Farallón Island, Uruguay facts for kids
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Isla Farallón
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Farallón Island as seen from Colonia del Sacramento.
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| Geography | |
| Location | Río de la Plata |
| Coordinates | 34°29′03″S 57°55′06″W / 34.48417°S 57.91833°W |
| Area | 1.5 ha (3.7 acres) |
| Length | 185 m (607 ft) |
| Width | 99 m (325 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Department | Colonia |
Farallón Island is a small island, also called an islet, that belongs to Uruguay. You can find it in the Río de la Plata, which is a very wide river, close to the city of Colonia del Sacramento. This island is especially known for its important lighthouse.
About Farallón Island
Farallón Island is quite small, measuring about 185 meters long and 99 meters wide. That's roughly the size of a couple of football fields! It sits in the middle of the Río de la Plata, which is a huge estuary where the Paraná River and Uruguay River meet the Atlantic Ocean. Its location makes it a key spot for ships traveling in this area.
The Important Lighthouse
One of the most important features of Farallón Island is its lighthouse. Lighthouses are tall towers with bright lights that help ships navigate safely, especially at night or in bad weather. They warn sailors about dangerous rocks or shallow waters and guide them into ports. The lighthouse on Farallón Island has been guiding ships for many years, making sure they can travel safely along the busy Río de la Plata. It's a crucial landmark for anyone sailing near Colonia del Sacramento.
A National Treasure
Farallón Island, along with another nearby island called San Gabriel Island, has been given a special status. Both islands have been declared a National Monument. This means they are protected because they are important for their history, nature, or culture. Protecting them helps make sure that their unique features, like the historic lighthouse and any natural wildlife, are preserved for future generations to enjoy and learn from. It's a way of recognizing their value to Uruguay.
