Fayal, one of the Azores or Western Islands, belonging to Portugal, in lat. 38° 30' N., lon. 28° 40' W.; area about 40 sq. m.; pop. about 27,000. The surface is rugged, and in some parts mountainous. The climate is mild and healthful. The soil is in general very fertile. The principal vegetable productions are firs, palms, vines, pineapples, oranges, potatoes, cabbages, maize, and wheat. The chief object of commerce is wine, of which the annual produce is about 200 pipes; and in good seasons from 8,000 to 10,000 pipes, the product of all the islands, have been exported from Fayal. The other most important exports are fruit, especially oranges, and corn. The imports are manufactured goods, cotton twist, flax, coffee, sugar, tea, tobacco, and soap. In 1859 the island was visited by a severe famine, occasioned by the failure of three successive crops. Faval has the best harbor of all the Azorean group, and a considerable transit trade. Many American whalers touch here and land the oil of such fish as they have caught in their outward voyage, whence it is shipped for its destination.

Capital, Horta, or Villa Orta (sometimes improperly called Fayal), a handsome town on the S. E. side of the island, adjoining the harbor before mentioned; pop. 5,000 or 6,000. The steam packets of the British West India mail company regularly call at Horta.