Cape Verde, officially known as the Republic of Cabo Verde, is an island country strategically positioned in the central Atlantic Ocean. To pinpoint Where Is Cape Verde Located geographically, it lies approximately 385 miles (620 kilometers) off the coast of Western Africa, closer to Senegal. This archipelago, famed for its Creole Portuguese-African culture, spans between 14°30′ and 17°30′ N latitude and 22°30′ and 25°30′ W longitude.
The Cape Verde archipelago is naturally divided into two distinct groups: the Barlavento (Windward) Islands to the north and the Sotavento (Leeward) Islands to the south. The Barlavento Islands consist of Santo Antão, São Vicente, the uninhabited Santa Luzia, São Nicolau, Sal, and Boa Vista, along with the smaller islets of Raso and Branco. Conversely, the Sotavento Islands include Maio, Santiago, Fogo, and Brava, complemented by the Rombos islets—Grande, Luís Carneiro, and Cima. This division influences not only the geography but also the climatic nuances across the islands.
Terrain and Landscape
The landscape across Cape Verde is strikingly diverse, varying significantly from east to west. The eastern isles of Boa Vista, Maio, and Sal are among the oldest geologically. Aeons of wind erosion have sculpted these islands into largely flat, sandy expanses. In stark contrast, the western islands present a rugged, mountainous terrain, characterized by volcanic origins.
Fogo Island, aptly named “Fire,” is home to Pico do Fogo, an active volcano and the archipelago’s highest peak, soaring to 9,281 feet (2,829 meters). Santo Antão, in the northern Barlavento group, features Tope de Coroa, reaching an elevation of 6,493 feet (1,979 meters), further illustrating the dramatic topographical variations within Cape Verde.
Despite being islands, permanent rivers are scarce due to the arid climate and cyclical droughts. Rainfall is infrequent and often torrential, leading to soil erosion, floods, and damage to water containment structures, posing ongoing environmental challenges.
Soil Composition and Challenges
Cape Verde’s soils are predominantly volcanic, generally shallow, coarse, and rocky. Basalt is a common rock type, reflecting the islands’ volcanic history. A significant portion of the land is arid, lacking humus, making it suitable primarily for grazing. Sand and limestone outcrops are prevalent in these drier areas.
Only a small fraction of the land possesses the rich humus and adequate water for substantial irrigated agriculture. Soil erosion, caused by both wind and water, is a major environmental concern. Since gaining independence, Cape Verde has actively pursued nationwide reforestation and erosion control initiatives to combat these issues and promote sustainable land management.
Climate and Weather Patterns
Cape Verde experiences a moderately warm climate characterized by consistent temperatures and significant aridity. February marks the coolest period, with temperatures averaging in the low 70s Fahrenheit (low 20s Celsius). August and September are the warmest and wettest months, with temperatures in the low 80s Fahrenheit (high 20s Celsius).
The islands’ climate is heavily influenced by the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), which dictates the two-season weather pattern. Winter brings cool, dry winds from Europe, while summer sees the ITCZ moving northward, drawing heat and moisture from the Guinea Current. This can lead to unpredictable precipitation, especially in the mountainous regions, with some years experiencing minimal rainfall. The convergence of air masses near Cape Verde also contributes to the formation of hurricanes that track westward across the Atlantic towards the Caribbean and the eastern United States.
Flora and Fauna
The higher elevations of the larger islands receive enough precipitation to support grasses and pine plantations, especially on windward slopes. Leeward slopes, however, exhibit a rain shadow effect, resulting in desert-like conditions with sparse, often thorny and toxic, shrubbery. Agriculture is limited to higher elevations or intensely terraced valleys. Xerophilous plants adapted to desert environments are found in the brackish subsoil of Maio, Sal, and Boa Vista.
Water scarcity limits land turtle populations, but sea turtles utilize the sandy beaches of uninhabited islets for nesting. The islands are home to geckos, lizards, and several skink species, including the endangered giant skink. Butterflies of African origin are present, but none are endemic.
Birdlife is diverse, with over 100 species, including petrels and shearwaters that breed regularly. Other notable birds include flamingos, frigate birds, buzzards, Egyptian vultures, kites, and tropicbirds. Endemic species are fewer, notably the cane warbler and the Raso lark, which is confined to Raso islet. Interestingly, gulls and terns do not breed in Cape Verde.
Mammals include feral goats on Fogo, descendants of domestic animals. Rodents likely arrived on early ships, and monkeys were introduced from Africa. The long-eared bat is the only indigenous mammal, completing the unique ecological profile of these Atlantic islands.
Alt text details:
- Image 1 Alt: Map showing the physical features and location of Cape Verde archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of West Africa. The map highlights the different islands and their terrain.
- Image 2 Alt: Scenic view of São Vicente Island in Cape Verde showcasing its mountainous landscape and coastal features. The image captures the rugged beauty of the island.
