Fernando Po (Port. Fernao do Po), an island in the bight of Biafra, W. coast of Africa, about 25 m. from the mainland, lying between lat. 3° 12' and 3° 47' N., and lon. 8° 26' and 8° 57' E.; pop. variously estimated at from 5,000 to 20,000. It is about 44 m. long and 20 m. broad. Rising in bold precipitous cliffs from the sea, its surface gradually becomes more and more elevated, until in Clarence peak, near the N. extremity, it attains an altitude of 10,650 ft. The rocks are wholly of volcanic formation. The soil, which is mostly covered with wood, is everywhere well watered and fertile. The scenery is picturesque and beautiful, the highest summits and the deepest vales being alike adorned with luxuriant vegetation. The principal vegetable products are palms, the bombax or silk cotton tree, the goora (sterculia), a species of ebony, the sugar cane, here growing wild, and yams, which form the staple food of the inhabitants. The most numerous quadrupeds are antelopes, monkeys, squirrels, and rats. The rivers abound in fish and alligators.

The coast is indented with several creeks and bays, the most capacious of which is Maidstone bay, at the N. E. extremity, whore is situated the capital, Clarencetown. The aborigines of Fernando Po, called Edecyahs. are widely different in appearance and language from the natives of the continent. They are of lighter complexion and better features, well made and muscular, and in disposition brave, generous, and amiable. Their dwellings are of very rude construction, consisting merely of palm-leaf mats thrown loosely over upright poles.-This island was discovered by the Portuguese in 1-471, and named after the leader of the expedition. In 1778 it was ceded to the Spaniards, who attempted to colonize it and carry on a slave trade, but were repelled by the natives. In 1827 Spain permitted it to be occupied by the British, who in 1834 abandoned it on account of its insalubrity; since which period the Spaniards have again claimed it and changed its name to Puerto de Isabel, and now use it as a place of banishment for criminals.

During the British possession ,a Baptist mission was established here; but in 1858 the missionaries were expelled by the Spanish government.