Cape Verde is a nation archipelago located off the west coast of Africa. The volcanic islands that make it up are small and mountainous. The country consists of ten islands, nine of wich are inhabited, and several uninhabited islets, divided into two groups: the islands of Windward and the islands of Leeward.

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To the north lie the Windward islands: Santo Antão, São Vicente, Santa Luzia (uninhabited), São Nicolau, Sal and Boa Vista. To the south, the Leeward islands can be found: Maio, Santiago, Fogo e Brava. The largest islands of Cape Verde are Santiago, where the country's capital Praia is located, and the island of Santo Antão. Praia is Cape Verde's biggest city, followed by Mindelo, on the island of São Vicente.



Its geomorfological diversity a geographical location acount for a climate range that produces a very diverse biological heritage. However, the shortage of natural resources and the limiting climate characteristics  has led the Cape Verdeans to an agriculature and livestock based subsistence wich has degradated the natural ecosystems.

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Despite the bareness of the native flora, estimated in just over two hundred species, and the large number of exotic species (over 400), there is still a considerable number of endémic species (about 80) that are dramatically reduced due to the destruction of their natural habitats.