Minho facts for kids

Minho or Miño is a name that can mean different things, often related to places in Portugal and Spain. It can also refer to a person or even a volcano! Let's explore some of the most common meanings of this interesting name.

The Minho River: A Natural Border

The Minho River (called Miño in Spanish) is a very important river in Europe. It flows for about 340 kilometers (211 miles) from its source in Galicia, a region in northwestern Spain. For a long stretch, this river forms a natural border between Spain and Portugal before it finally empties into the Atlantic Ocean.

The Minho River is known for its beautiful landscapes, green valleys, and rich history. Many towns and villages are built along its banks. People use the river for fishing, and its waters help grow grapes for famous wines in the region.

Other Rivers Named Minho

Did you know there's another river called Minho far away from Europe? The Rio Minho is the longest river in Jamaica, a country in the Caribbean. It flows for about 92.8 kilometers (57.7 miles) and is an important water source for the island.

Places in Portugal and Spain

The name Minho or Miño is used for several places, especially in Portugal and Spain, because of the Minho River.

Regions in Portugal

• Minho Province: This was a historical province in northern Portugal. It was known for its green landscapes, traditional villages, and strong cultural identity. Even though it's not an official province anymore, people still refer to the area as Minho.
• Alto Minho: This is a modern subregion in northern Portugal, created in 2008. It includes several municipalities and is known for its natural beauty and historical towns.

Towns and Areas in Spain

Several towns and areas in Spain also carry the name Miño, often because they are located near the Miño River or have historical connections to it. Some examples include:

• Miño, A Coruña: A municipality in the province of A Coruña, Galicia.
• Miño de Medinaceli: A municipality in the province of Soria, Castile and León.
• O Baixo Miño: This means "Lower Miño" and is a comarca (a type of administrative division) in the Galician province of Pontevedra.

Miño Volcano: A Peak in Chile

Far away in South America, in Chile, there is a mountain called Miño Volcano. This volcano is a stratovolcano, which means it's a tall, cone-shaped volcano built up by many layers of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash. It's located in the Andes Mountains and is part of a chain of volcanoes in the region.

Minho: A Character from The Maze Runner

For fans of books and movies, Minho is also a popular character from The Maze Runner series by James Dashner. In the story, Minho is one of the main characters and the Keeper of the Runners. He is known for his bravery, leadership, and incredible speed as he explores the dangerous maze.

See also

• Mino (disambiguation)