The Republic of Cape Verde, is a republic located on an archipelago in the Macaronesia ecoregion of the North Atlantic Ocean, off the western coast of Africa. The previously uninhabited islands were discovered and colonized by the Portuguese in the fifteenth century (though there may have been earlier discoveries), and attained independence in 1975. Cape Verde is an archipelago off the west coast of Africa at 15.02N, 23.34W. 10 main islands and about 8 islets form it. The main islands are Barlavento (northern island group), and Sotavento (southern island group). Under Barlavento comes Santo Antão , São Vicente , Santa Luzia , São Nicolau, Sal , Boa Vista, Maio. Under Sotavento comes Santiago , Fogo , and Brava. Of these, only Santa Luzia and the five islets are uninhabited. Presently it is a natural reserve. All islands are volcanic, but an active volcano only exists on one of the islands, Fogo. |
