Fernando de Noronha is a Brazilian archipelago of 21 islands and islets in the Atlantic Ocean, about 350 km (220 mi) offshore from the Northeast coast of Brazil. The main island has an area of 18.4 km² (7.1 sq mi) and had a population of 3,429 in 2010. The archipelago is a special municipality of Brazil. It is home to a large variety of birds and marine life, including dolphins and whales.
The island was discovered by Amerigo Vespucci on 1 January 1502. He named it "Ilha de Vera Cruz" (Island of the True Cross), but it later became known as "Fernando de Noronha" in honor of King Ferdinand of Portugal, who sent a fleet to claim it in 1501. The archipelago is a popular tourist destination, with many beaches and diving spots.