SAO TIAGO ISLAND

also called Santiago Island, Portuguese Ilha De So Tiago, largest and most populous island of Cape Verde, in the Atlantic Ocean, about 400 miles (640 km) off the West African coast. It has an area of 383 square miles (991 square km) and rises to its highest elevation at Antnia Peak (4,566 feet ). So Tiago is Cape Verde's most agriculturally productive island. Corn (maize) is the main crop; bananas, oranges, sugarcane, coffee, and castor beans are also grown. Fishing is important, and a new trading port has been planned for the city of Tarrafal, on the northwest coast. Praia (q.v.), on the south shore of the island, is the capital of Cape Verde. Pop. (1980) 141,751.