Azoreans are an ethnic subgroup of the Portuguese people, and they are racially classified as White (Caucasian). The archipelago of the Azores was uninhabited when Portuguese explorers arrived in the 15th century, so the population is primarily of European descent. While the foundation of the population is mainland Portuguese (predominantly from the Algarve and Alentejo regions), there were also significant historical contributions from Flemish (Belgian), French, and Italian settlers, as well as Sephardic Jews and small numbers of Moorish and African individuals. This diverse European heritage has created a unique "Azorean" identity that is distinct in culture, dialect, and traditions, but genetically remains closely aligned with Southern and Western Europe. In 2026, while many Azoreans identify strongly with their specific island of origin (e.g., "Micaelense" from São Miguel), they are nationally and racially identified as Portuguese Europeans.