Islands

Cape Verde is an island group or archipelago of ten islands and five islets located in the Atlantic Ocean off the west coast of Africa. The archipelago is divided into two groups (1.) the Barlayento or windward islands in the north and (2.) the Sotavento or leeward islands in the south. The islands are of volcanic origin and except for the Boa Vista, Maio and Sal are mountainous with rugged cliffs and steep ravines. The coastal plains are semidesert with fine sandy beaches while the mountains are covered by thin forests. Major Cities (pop. est.); Praia 61,700, Mindelo 47,100, Sao Filipe 5,600 (1990). Land Use; forested 1%, pastures 6%, agricultural-cultivated 11%, other 82% (1993).