The Atlantic archipelago that is an autonomous region of Portugal and has nine main islands is the Azores.
The Azores lie in the North Atlantic Ocean, roughly between Europe and North America. They are a volcanic island group divided into western, central and eastern clusters. The nine principal islands are Santa Maria, São Miguel, Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico, Faial, Flores and Corvo.
The Azores became an autonomous region of Portugal in 1976. They have their own regional government and legislature while remaining part of the Portuguese Republic and the European Union. Ponta Delgada is the largest city and the executive capital; Horta and Angra do Heroísmo also serve important governmental roles.
The Azores are often confused with Madeira because both are Portuguese autonomous regions. Madeira is a separate Atlantic archipelago, while the Canary Islands belong to Spain and Cape Verde is an independent country. The Azores’ volcanic origin is especially dramatic on Pico, home to Mount Pico, the highest point in Portugal.