São Nicolau, Cape Verde

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São Nicolau
Native name: Sanic’lau
Nickname: Ilha de Chiquinho (island of Chiquinho)
File:Bela-vista-net-Sao Nicolau-map.jpg
File:Locator map of São Nicolau, Cape Verde.png
Geography
Location Atlantic Ocean
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Length 45 km (28 mi)
Width 20 km (12 mi)
Highest elevation 1,340 m (4,400 ft)
Highest point Monte Gordo
Country
Cape Verde
Concelhos (Municipalities) Ribeira Brava, Tarrafal de São Nicolau
Largest settlement Ribeira Brava
Demographics
Population 12,769[1] (as of 2010)
Density 32.9 /km2 (85.2 /sq mi)
File:Sao-nicolau route.jpg
A cobblestone-paved road with the view of the island's mountain.
File:Sao-nicolau.jpg
Coast of the island of São Nicolau
File:Pecheurs tarrafal.jpg
Tarrafal de São Nicolau fishing boat

São Nicolau (Portuguese meaning Saint Nicholas) is one of the Barlavento (Windward) islands of Cape Verde. It is located between the islands of Santa Luzia and Sal. Its population is 12,769, with an area of 388 km². Its economy consists mainly of agriculture as well as fishing and tourism near its beaches. Much of the population is rural. Preguiça Airport is located to the south between Vila da Ribeira Brava and Campo.

History

First inhabited in the sixteenth century, it is known for its mountains and for its main town, Ribeira Brava, long the seat of the Cape Verde diocese. Its other town is the ferry and the fishing port of Tarrafal. A famine affected the entire island in the 1940s which lead to emigration, mainly to São Tomé and Príncipe.

Geography

The mountainous island is mostly agricultural but is subject to droughts. The flat areas and hills dominate most of the coastline and the central part. A peninsula covers the eastern part of the island. The highest point on the island is Monte Gordo (1,312 m). Other mountains include Monte Bissau in the central part and Pico do Alberto to the east.

Administrative divisions

The island is divided in two municipalities, which are subdivided into civil parishes:

Before 2005, the island was administrated as one municipality: São Nicolau.

Demographics

As of 1832, São Nicolau had an estimated population of 5,000.[2]

International Relations

São Nicolau is twinned with:

Notable residents

References

  1. Portal do Instituto Nacional de Estatística: INE - CENSO 2010
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External links

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