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Cabo Verde - Islands - Santiago
December 07, 2007 06:36AM By CVOL Staff

In the middle of the leeward group of islands with a surface area of 991 Km2, SANTIAGO is the biggest island in the Archipelago. In the north/south direction, its longest point is 55 Km and from east to west, 29 Km. Of volcanic origin, the highest point of its mountainous peaks is called PICO de ANTÓNIO, with an altitude of 1392 m. The deep and beautiful valleys, the result of hundreds of years of erosion, offer good agricultural conditions and the view of these regions from above is truly picturesque. There is a great contrast between the vegetation and the mild and humid climate of the higher regions and that of some lower regions, which are very dry and arid.

History
SANTIAGO was the first island to be populated after the Portuguese discovery of Cabo Verde in the XV century. The economy of the island was developed mainly through the use of African slave labor. As a result it became a commercial trading post with the African Continent and naturally assimilated more of the African influence than the rest of the islands. Pirate attacks were frequent on the capital town of RIBEIRA GRANDE, the name given to CIDADE VELHA at that time. In 1583, it was also attacked by forces supporting the Prior of Crato, in the battle for the succession to the throne of Portugal and the French pirate J. Cassard finally devasted the town in 1712. It was from this point on that PRAIA assumed predominance and today remains the capital of the Republic.

Agriculture and fishing are still the main industries of SANTIAGO. The island is full of beautiful scenery, charming beaches and living examples of its historical past.

Travel Guide and articles of interest. Must be V.I.P. Member and logged in to access:

Visiting the Island of Santiago
Port of call during the slave trade from the African coast to the rest of the world and first European urban center in the tropics, its wealth was always coveted... [ Read More ]

Santiago: birthplace of first Capeverdean!
The early and first Capeverdeans were born at Cidade Velha, a meeting point of the first Europeans and Negroes coming from the West Coast of Africa to settle and cultivate the islands of Cape Verde... [ Read More ]