The Azores is an archipelago and an overseas autonomous region of Portugal. It covers about 600 km² and has about 250,000 inhabitants. The archipelago lies in the Atlantic Ocean and is the outermost territory of the European Union. The Azores consist of 9 inhabited islands of volcanic origin: São Miguel, Pico, Terceira, São Jorge, Faial, Flores, Graciosa, Corvo. There are also 4 biosphere reserves and 2 important UNESCO World Heritage sites (the town of Angra de Heroísmo on Terceira and the wine-growing cultural landscape on Pico). The Azores are located in a subtropical climate zone, and thanks to the influence of the Gulf Stream, large temperature fluctuations are not common. The Azores were formerly known for whaling, which has been banned for more than 20 years now. However, you can learn about this former tradition at the local Whaling Museum.