Physical Map of Cape Verde

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Cape Verde is an African island country in the central Atlantic Ocean. It is located about 570 km off the western coast of Africa in the western and northern hemispheres of the Earth. The Republic of Cape Verde has a total area of 4,033 sq km. The country has its name after the westernmost cape of Africa, Cape Verde. The map elaborates on the physical characteristics of Cape Verde. This map shows geography and trends in the height of Cape Verde. Latitudes and Longitudes of Cape Verde can also be noted. The latitudinal extent of the country is between 14. N and 17. N and the longitudinal extent of the country are between 22.30 W and 25.30 W. The capital of Cape Verde Praia is also marked on the map.

The country consists of nine inhabited islands, one inhabited island, and various inlets. The terrain of the Cape Verde Islands varies from newer mountains in the west to geologically older, flatter islands in the east. The landscape differs from dry plains to active volcanoes with cliffs rising from the Ocean. The climatic conditions are arid. The islands are divided into two groups:

Windward Islands (Barlavento)

These islands include the northern group of the Cape Verde islands. Barlavento Island occupies a total land area of 2,239 km2 (864 sq mi). In the west, these islands are volcanic and, to some extent, rocky. They support semi-arid agriculture. These islands include Santo Antao, Sao Vicente, Santa Luzia, Sao Nicolau and islets Raso and ranco.Boa Vista and Sal are slightly hilly, desert islands in the east. These islands rely on fishing and tourism.

Leeward Islands (Sotavento)

These islands include the southern island group of Cape Verde. Sotavento islands occupy a total area of 1803 km2 (696 sq mi). There are four main islands. On the western side, there are Fogo, Santigo, and Brava islands. These islands are volcanic and rocky in nature, and agriculture is practiced. Santiago is the largest island on cape verse, both in population and size. Mt. Fogo on Fogo Island is the highest point of Cape Verde at 2,829 m and is an active volcano, of which the most recent eruption was in 1995. They have a long history of human habitation. Maio Island is the fourth island on the east side. The island is a flat desert with extensive salt cover. The island’s economy is based on salt primarily.

Drainage pattern and erosion activities in Cape Verde

There are no significant rivers in Cape Verde, and the lowest point of the Islands is the Atlantic Ocean (0 m). Three islands- Baio, Boa Vista, and Sal- are mostly level and lack water supplies. Generally, the strong winds have caused erosion on all islands, especially the windward islands (Barlavento). Sheer Cliffs have risen from the sea on several islands due to erosion. The lack of natural vegetation is also contributing to erosion. Mountains with a height of about 1,280 m are found on Fogo, Santo, Santiago, Sao Nicolau, and Antao Islands.

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