Chinijo Archipelago facts for kids
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Native name:
Archipiélago Chinijo
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Lanzarote, La Graciosa, Montaña Clara and Alegranza from above
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Map of Chinijo Archipelago
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| Etymology | Small archipelago |
| Geography | |
| Location | Atlantic Ocean |
| Total islands | 5 |
| Area | 40.9 km2 (15.8 sq mi) |
| Coastline | 54.435 km (33.8243 mi) |
| Administration | |
| Autonomous Community | Canary Islands |
| Province | Las Palmas |
| Island | Lanzarote |
| Municipality | Teguise |
| Largest settlement | Caleta de Sebo (pop. 730) |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 734 (2018) |
| Languages | Spanish, specifically Canarian Spanish |
| Additional information | |
| Time zone |
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| • Summer (DST) | |
The Chinijo Archipelago (pronounced "chee-NEE-ho") is a group of small islands in the Atlantic Ocean. It is located just north of Lanzarote, one of the Canary Islands in Spain. This archipelago includes five islets: Montaña Clara, Alegranza, La Graciosa, Roque del Este, and Roque del Oeste.
Only La Graciosa is inhabited, with about 700 people living there. The name "Chinijo" means "small" in the local language. This perfectly describes these tiny islands. The archipelago is managed by Lanzarote and is part of the Teguise municipality.
Contents
Discovering the Chinijo Archipelago
What is the Chinijo Archipelago?
An archipelago is a group or chain of islands. The Chinijo Archipelago is the smallest of the Canary Islands. It covers an area of about 40.9 square kilometers (about 15.8 square miles).
The five islands that make up the Chinijo Archipelago are:
- La Graciosa: The only island where people live.
- Alegranza: Known for its large volcanic crater.
- Montaña Clara: A small island with a distinctive mountain.
- Roque del Este: A tiny, rocky islet.
- Roque del Oeste: Another small, rocky islet.
Why is it called Chinijo?
The word chinijo is a special word used by people in the Canary Islands. It means something small or tiny. So, the "Chinijo Archipelago" simply means the "Small Archipelago." This name fits perfectly because these islands are much smaller than the main Canary Islands.
Protecting Nature: A Special Park
The Chinijo Archipelago is a very important place for nature. In 1986, it was made a natural park called Parque natural del Archipiélago Chinijo. This park protects the islands and the waters around them.
The natural park covers about 91.12 square kilometers (about 35.18 square miles). It also includes part of the rocky northern coast of Lanzarote, known as los riscos de Famara. This area is home to many unique plants and animals.
A Home for Birds and Marine Life
The waters around the Chinijo Archipelago are also protected. There is a special marine reserve here. This means fishing and other activities are carefully controlled to protect sea creatures.
In 1994, the European Union named the area a Special Protection Area for birds. Many different kinds of birds live or visit these islands. This makes it a very important place for birdwatching and studying wildlife.
Life on La Graciosa
La Graciosa is the only inhabited island in the Chinijo Archipelago. About 730 people live there. The main settlement is called Caleta de Sebo. Life on La Graciosa is quiet and peaceful. There are no paved roads, and people often get around by walking or cycling. The island has beautiful sandy beaches and clear waters.
See also
In Spanish: Archipiélago Chinijo para niños
