Pico is a constituent republic of Atlantic Region.
| Pico Republic | |
|---|---|
| Pico Island | |
| Constituent Republic of Vekllei | |
 |
|
| Part of the Atlantic Region | |
| Population | 18,013 |
| Demographics | 90% Azorean · 6% European · 2% African · 2% other |
| Accession | 1976, as part of the Azores Delegation |
| Area | 444.97 km² |
| Capital | Madalena |
| Languages | English, Portuguese |
The Pico Republic is a constituent republic of the Commonwealth in the Atlantic Ocean, sitting in the central group of the Azores archipelago. The island is dominated by Pico Mountain, which rises 2,351 metres above sea level to become the highest peak in all of the country. The mountain is an active stratovolcano that last erupted in 1720, but the mountain remains active and continues to release volcanic gases.
The settlements of the island hug the coastline in a narrow strip along the base of the mountain, where the volcanic soil has been broken into smallholdings separated by walls of black basalt stone. These distinctive currais are a Commonwealth National Treasure where generations of Piquenses have cultivated grapevines for wine cultivation. These wines, particularly the white Verdelho, have earned them an international reputation for quality and are a central part of the republic’s economy and identity.
Pico is an island of three towns. The first, Madelana, is its capital and largest, and sits on the western shore facing nearby Fayal. São Roque, on the northern coast, serves as the primary winemaking town and has substantial industry there for that purpose alongside 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 (an industry that ceased practice long ago). All three are picturesque and easily visited in a day.
Pico’s interior is mostly uninhabited and densely forested. Following the mountain up a kilometre, the forest gives way to volcanic scree and alpine vegetation. The highland here is marked by ancient lava tubes, some of which extend unmapped for kilometres beneath the surface. Because they are cool year-round, they were traditionally used for storing wine and cheese. Today they are mostly of scientific interest. The people of the republic retain a strong connection to the sea despite their terrestrial economy, and fishing for tuna and grouper supplement small amounts of lamb and dairy.
The republic has a narrow, tedious coastal road that circles the island and a good tram that visits each town and the base of the mountain. The trams also move wine and livestock. Visitors arrive at the island by ferry and mostly commute on foot or by bicycle around town, many 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 changes in weather. Most locals speak Portuguese, with English generally understood.
- Electronic Components
- Fish
- Glass
- Grains
- Grapes
- Milk
- Molasses
- Palm Oil
- Plastics
- Pulses
- 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.
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
| Occupation | Share | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture, Land & Sea | 14.7% | 1,823 |
| Healthcare | 10.4% | 1,282 |
| Domestic | 9.1% | 1,126 |
| Education | 9.1% | 1,123 |
| Skilled Trades & Construction | 7.6% | 946 |
| Transport | 6.5% | 807 |
| Government & Civil Administration | 5.5% | 682 |
| Arts & Media | 5.3% | 651 |
| Industry | 4.7% | 587 |
| Retail, Distribution & Logistics | 4.7% | 576 |
| Hospitality & Participatory Trades | 4.4% | 546 |
| Security & Defence | 3.9% | 476 |
| Sport & Recreation | 3.2% | 393 |
| Economic Planning | 2.8% | 344 |
| Law & Justice | 2.1% | 260 |
| Science & Research | 1.9% | 229 |
| Energy & Resources | 1.7% | 212 |
| Information & Communications | 1.7% | 210 |
| Religious & Ceremonial | 0.8% | 102 |
- 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.
- Viticulture Contracts Office Alco 180
- Pico Vineyard Inn Atlantic Hotel 30
- Airlink Pico Marine Station Commonwealth Airways 25
- Madalena Harbour Railway CommRail 310
-
1982
Remaining Azores territories accede, including Costa Verde, Fayal, Flores, Graciosa, Maria, Mira, Pico, Porto Santo, Terceira, and Velas