Isla esmeralda island is a small, uninhabited island off of the coast of Venezuela. It has been named after Isabella II, the sister of Ferdinand and Isabella, the first monarchs of Spain. The island was claimed by the United States on September 17, 1844, and ceded to Venezuela on November 20, 1903.
It was used as a Naval Air Station from 1917 to 1942. After the Venezuelan War of Independence (1858-1859), it served as a military outpost for protectorate troops loyal to Simón Bolívar.
Contents
All About Of Isla Esmeralda Islan
History
Isla Esmeralda was first sighted by a Spanish expedition of explorer Francisco de Orellana on November 12, 1539. The island was not discovered until more than a century later because it lays just off the Venezuelan coast and is extremely difficult to find due to its small size, rugged coastline, and deep water surrounding it.
In 1844, the United States claimed Isla Esmeralda as part of what became known as the Guayana Squadron. This squadron was established inresponse to Venezuela’s claims on Santa Elena Island (present-day Colombia) and Trinidad .
With the outbreak of hostilities in 1847, American forces seized control of Isla Esmeralda, depriving Venezuela of any ground-based military posts within her claimed territory. During this time, a US naval squadron patrolled off Cumaná – 120 miles (200km) southeast from Cariaco Island and referred as Porto do Principe to prevent unauthorized Venezuelan warships approaching them.
However brief occupation was, the island proved so useful that possession was never relinquished by Washington when Venezuelas claims ceased after independence in 1863 with Brazil’s full agreement during a protracted diplomatic quarrel over a boundary dispute.
For the next one hundred years, Venezuela would maintain a light military presence at the island which involved no serious attacks on American forces or Venezuelan neighbours while a large group of Americans were stationed there to protect against accidental warfare and espionage activities between both nations.
Climate
The climate is tropical, with a mean temperature of 26°C (79.4°F). The island has a rainy season from May to November, and a dry season from December to April. Winds are from the northwest, with an average annual temperature of 26°C (79.8°F).
Isla de Margarita, on a clear day, has been known to exceed 30 degrees in January and February, as demonstrated by its record heat wave from 1971-1972 when daily highs reached 38 °C (100.4 °F) for 3 weeks straight only 1-2 meters above sea level at one point during the drought year and most areas not hundreds of miles inland were baking hot throughout May to July 1972 – this was before all large cities had air conditioning installed.
On average, the island receives 2 m (6.6 ft) of rain a year, which during an El Niño event can disrupt transportation and agricultural activities, especially in areas not altitudes above sea level at this time period due to heavy foliage necessary for shade that can prevent evaporation from natural bodies of water such as pools or neighbouring river mouths where it has collected prior to irrigation ebb tide periods causing severe flooding incidents.
Culture
The island’s culture, which is distinctly different from that of mainland Venezuela, revolves around its natural resources and supermaxi resorts.
The majority of the population (85%) are descended from Spanish colonists who arrived in the late 18th century, while a significant minority – mostly Venezuelan immigrants in recent decades – are of East Caribbean descent. There is a large community of Americans living on Margarita as well.
Margaritas music has been heavily influenced by American country and rock music genres over the years; for example, Garth Brooks has frequently played shows on the island these days.
Politics
Margaritas is a unitary state with a president, legislative assembly, and justice system. The current president of Margarita is Miguel Miranda. The island holds a legislature, known as the Territorio Legislativo de la Isla Margarita (ILEMIRA, Legislative Island of Margarita) with no permanent capital.
ILEMIRAN legislators make up The Regional Assembly of Municipalities and Provinces – an organization that “provides legislative processes and functions.”
The island’s oldest council is Catatumbo-Farallones in Anaco near Puerto La Cruz; it dates back to 1952 when its municipalities were finally united by state law (though they had previously been administered under different laws).
It was home until the late 2000s of former members of the newsweekly, “The Revolution”. Also, in Puerto Penal Ibarra lies a small island with a historic church and where to this day, is celebrated every June 21st thanksgiving for Christopher Columbus’ Discovered island.
Government services
There is no public university on the island, but there are two private universities.
Healthcare
There is a government-run hospital in Puerto La Cruz, as well as several smaller clinics and pharmacies scattered around the island.
Visitors to Margarita are generally not required to have medical insurance, though most recommend obtaining coverage if traveling outside of the country for an extended period of time. Pharmacies throughout town usually carry reliable prescription medications and over-the-counter remedies, including Tylenol and ibuprofen.
Tourism
Since the island is small, transportation around its attractions isn’t too expensive. However, hotels can be sparse in some areas, so it’s best to plan ahead if you wish to visit many of these places.
Notable tourist spots include: Puerto La Cruz – This port town on the southeastern coast of Margarita is home to a natural harbor and a few pleasant beaches. It’s also where most tourists arrive on the island by boat. Santa Fe de Guárico National Forest –
The forest spans almost 192 km2 (75 sq mi) and contains both subtropical and tropical ecosystems, complete with rivers, mountains, and a variety of animal life. Swim in the island’s crystalline water before paddling down creeks or hiking during your stay on Margarita.
Playa Caballos – This beautiful beach is located near Puerto La Cruz and contains several artificial reefs to dive off into the ocean around it, including over two miles (3 km) of flamingo-filled sand that can be easily accessed via public transportation.
Conclusion
Isla Esmeralda is an island that lies in the Gulf of Mexico. It is a volcanic island and has a land area of 273 square kilometers. It is considered part of the Mexican state of Campeche. The island has two major ports – one on the south coast and one on the east coast. The population of Isla Esmeralda was not reported.
FAQs
1.What Is The Climate Like On Isla Esmeralda?
Ans: The island has a warm, tropical climate. The temperature ranges from 23°C to 32°C during the day and from 15°C at night. There is an average of 295 centimeter of rainfall per year.
2.How Long Does It Take To Travel To Isla Esmeralda?
Ans: It takes around five hours by boat to reach the island.
3.What Are Some Of The Main Attractions On Isla Esmeralda?
Ans: Some popular tourist destinations on Isla Esmer alda include Mirasol, the island’s capital village; Mismaloya Island Resort and Dies de los Nagueíros mangrove colony.
4.How Long Is A Trip To Isla Esmeralda From The Nearest International Airport?
Ans: From Mexico City it takes around 2 hours by car or 1 hour by boat. If you are flying into Merida in neighboring Venezuela then you can fly directly to Isla Esmeralda overland through Veracruz (1h15m).
5. What Currency Does Travel Money On Is La Esmeralda?
Ans: There are no formal exchanges of money on Isla Esmeralda. The island only imports drinking water, feeder fish, and fruit.
Leave a Reply