Santiago is the biggest island of the Archipelago of Cape Verde with a surface area of 991 Km2. The longest point in the direction of north/south is 55 Km, and the widest is 29 Km from east to west. The volcanic origin of this island is clearly shown in the different mountainous peaks of the island, being Pico d’Antónia the highest point with 1392 meters.

The first Portuguese colony of the Archipelago was established in Ribeira Grande, known today as Cidade Velha. Santiago was the first island to be populated. It went through an economic growth as a commercial trading post with the African Continent during slavery, but as this activity stopped, the island suffered a decline. Besides, pirate attacks were frequent, thus leading to a greater economic decline of the village. In fact, the major attacks to the island were carried out by famous pirates such as Francis Drake that organized an attack to the village of Ribeira Grande with about 600 men, and the French pirate J. Cassard, who ordered the devastation of the town in 1712.

Agriculture and cattle breeding have become the means of economic subsistence since that time, and, today, even though the island is affected by constant droughts, these activities play a very important role in its economy.

Source: Cape Verde Tourist Guide