SAO NICOLAU ISLAND

Portuguese Ilha de So Nicolau, English Saint Nicholas Island island of Cape Verde, in the Atlantic Ocean, between the islands of Santa Luzia and Boa Vista, 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 m) at Mount Gordo. Settled since the 15th century, the island's main economic activities are agriculture (coffee, oranges, beans, corn ) and horse raising. The chief town, Vila da Ribeira Brava, is near the north shore. Pop. (1980 prelim.) 13,575.