Orangozinho
Orangozinho in the Bubaque Sector | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Atlantic Ocean |
| Coordinates | 11°07′11″N 15°55′54″W / 11.11979°N 15.93155°W |
| Archipelago | Bijagós Archipelago |
| Area | 107 km2 (41 sq mi) |
| Length | 19 km (11.8 mi) |
| Width | 11.8 km (7.33 mi) |
| Administration | |
Guinea-Bissau | |
| Region | Bolama |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 706 (2009) |
Orangozinho (Portuguese meaning Little Orango) is an island in the southern part of the Bijagos Archipelago, in Guinea-Bissau. It is part of the Bubaque sector in the Bolama Region. With an area of 107 km2 (41 sq mi), the island is part of the Orango National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The island's terrain is low-lying with extensive mangrove and savannah ecosystems. As of 2009, the island supported around 706 Bijagó people, living in matriarchal, animist communities. The economy is based on fishing, small-scale agriculture, and tourism.
Geography
Orangozinho island is located in the southern part of the Bijagos Archipelago, in Guinea-Bissau. It is part of the Bubaque sector in the Bolama Region. With an area of 107 km2 (41 sq mi), the island measures 19 km (12 mi) by length and 11.8 km (7.3 mi) by width, and had a 131 km (81 mi) long coastline.[1][2]
Neighbouring islands are Bubaque to the north, Roxa or Canhabaque to the northeast, Meneque to the west and Canogo to the northwest. Along with the nearby islands, it is part of the Orango National Park.[3][4] The Bijagós archipelago is located along the deltaic system of the Geba River, encompassing mangroves, mudflats, savannas, and tidal zones across numerous islands. [5] The island is predominantly flat, with a mean elevation of 8 m (26 ft) and maximum altitude around 18 m (59 ft), characterized by plains and tidal wetlands. Nearly 48% of the island has a tree cover, chiefly consisting of dense mangrove forests.[2] Inland areas amongst grasslands, lagoons, and palm groves, reflect the typical landscape.[6]
Demographics and economy
As of 2009, the island had a population of 706, most of them in the largest village of Wite.[7] The population consists entirely of the Bijagó ethnic group, speaking native Bijagó languages and Guinea‑Bissau Creole.[8] The society is matriarchal, with women playing pivotal roles in decision‑making, property rights, and marriage rituals.[9]
Subsistence fishing in coastal and tidal waters is the main occupation, accompanied by shellfish and crab harvesting. [10] Small-scale agriculture includes rice cultivation, tubers and vegetables, and palm tree cultivation for oil.[11] Ecotourism is gradually emerging, driven by Orango Park initiatives that offer guided wildlife and cultural tours.[12]
References
- ^ "Orangozinho". United Nations Environment Programme. Retrieved 16 November 2018.
- ^ a b "Ilha de Orangozinho: geography, area & coastline". World‑Islands. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ "Quadro nacional da biotecnologia e biosegurança da Guiné-Bissau" (PDF). March 2008. p. 33.
- ^ "Orango National Park composition & size". Bio‑Guinea. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ "Bijagós archipelago ecosystems and designation". BirdLife International. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ "Protected areas in Guinea Bissau". Bio‑Guinea. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ "População por região, sector e localidades por sexo censo 2009" (PDF). Instituto Nacional de Estatística Guiné-Bissau. Retrieved 1 June 2010.
- ^ "Indigenous communities & languages" (PDF). World Bank. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ "Bijagó community structure & religion". Bio‑Guinea. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ "Livelihoods: fishing & shellfish gathering" (PDF). World Bank. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ "Agriculture & agroforestry activities". Bio‑Guinea. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ "Ecotourism in Orango National Park". El País Viajes. Retrieved 17 June 2025.