Coche Island

Isla de Coche is one of three islands forming the Nueva Esparta State of Venezuela, located in the Caribbean between Isla Margarita and the mainland. The other two islands are Isla Margarita, the main island of the state, and Cubagua, the smallest.GeographyIt covers an area of 55km², with a population of about 8,200 . The highest elevation of the island is 60m above sea level. The climate is tropical, with an average temperature of approximately 27to.The island is coincident with the municipality of Villalba, with the capital at San Pedro de Coche. Other towns on Coche are El Bichar, Guinima, El Amparo, El Guamache and La Uva.The economy depends mainly on tourism.HistoryThe island was discovered in 1498 by Christopher Columbus, populated by the Waikerio indigenous people. First efforts to settle Coche was made in the early 16th century. There was previous population of refugees originating from the city of Nueva Cádiz which was destroyed by a tropical storm on Cubagua Island. All settlers, mostly the pearl daughters, abandoned Isla Coche in 1574.The next successful settlement took place in the 19th century, and from this date Coche is still habitated.