Fernando de Noronha is an archipelago belonging to Brazil. It lies in the South Atlantic, about 360 kilometres from Brazil’s northeastern coast, and is administered as part of Pernambuco state.
The archipelago contains 21 islands, islets, and rocks, but only the main island is permanently inhabited. Portuguese explorers encountered it in 1503, and it was named after Fernão de Loronha, the merchant who financed the expedition. The islands later served as a prison colony and military outpost.
Fernando de Noronha is famous for clear water, dolphins, sea turtles, seabirds, and volcanic scenery. Around 70 percent of the archipelago became a national marine park in 1988. UNESCO added it, together with nearby Rocas Atoll, to the World Heritage List in 2001.
A common mix-up is confusing Fernando de Noronha with an independent Brazilian state or with nearby Atlantic territories. It is a special state district within Pernambuco, not a separate country or overseas possession.