Pico Island Pico Island Pico Island ("Ilha do Pico," ), is an island in the Central Group of the Portuguese Azores. The landscape features an eponymous volcano, Ponta do Pico, which is the highest mountain in Portugal, the Azores, and the highest elevation of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. In the tradition of the Portuguese poet, Raul Brandão, Pico is referred to as the Ilha Preta ("Black Island"), for its black volcanic earth, responsible for its UNESCO-designated historical vineyards that allowed the development of the island. After depositing herds on the island in the first half of the 15th century, the first colonies were
Regional Junta of the Azores the elected seats. Within each mandate (each island) the distribution of seats would be made by the Hondt method, which benefited minorities. The Regional Junta was extinguished with the establishment of the first Regional Government of the Azores, on 9 September 1976, wherein all the competencies, property and responsibilities were transferred to its title. Regional Junta of the Azores The Regional Junta of the Azores () was the governing body created under Decree-Law 458-B/75 (22 August 1975), to substitute the Civil Governors of the autonomous districts of Ponta Delgada, Angra do Heroísmo and Horta and their individual General Juntas ().