GEOGRAPHY
The
Cape Verde Islands are located in the mid-Atlantic Ocean some
450 kilometers (about 300 mi.) off the west coast of Africa. The
archipelago includes 10 islands and 5 islets, divided into the
windward (Barlavento) and leeward (Sotavento) groups. The main
islands in the Barlavento group are Santo Antão, São
Vicente, Santa Luzia, São Nicolau, Sal, and Boa Vista;
those of the Sotavento group include Maio, Santiago, Fogo, and
Brava. All larger islands but Santa Luzia are inhabited.
Three
islands--Sal, Boa Vista, and Maio--generally are level and very
dry. Mountains higher than 1,280 meters (4,200 ft.) are found
on Santiago, Fogo, Santo Antão, and São Nicolau.
Sand
carried by high winds has created spectacular rock formations
on all islands, especially the windward ones. Sheer, jagged cliffs
rise from the sea on several of the mountainous islands. Natural
vegetation is sparse in the uplands and coast, but interior valleys
support denser growth.
Rainfall
is irregular, and the archipelago suffers periodic droughts and
consequent food shortages. The average precipitation per year
in Praia is 24 centimeters (9.5 in.). During the winter, storms
blowing from the Sahara sometimes cloud the sky, but sunny days
are the norm year round.
Official
Name: Republic of Cape Verde
Area: 4,033 sq. km. (1,557 sq. mi.), slightly
larger than Rhode Island.
Cities: Capital--Praia (pop. 94,757). Other city--Mindelo
(pop. 62,970).
Terrain: Rugged volcanic islands.
Climate: Dry, temperate.
