Orango facts for kids
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Native name:
Orango
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Orango in the Uno Sector
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| Geography | |
| Location | Atlantic Ocean |
| Coordinates | 11°07′N 16°08′W / 11.12°N 16.13°W |
| Archipelago | Bijagós Archipelago |
| Area | 272.5 km2 (105.2 sq mi) |
| Length | 22.5 km (13.98 mi) |
| Width | 22.5 km (13.98 mi) |
| Administration | |
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Guinea-Bissau
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| Region | Bolama |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 1,250 (2009) |
Orango is a large island located off the coast of Guinea-Bissau in Africa. It is one of the many islands that make up the Bijagós Archipelago. Orango is about 60 kilometers (37 miles) away from the mainland.
This island is the biggest in the Bijagós group, covering an area of 272.5 square kilometers (105 square miles). In 2009, about 1,250 people lived on Orango. The largest village on the island is called Eticoga.
Orango and its nearby islands, including Imbone, Canongo, Meneque, and Orangozinho, are all part of the Orango National Park. The island is especially known for its unique saltwater hippopotamuses. Orango was also once the home of a powerful leader named Okinka Pampa, who ruled until her death in 1930.
Unique Marriage Traditions
The people of Orango have developed some very special marriage traditions. These customs are unique because women play a very important role in proposing marriage.
How Proposals Work
When a woman wants to propose marriage, she makes her choice known to the man and the rest of the community. She does this by offering him a dish of specially prepared fish. This fish is marinated in red palm oil.
According to tradition, if the man eats the fish, it means he accepts the proposal. It is considered a great dishonor to refuse the offer once it has been made.
Building a New Home
The marriage becomes official several months after the proposal. During this time, the bride-to-be builds a new home for the couple. She does this all by herself, without any help from the groom. The houses are typically built using materials found on the island, like driftwood, blond grass, and mud bricks.
Modern Changes
In recent years, the traditional ways of Orango have faced challenges from outside influences. These influences include new economic opportunities and different religious ideas. Many men now travel to the mainland to work. When they return, they bring back new items and different ways of thinking.
Also, both men and women on the island have started to adopt religious practices introduced by Protestant missionaries. These new religious beliefs have also led to some changes in the island's traditional marriage customs.
