Frequently known as the Porto Grande Island, São Vicente has a 227 Km2 surface, and it is the second island in terms of number of inhabitants. The furthest distance is around 24km from the east to the west and 16km from the north to the South.

This island remained uninhabited until the beginning of the 19th Century. In 1838, when the coal deposit was established in Porto Grande by the British to supply the ships on the Atlantic routes, some development was brought into the region.

Despite of its volcanic origin, the island is quite flat, and the highest point is Monte Verde with 774 meters.

Due to the scarce rainfall and lack of natural resources, economic development of the island is based on commerce and services. Nevertheless, Mindelo, the Capital city, as the stopping point for many ships during the Second World War, became an important cultural centre where sailors of different parts of the world met together in the local bars, enjoyed the music and encouraged the development of literature and sports.

Mindelo was elected as the Capital of culture of the Portuguese Speaking Countries, for the year 2003, by all of the municipalities’ members of the Association of the Portuguese Speaking Capital Cities of the World.

Source: Cape Verde Tourist Guide