Fogo, Cape Verde facts for kids
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Atlantic Ocean |
| Coordinates | 14°55′59″N 24°22′59″W / 14.933°N 24.383°W |
| Archipelago | Ilhas de Sotavento |
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Cape Verde
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| Demographics | |
| Population | 37,051 |
Fogo is a special island in Cape Verde, an island nation in the Atlantic Ocean. Its name means "fire" in Portuguese. This is because Fogo is home to an active volcano!
Fogo is part of the Sotavento group of islands. It stands out because of its huge volcano, Pico do Fogo. This mountain rises almost 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) above the sea. It's the highest point in all of Cape Verde.
Contents
Exploring Fogo Island
Fogo is a fascinating place with a unique landscape. The island was formed by volcanic eruptions over many years. This has created rich, dark soil perfect for farming.
The Mighty Pico do Fogo
Pico do Fogo is the main feature of the island. It's a stratovolcano, which means it's tall and cone-shaped. It has had many eruptions throughout history. The most recent big eruption was in 2014.
Volcanic Activity
When Pico do Fogo erupts, lava flows down its sides. This lava can cover roads and even villages. But the people of Fogo are used to living with their fiery neighbor. They often rebuild their homes after an eruption.
Living Near a Volcano
The volcano's crater is called Chã das Caldeiras. It's a large, flat area inside the old volcano. People live and farm coffee and grapes here. It's amazing how life thrives so close to an active volcano!
Life on Fogo Island
About 37,000 people call Fogo home. They live in towns and villages scattered across the island. The largest city is São Filipe. It's known for its beautiful old buildings.
Farming and Economy
The volcanic soil on Fogo is very fertile. This makes it great for growing crops. Farmers here grow coffee, grapes for wine, and other fruits and vegetables. Fishing is also an important part of the island's economy.
Culture and Traditions
The people of Fogo have a rich culture. They speak a local language called Cape Verdean Creole. Music and dance are very important to their daily lives. Festivals are often held to celebrate harvests or religious events.
Nature and Unique Plants
Despite the volcanic activity, Fogo is full of life. The island has many unique plants. Some of these plants can only be found on Fogo. They have adapted to grow in the volcanic soil.
Endemic Species
"Endemic" means a plant or animal is found only in one specific place. Fogo has several endemic plants. These include special types of trees and medicinal plants. Scientists study these plants to learn more about them.
Beautiful Landscapes
Beyond the volcano, Fogo offers stunning views. There are black sand beaches and green valleys. Hiking trails lead through different landscapes. You can see how the volcano has shaped the entire island.
Images for kids
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Endemic plants in the garden of the Museu Municipal in São Filipe
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Main ash cone of Pico do Fogo
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3-D image of the island of Fogo from NNE
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Chã das Caldeiras and main ash cone, Fogo. NASA satellite image, 2009
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Losma, an endemic medicinal plant
See also
In Spanish: Fogo para niños
