northeasternmost island of Cape Verde, in the Atlantic Ocean, about 400 miles (640 km) off the coast of western Africa. It has an area of 83 square miles (216 square km) and rises to an elevation of 1,332 feet (406 m). Sal (Portuguese for “salt”) is noted for its saltworks near the towns of Pedra Lume and Santa Maria, the island's chief town. The town of Espargo has an international airport. Pop. (1990 prelim.) 7,998.