Coche Island (Venezuela)

Isla de Coche (Coche Island) 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. Coche is coterminous with the municipality of Villalba, with the municipal seat at San Pedro de Coche, the largest town. Moreover, Coche Island has continued to sustain the fishing tradition. It covers an area of 55 km2 (21 sq mi) (11 km (7 mi) long by 6 km (4 mi)), with a population of about 8,200 (1999 census). The highest elevation of the island is 60 metres (197 ft) above sea level. The climate is tropical, with an average temperature of approximately 27 to 38 °C (81 to 100 °F). Other towns on Coche besides San Pedro de Coche are El Bichar, Guinima, El Amparo, El Guamache, and La Uva. The economy depends mainly on tourism.