Barlavento

Barlavento, meaning windward in Portuguese, is the northern or windward group of the Cape Verde archipelago, contrasted with Sotavento, the southern or leeward group. The term is used to distinguish the northern islands from the southern ones within the same nation.

Geography and composition: The Barlavento Islands lie in the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west of Cape Verde’s chain. The main inhabited islands in this group are Santo Antão, São Vicente, and São Nicolau, with Santa Luzia being an uninhabited island nearby. The group is characterized by a varied landscape, including rugged mountains and coastal areas, with climate and vegetation differing from island to island.

Topography and economy: Santo Antão is noted for its mountainous terrain and deep valleys, while São Vicente hosts the island’s largest town by population, Mindelo, a cultural and economic hub of the region. Santo Antão also contains important settlements such as Porto Novo and Ribeira Grande. The economy across the Barlavento Islands is based on a mix of agriculture, fishing, and growing tourism, driven by natural scenery, music, and culture.

Demographics and governance: The islands of Barlavento are part of the country of Cabo Verde. Each island is divided into municipalities and parishes, with Portuguese and Cape Verdean Creole spoken in daily life and administration. The region’s history is linked to Portuguese exploration and the broader story of Cape Verde’s path to independence, achieved in 1975.