Galinhas Explained

Galinhas
Local Name:Ilha das Galinhas
Map:Guinea-Bissau
Archipelago:Bissagos Islands
Location:Atlantic Ocean
Coordinates:11.4667°N -15.6833°W
Length Km:10
Width Km:6
Area Km2:50
Country Admin Divisions Title:Region
Country Admin Divisions:Bolama Region
Population:1633
Population As Of:2009

Galinhas (Portuguese: Ilha das Galinhas)[1] is an island in the Bijagós Archipelago of Guinea-Bissau. Galinhas is located about 25 km southwest of Bolama town. The Canal de Bolama separates it from Bolama Island, the easternmost island of the group that lies close to the mainland. The area of the island is 50 km2, its length is 10 km and its width is 6 km.[2]

During the colonial period a prison functioned on the island, called (in Portuguese) Colónia Penal e Agrícola da Ilha das Galinhas.

The island has a population of 1,633 (2009 census).[3] Landmarks on the island include the former Portuguese prison and governor's house. Some boats from Bissau to Bubaque call at the island. Nearby islands and islets includes Formosa to the west and Roxa to the south. There is a lighthouse on the island, with focal height 9m (30feet).

José Carlos Schwarz (1949-1977), a famous Bissau-Guinean poet and musician, sang a song about the island entitled Diju di Galinha.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Ilha das Galinhas. Mapcarta. 14 October 2016.
  2. [GoogleEarth]
  3. http://www.stat-guinebissau.com/publicacao/RGPH_2009.pdf População por região, sector e localidades por sexo censo 2009