San Antonio de Palé facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
San Antonio de Palé
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The town with Annobón Airport to the right
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Location of San Antonio de Palé on the island of Annobón
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| Country | Equatorial Guinea |
| Province | Annobón |
| Elevation | 0 m (0 ft) |
| Population
(2015 Census)
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| • Total | 5,314 |
San Antonio de Palé is the main town and capital of Annobón. Annobón is a small island that belongs to Equatorial Guinea. It was once part of the Spanish Empire in Africa.
The town has been known by other names like St Antony, São Antonio de Praia, and Palea. In 2015, about 5,314 people lived there. Most of them speak a language called Annobonese Creole.
Contents
Where is San Antonio de Palé?
San Antonio de Palé is located on the northern tip of Annobón island. This part of the island is the driest and flattest area. It's a key spot for the island's activities.
What can you find there?
The town is home to several important places. You can find the Annobón Airport there, which connects the island to the outside world. There is also a dock for boats, a hospital, and a school. A lighthouse helps guide ships, and a radio station keeps people connected. There is also a Catholic mission.
A Brief History of the Town
San Antonio de Palé was first started by Portuguese explorers. It became an important place for teaching Christianity to runaway slaves from Angola. These were people who had escaped slavery and found a new home on the island.
Early Missionaries and Spanish Rule
In 1580, missionaries from religious groups called Capuchin and Carmelite came to the town. They made it their base to spread their faith.
In 1778, Annobón island, including San Antonio de Palé, officially became part of the Spanish territory. However, the people living on the island did not want Spanish rule. They fought back and managed to remove Spanish control for many years. This lasted until the late 1800s.
British Influence and the Slave Trade
In 1801, the British built a small fort in San Antonio de Palé. Later, in 1827, Spain allowed Britain to use the area around the town as a base. This base was used to try and stop the slave trade, which was the buying and selling of people.
For most of the 1800s, San Antonio de Palé remained a small village. It only had a basic church. Over time, it grew into the capital it is today.
See also
In Spanish: San Antonio de Palé para niños
