Orangozinho
Island in the Bissagos Islands
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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.
Orangozinho in the Bubaque Sector | |
 Interactive map of Orangozinho | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Atlantic Ocean |
| Coordinates | 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) |
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]