List of islands of Cape Verde facts for kids
Cape Verde is a country made up of a group of islands, called an archipelago, located in the central Atlantic Ocean. It's off the coast of West Africa. This beautiful country has 10 main islands and several smaller ones. Most of these islands are inhabited, meaning people live on them!
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Discovering the Islands of Cape Verde
The islands of Cape Verde are split into two main groups. Think of it like how the wind blows!
Windward and Leeward Islands
The first group is called the Barlavento islands. This name means "windward" because they are more exposed to the winds coming across the ocean. The islands in this group are Santo Antão, São Vicente, Santa Luzia, São Nicolau, Sal, and Boa Vista.
The second group is the Sotavento islands. This name means "leeward," as they are more sheltered from the wind. The islands in this group are Maio, Santiago, Fogo, and Brava. Only one island, Santa Luzia, is not inhabited by people.
Island Facts and Figures
Each island in Cape Verde has its own special features. For example, Santiago is the largest island and also the most populated. It's home to the capital city, Praia.
Santiago: The Biggest Island
Santiago is the biggest island in Cape Verde, covering about 991 square kilometers. It's also where most people live, with over 236,000 residents recorded in 2000. This island is a busy place and an important center for the country.
São Vicente: A Cultural Hub
São Vicente is another important island, known for its culture and music. It's smaller than Santiago, about 227 square kilometers, but it's quite densely populated. Around 67,000 people lived there in 2000.
Fogo: Home to a Volcano
The island of Fogo is famous for its active volcano, Pico do Fogo. This volcano is the highest point in Cape Verde! Fogo covers about 476 square kilometers and had around 37,000 residents in 2000.
Sal and Boa Vista: Tourist Favorites
Sal and Boa Vista are popular islands for tourists. They are known for their beautiful sandy beaches and clear waters. Sal is about 216 square kilometers, and Boa Vista is larger at 620 square kilometers. In 2000, Sal had about 14,000 people, and Boa Vista had around 4,000.
What is an Archipelago?
An archipelago is simply a group of islands that are found close together in a sea or ocean. Cape Verde is a great example of an archipelago, with its islands forming a chain in the Atlantic. Many archipelagos are formed by volcanoes, and some of the Cape Verde islands, like Fogo, show this volcanic past.
