Otoque Island facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Otoque Island
Isla de Otoque
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Otoque is a beautiful island located in the Gulf of Panama. It is part of the Taboga District in Panama. The island is not very big, covering an area of about 2.66 square kilometers. In the year 2000, about 130 people lived there.
The people living on Otoque Island today are a mix of different backgrounds. They live in two main areas: East Otoque and West Otoque. The main ways people make a living on the island are by fishing and growing their own food, which is called subsistence agriculture.
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Discovering Otoque Island
Otoque Island is a small but interesting place in the Pacific Ocean. It is known for its quiet lifestyle and natural beauty. The island's location in the Gulf of Panama makes it a special part of the country's geography.
Where is Otoque Island?
Otoque Island is found in the Gulf of Panama, which is a large body of water off the coast of Panama. It is part of the Taboga District, a group of islands and coastal areas. This district is known for its islands, including the popular Taboga Island.
How Big is Otoque Island?
The island of Otoque is relatively small. It has a total area of 2.66 square kilometers. To give you an idea, that's about the size of 266 football fields! Its small size means that communities are close-knit.
A Look at Otoque's History
Otoque Island has a long and interesting history. It was first home to native people long before European explorers arrived. These early inhabitants had their own leaders and ways of life.
Early Inhabitants
Long ago, Otoque Island was home to different groups of indigenous people. These groups were led by important chiefs. Some of these chiefs were known as Careta, Tatalao, and Estivá. They lived on the island and had their own cultures and traditions.
Facing the Spanish Conquerors
When the Spanish explorers arrived in the Americas, they also came to the islands in the Gulf of Panama. The native people of Otoque Island, led by their chiefs, bravely defended their land. They fought against the Spanish conquerors who tried to take control. This was a challenging time for the island's original inhabitants.
Life on Otoque Island Today
Today, the population of Otoque Island is a mix of different cultures and backgrounds. The people live in two main communities on opposite sides of the island. These communities are called East Otoque and West Otoque.
The Island's People
The people living on Otoque Island today are a blend of different ancestries. This mix reflects the island's history and the various groups who have settled there over time. The communities are often close-knit, with families living near each other.
How People Make a Living
The economy of Otoque Island is mainly based on two traditional activities. These activities help the islanders support themselves and their families.
Fishing
Fishing is a very important part of life on Otoque Island. The waters around the island are rich with marine life. Islanders go out in boats to catch fish, which they use for food and sometimes to sell. This has been a way of life for generations.
Growing Food
Another key activity is subsistence agriculture. This means that people grow crops mainly for their own families to eat. They might grow fruits, vegetables, or other plants on small farms. This helps them to be self-sufficient and provides fresh food.
