Geography
The archipelago of the Azores has nine islands in the Atlantic Ocean and the island of Corvo is the smallest with only 17km2 of total surface, with 4km in length and 6km in width. About 500 people live on the island of Corvo, the only town is Vila do Corvo, where the airport is located.
Along with the neighboring island of Flores located only 18km away, Corvo is technically located on the North American tectonic plate. These two islands form the Western Group of the archipelago.
The highest point of Corvo is 720m high.
Economy
Like its sister Flores island, Corvo develops farming and fishing in the first centuries.
Whale hunting was also practiced in Corvo after the influence of American whalers. Between 1886 and 1890 they hunted one whale per year. The population will increase to more than 1,000 inhabitants at that time. In the 20th century, there was no longer fishing activity, the population will migrate to the United States and Canada for a life with better conditions. The harbor on the island of Corvo served to dock the boats of Flores. And Corvo’s lookouts, strategic points for spotting whales, were used until the end of the whaling times in Flores, in 1981.
Two years later, the aerodrome of Corvo is inaugurated, facilitating contact with the rest of the archipelago. There are regular routes with Flores, Faial and Terceira islands.
Nowadays, the most important local source of wealth is cattle breeding.