Trindade and Martim Vaz

Trindade and Martim Vaz (Portuguese Martim Vaz Arquipélago de Trindade e ) are a Brazilian archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, about 1,200 kilometers east of Vitória. Also used are the names of Trinidad and Martin Vas. The island group belongs to the State of Espirito Santo, and is considered part of the capital Vitória.

Trindade is the largest island of 10.3 square kilometers and is located 47 km west of the much smaller group of islands Martim Vaz. Up to the post Enseada dos Portugueses on Trindade, who is busy with 32 soldiers of the Brazilian Navy, the islands are uninhabited.

The islands are of volcanic origin and are associated with the phenomenon of a mantle plume. Accordingly, the term Trindade hotspot is in use.

History

Trindade was discovered in 1502 by the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama, Martim Vaz 1512 by João da Nova. Trindade was Portuguese territory until the independence of Brazil. From 1890 to 1896 it was occupied by Great Britain until they were returned by an agreement with Brazil. Martim Vaz was taken until 1951 for Brazil in possession.