REPUBLIC OF CABO-VERDE

SANTO ANTÃO ISLAND

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Geography The surface area of Santo Antão is 779 Km2. It is the second largest island of the archipelago and is rather like a trapezoid in shape. It has a maximum length of 43Km between TUMBA to the northeast and CAMARIVA to the southeast. lts widest point is 24 Km. from AREIAS (to the north) and CAIS DO FORTES (to the south). Along the middle of the island, a mountain range runs from northeast to southeast and ends at TOPE DA COROA (with an altitude of 1979 m), a relatively recent volcanic peak. Other peaks are PICO DA CRUZ (1814 m) to the northeast and GUIDO DO CAVALEIRO (1811 m) to the southeast.

The climate is dry in the south, cool in the central region (at an altitude of 1000 m) and humid in the notheast region. Quite naturally, the vegetation varies dramatically between regions. The high zones are covered with trees like the eucalyptus, the cypress, and the pine-tree. The south, in total contrast, is arid with herbaceous vegetation. There are still some signs of Santo Antão's volcanic past; the crater named COVA, for example, is very well preserved.  Due to the effects of erosion, the streams are deep and the peaks are very sharp and steep. The coastline is very picturesque. In the north, parts have been worn away by the northeast winds and the rough seas, there are, however, a number of excellent beaches, such as PRAIA FORMOSA, to name one.

SANTO ANTÃO ISLAND IN THE REPUBLIC OF CABO-VERDE

History The island of Santo Antão was discovered by Diogo Afonso on the 17th of January in 1462. Colonialization began in 1548. In the XIX century, roads were built linking PONTA DO SOL to RIBEIRA GRANDE and PORTO NOVO, and it was from here the island's goods were shipped out. Economically, the island is very rich in agriculture, the main produce being sugar cane, sweet potatoes or yams, manioc, bananas, coconuts, mango, papaya and almonds

Fishing is the main occupation of most of the inhabitants of the ports of TARRAFAL, PORTO NOVO and JANELA Improvements is communications continue to be made on the island, more roads are being built and the maritime service and links by air travel have also been improved. Another activity on the island is the extraction of pozzolana.  A project is also being developed for the commercialization of mineral water at VALE DE PAUL

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