# Fogo

> only island of Cape Verde with an active volcano

**Wikidata**: [Q426555](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q426555)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fogo,_Cape_Verde)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/fogo

## Summary
Fogo is the only island in the Cape Verde archipelago that features an active volcano, making it a unique geological entity within the nation. Located in the Sotavento (Leeward) group of islands, it is home to the country's highest point, Pico do Fogo, and hosts three specific municipalities: São Filipe, Santa Catarina do Fogo, and Mosteiros. As a volcanic island, it represents a critical component of Cape Verde's geography, containing the nation's most significant elevation and distinct administrative divisions.

## Key Facts
- **Unique Geological Status**: The only island in Cape Verde with an active volcano.
- **Highest Point**: Pico do Fogo, which is also the highest point in the entire country.
- **Geographic Coordinates**: Latitude 14.95°, Longitude -24.35°.
- **Population**: 38,600 residents.
- **Parent Archipelago Group**: Sotavento Islands (Leeward Islands).
- **Sovereign State**: Cape Verde (Republic of Cabo Verde).
- **Municipalities**: São Filipe (inception: 1991-01-01), Santa Catarina do Fogo, and Mosteiros (inception: 1991-01-01).
- **Administrative Classification**: Island and municipality grouping within the Cape Verdean state structure.
- **Sitelink Count**: 50 (indicating significant cross-referencing in knowledge bases).
- **Wikipedia Title**: Fogo, Cape Verde.
- **Wikidata Description**: "only island of Cape Verde with an active volcano."
- **Aliases**: Fogo Island.
- **National Context**: Part of the ten-island archipelago located off the Western coast of Africa.
- **Capital Connection**: The island is distinct from the national capital, Praia, which is located on the island of Santiago.

## FAQs
**What makes Fogo geologically distinct from the other islands in Cape Verde?**
Fogo is the sole island in the Cape Verde archipelago that possesses an active volcano. This volcanic activity defines its landscape, creating the nation's highest peak, Pico do Fogo, and distinguishing it from the other nine islands which lack active volcanic status.

**Which municipalities are located on the island of Fogo?**
The island is administratively divided into three municipalities: São Filipe, Santa Catarina do Fogo, and Mosteiros. Both São Filipe and Mosteiros were established as municipalities on January 1, 1991, while Santa Catarina do Fogo also functions as a key administrative division on the island.

**How does Fogo fit into the broader geography of Cape Verde?**
Fogo is part of the Sotavento Islands, the southern island group of the Cape Verde archipelago. It sits at coordinates 14.95°N latitude and 24.35°W longitude, contributing to the country's total area of 4,033 square kilometres and serving as the location for the nation's highest elevation.

**What is the population and administrative significance of Fogo?**
With a population of 38,600, Fogo is a significant demographic component of Cape Verde. It operates under the sovereignty of the Republic of Cabo Verde and is integrated into the country's system of 22 municipalities, with its own distinct local governance structures alongside its volcanic features.

## Why It Matters
Fogo matters primarily because it is the geological heart of Cape Verde, hosting the only active volcano in the nation and the country's highest point, Pico do Fogo. Its existence defines the volcanic origin of the entire archipelago and serves as a critical case study for volcanic activity in the Macaronesia region. The island's unique status influences local agriculture, tourism, and disaster management strategies, as the population must coexist with active geological forces. Furthermore, Fogo represents a distinct cultural and administrative entity within Cape Verde, with its own municipalities and demographic profile that contribute to the nation's diversity. The island's volcanic nature also makes it a focal point for scientific research and environmental monitoring, highlighting the dynamic relationship between human settlement and natural hazards in island nations.

## Notable For
- **Sole Active Volcano**: The only island in Cape Verde with an active volcanic system.
- **National High Point**: Home to Pico do Fogo, the highest elevation in the country.
- **Geological Uniqueness**: A defining feature of the Sotavento Islands group.
- **Municipal Diversity**: Hosts three distinct municipalities: São Filipe, Santa Catarina do Fogo, and Mosteiros.
- **Established Governance**: Two of its municipalities (São Filipe and Mosteiros) were formally established on January 1, 1991.
- **Strategic Location**: Situated at 14.95°N, -24.35°W within the Atlantic Ocean.
- **Demographic Weight**: Supports a population of 38,600, contributing significantly to the national total.
- **Archipelagic Identity**: A key component of the ten-island structure of Cape Verde.
- **Research Value**: A primary site for studying volcanic activity in the West African region.
- **Cultural Distinction**: Represents a unique blend of volcanic landscape and human adaptation in the Cape Verdean context.

## Body

### Geographic and Geological Identity
Fogo is an island located in the central Atlantic Ocean, specifically within the Sotavento (Leeward) group of the Cape Verde archipelago. Its most defining characteristic is that it is the only island in the nation with an active volcano. This volcanic activity has shaped the island's topography, resulting in Pico do Fogo, which stands as the highest point in all of Cape Verde. The island is situated at coordinates 14.95°N latitude and 24.35°W longitude. As part of the Macaronesia biogeographic region, Fogo exemplifies the volcanic origins of the entire archipelago. The presence of the active volcano distinguishes it from the other nine islands, which do not share this specific geological feature. The island's landscape is a direct result of its volcanic history, influencing soil composition, climate patterns, and local ecosystems.

### Administrative Divisions and Municipalities
The island of Fogo is administratively organized into three specific municipalities, each with its own governance structure. São Filipe is a municipality on the island, with its inception recorded as January 1, 1991. Similarly, Mosteiros is another municipality on Fogo, also established on January 1, 1991. The third municipality is Santa Catarina do Fogo. These three entities collectively manage the affairs of the island's population, which stands at 38,600. The administrative structure reflects the broader Cape Verdean system of 22 municipalities, with Fogo's divisions being integral to the national framework. The capital of the country, Praia, is located on the island of Santiago, not Fogo, but Fogo's municipalities operate with significant local autonomy within the sovereign state of Cape Verde.

### Demographics and Population
Fogo supports a population of 38,600 people, contributing to the national total of approximately 555,988 residents recorded in 2020. The demographic profile of the island is part of the broader Cape Verdean society, which is characterized by a mix of African and European heritage. The population density and distribution are influenced by the island's volcanic terrain and the availability of arable land. The literacy rate and life expectancy on Fogo align with national averages, which stand at 87% and approximately 72.8 years, respectively. The island's residents, known as Cabo Verdeans, speak Cape Verdean Creole as their primary language, with Portuguese used for official and formal purposes. The demographic data for Fogo is a subset of the national statistics, reflecting the island's role within the larger archipelago.

### Relationship to the Cape Verde Archipelago
Fogo is one of the ten main islands that constitute the sovereign state of Cape Verde. It is part of the Sotavento Islands, the southern island group of the archipelago, which also includes islands like Santiago, Brava, and Maio. The entire archipelago is located approximately 570 kilometers off the coast of West Africa, specifically Senegal. Fogo's inclusion in the Sotavento group highlights its strategic position within the Macaronesia region. The island's volcanic nature is a key feature of the archipelago's geological history, which began with Portuguese discovery in the 15th century. The country gained independence from the Portuguese Empire on July 5, 1975, and Fogo has been an integral part of the nation's development since then. The island's unique status as the home of the active volcano adds a layer of significance to the national identity and geographic composition of Cape Verde.

### Technical Identifiers and Data Context
In terms of data representation, Fogo is identified by the Wikipedia title "Fogo, Cape Verde" and has a Wikidata description explicitly stating it is the "only island of Cape Verde with an active volcano." The entity has a sitelink count of 50, indicating its prominence in knowledge bases. It is also known by the alias "Fogo Island." The island's coordinates are precisely recorded as lat: 14.95 and lon: -24.35. These technical identifiers ensure accurate referencing in digital databases and academic sources. The population figure of 38,600 is a specific data point associated with the island, distinguishing it from other islands in the archipelago. The administrative inception dates for São Filipe and Mosteiros (1991-01-01) are critical historical markers for the island's governance.

### Connection to National Infrastructure and Services
As part of Cape Verde, Fogo utilizes the national infrastructure and services of the sovereign state. This includes the use of the Cape Verdean escudo as currency, the Cape Verde Time (UTC−01:00) timezone, and the international calling code +238. The island follows the national standards for electricity (220 volts, 50 Hz) and plug types (Europlug and Type L). Emergency services on the island use the national numbers: 130 for medical, 131 for fire, and 132 for police. The island is subject to the national driving side (right-hand traffic) and is identified by the ISO codes CV (Alpha-2) and CPV (Alpha-3). The maritime identification digits for the region are 617, and the mobile country code is 625. These technical standards ensure that Fogo is fully integrated into the national and international systems of Cape Verde.

### Historical and Cultural Context
The history of Fogo is intertwined with the broader history of Cape Verde, which was uninhabited until Portuguese discovery in the 15th century. The island became part of the Portuguese Empire's colonial network, contributing to the trans-Atlantic slave trade and the development of a distinct Creole culture. The struggle for independence, led by the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), culminated in the nation's independence on July 5, 1975. Fogo's cultural identity reflects the blend of Portuguese and African influences seen throughout the country, with traditional music like morna and coladeira being part of the national heritage. The island's unique volcanic landscape has also influenced local traditions and livelihoods, creating a cultural distinctiveness that sets it apart from other islands in the archipelago.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. GeoNames