18.8 hours |
| Specialisation | Agriculture, Land & Sea |
| Accession | 1982, as part of the Azores Delegation |
| Area | 444.97 km² |
| Capital | Madalena |
| Languages | English, Portuguese |
The Pico Republic is a constituent republic of Vekllei in the Atlantic Ocean, in the middle of the Azores archipelago. It is a striking island shaped almost entirely by Pico Mountain, the highest peak in the country at 2,351 metres. Although the mountain last erupted in 1720, it is still an active stratovolcano and releases volcanic gases near its summit.
Most of its towns are crowded into a narrow strip along the base of the mountain. Walls of black basalt stone divide the volcanic soil there into tiny plots known as currais, and protect the vines from wind and salt spray. The currais are a Commonwealth National Treasure, and generations of Piquenses have grown grapes inside them. The island is famous for its wines, particularly the white Verdelho, which has an international reputation for quality. The vineyard cooperatives of Pico also have purchase agreements with Alco.
Pico is an island of three towns, the largest of which is its capital of Madalena on the western shore facing Fayal. São Roque, on the northern coast, is the main winemaking town and also has some fish processing and boat repair. Lajes do Pico, on the southeastern coast, has diminished substantially in the Commonwealth period and is most famous for its whaling museum. All three are picturesque and easily visited in a day.
The interior is mostly uninhabited and densely forested. As the terrain climbs past about a kilometre, the forest thins out into volcanic scree and alpine plants. Up here is a network of ancient lava tubes, many of them unmapped and some running for kilometres beneath the surface. The largest is Grota das Torres, which has walkways for visitors. Because the tubes stay cool year-round, Piquenses traditionally kept their wine and cheese in them, though today they are mostly of interest to scientists.
Piquenses are not just farmers, however, and retain a strong connection to the sea. Its fishermen catch a lot of tuna and grouper, and Piquenses supplement their diet with small amounts of lamb and dairy. Whaling once defined life on the island, and since it ended visitors can see many whales from the boats that leave São Roque marina. The island also grows a lot of mandarins, peaches and cherries, and produces some honey and rum.
A narrow and tedious coastal road circles the island, but the republic also has a good tram that visits each town and the base of the mountain. The tram carries wine and livestock as well as passengers. Visitors arrive by ferry from Fayal and mostly get around town on foot or by bicycle. Many are drawn by day hikes up the mountain. Summiting Pico Mountain is a much more substantial task, and unprepared hikers can be caught out quickly by the fickle weather.
Most locals speak Portuguese, and English is generally understood. Most visitors come in summer for the wine and the mountain. In winter, locals tend the vineyards and repair the stone walls. Pico is also famous for its white-walled inns, which house travellers in exchange for a bit of help around the vineyards.
- Electronic Components
- Fish
- Glass
- Wheat
- Grapes
- Milk
- Molasses
- Palm Oil
- Plastics
- Beans
- Rare Earths
- Salt
- Sheep
- Sugar
- Timber
Climate
Maritime temperate with significant variation by altitude. Coastal areas experience mild temperatures year-round with frequent fog, while the mountain peak endures alpine conditions including snow in winter.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 17° 12° 16° 12° 17° 12° 18° 13° 19° 14° 22° 16° 24° 19° 25° 20° 24° 19° 22° 17° 19° 15° 18° 13°
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun 17° 12° 16° 12° 17° 12° 18° 13° 19° 14° 22° 16° Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 24° 19° 25° 20° 24° 19° 22° 17° 19° 15° 18° 13°
Public Holidays
- New Year’s Day 1 Jan
- Carnival
- Good Friday
- Easter
- Espirito Santo
- Commonwealth Day 1 May
- Republic Day 29 Jun
- Azores Day 1 Jun
- Corpus Christi
- Assumption Day 15 Aug
- All Saints Day 1 Nov
- Feast of Imm. Con. 8 Dec
- Christmas Day 25 Dec
- Pico Mountain: The highest peak in the Atlantic Ocean, offering challenging climbs and spectacular views across the archipelago from its summit crater.
- Casa Conventual dos Carmelitas: Carmelite convent in Madalena. Accepts visitors by invitation.
- Grota das Torres: The longest lava tube in Portugal at 5.1km, featuring impressive geological formations and maintained walkways for visitors.
- Whalers’ Museum: Comprehensive collection in Lajes do Pico preserving the island’s whaling heritage through boats, equipment and oral histories.
- Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture: UNESCO World Heritage site of distinctive basalt-walled vineyards creating a unique geometric pattern across coastal slopes.
- Lagoa do Capitão: Crater lake in the highlands offering peaceful hiking and birdwatching away from coastal settlements.
- Wine Route: Network of producers offering tastings of Verdelho and other local wines in traditional adegas (wine cellars).
- São Roque Marina: Modern harbour facilities supporting fishing fleet and serving as departure point for whale watching expeditions.
- Agriculture, Land & Sea 12.4%
- Healthcare 11.0%
- Skilled Trades & Construction 9.8%
- Domestic 9.7%
All 19 groups
Hide table
- Agriculture, Land & Sea 12.4%
- Healthcare 11.0%
- Skilled Trades & Construction 9.8%
- Domestic 9.7%
| Occupation | Share | Posts |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture, Land & Sea | 12.4% | 2,700 |
| Healthcare | 11.0% | 2,400 |
| Skilled Trades & Construction | 9.8% | 2,130 |
| Domestic | 9.7% | 2,110 |
| Education | 9.6% | 2,100 |
| Industry | 7.2% | 1,560 |
| Government & Civil Administration | 5.9% | 1,280 |
| Arts & Media | 5.6% | 1,220 |
| Transport | 4.7% | 1,030 |
| Security & Defence | 4.1% | 900 |
| Retail, Distribution & Logistics | 3.4% | 740 |
| Sport & Recreation | 3.4% | 740 |
| Economic Planning | 3.0% | 650 |
| Law & Justice | 2.2% | 490 |
| Hospitality & Participatory Trades | 2.1% | 470 |
| Science & Research | 2.0% | 430 |
| Information & Communications | 1.8% | 390 |
| Energy & Resources | 1.3% | 290 |
| Religious & Ceremonial | 0.9% | 190 |
Register estimates of posts located in the republic, rounded; figures under 50 suppressed. Includes 60 posts held by non-residents.
-
1982
Remaining Azores territories accede, including Costa Verde, Fayal, Flores, Graciosa, Maria, Mira, Pico, Porto Santo, Terceira, and Velas
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1720
Pico Mountain last erupts on Pico