Fogo

Fogo is a volcanic island in the Cape Verde archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. The name Fogo means “fire” in Portuguese, a reference to its volcanic origins. The island is dominated by Pico do Fogo, a central stratovolcano that rises to about 2,829 meters, the highest point in Cape Verde.

Geography and administration: Fogo lies in the Barlavento (northern) group of Cape Verde and is divided into two municipalities, São Filipe on the western coast and Mosteiros in the north. The summit area features a prominent caldera, within which lies the village of Cha das Caldeiras.

Volcanology: Pico do Fogo is an active volcano with a crater that has hosted lava activity in historic times. The volcano has produced eruptions in the late 20th century and early 21st century, including a notable 2014–2015 eruption that sent lava flows toward Cha das Caldeiras. The caldera and surrounding lava fields are a defining aspect of the island’s landscape.

Economy and culture: The island’s volcanic soils support agriculture, notably coffee and wine produced in higher-elevation zones around Cha das Caldeiras. Fishing and small-scale farming also contribute to the local economy, while tourism has grown around crater hikes, caldera exploration, and the island’s cultural traditions.