Its name is Maindeua Island, but everyone knows it as Algodoal Island. Maindeua has its origin from Tupi (an indigene native language) which means "Mother of Earth". The Island is called Algodoal due to the abundance of a native plant called algodão de seda (cotton silk) still found in the region, whose seeds, with White fillets, are spread by the plant, and, when floating in the air, reminds the cotten. Who first nicknamed it this way were the fishermen who arrived there in the 20`s.

Algodoal is also the name of the biggest of all four villages existing in the Island. The three other ones are Fortalezinha, Camboinha and Mocooca. Because it is the biggest, the Island of Algodoal is the main village, the one with the best accommodations and infrastructure for tourists, and, consequently the one which receives more visitors and tourists. These four villages are separeted by portions of marshy ground sectioned in some points by tide grooves.

The Island’s 19km² (11.8066mi²) are characterised by there tranquility and its marvelous scenery which attracts tourists from all over the world which are never disillusioned with its beautiful, boony and bucolic nature. The Island`s community is formed by simple and receptive people which live, mostly, from fishing, subexisting agriculture and lately from tourism. Eletric energy was just indroduced in the Island in January 2005 and water supply is made through artesian wells which provides exellent quality water.

The existing means of transportation are, bicycle, boat (motor or rowing boat ) and horse and buggy. No motorised vehicle is allowed in the island.

Translated by Sol Frazão.