island of Cape Verde, in the Atlantic Ocean, between the islands of Santa Luzia (Santa Luzia Island) and Boa Vista (Boa Vista Island), about 400 miles (640 km) off the West African coast. Of volcanic origin and mountainous, it has an area of 150 square miles (388 square km) and rises to 4,277 feet (1,304 metres) at Mount Gordo.

Settled since the 15th century, the island's main economic activities are agriculture (coffee, oranges, beans, corn 【maize】) and horse raising. The chief town, Vila da Ribeira Brava, is near the north shore. Pop. (2000 est.) 13,500.