Area: 62,5 km²
Location: South west of Cape Verde archipelago
Number of inhabitants: 5,698 (2015)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The island of Brava is a volcanic island located in the Atlantic ocean. It is the smallest inhabitated island of Cape Verde.
GEOGRAPHICAL DESCRIPTION
The island of Brava is 10.5 km long (north to south) and its width is 9.3 km. Its area is 62.51 km2. Practically the whole island is a stratovolcano. It has an extremely varied terrain with high peaks contrasting with deep valleys. The coastline is deeply indented and has formed a number of bays, most notably Furna, Ancião, Fajã d’Agua and Sorno.
It lies in the lee of the enormous Fogo volcano. Volcanic activity on the island has been mainly located along three lines, which all intersect at the crest of ground that forms the highest part of the island. Brava has no documented historical eruptions, but its youthful volcanic morphology and the fact that earthquake swarms still occur indicate the potential for future eruptions; its last eruption was during the Holocene era. 13% of the island area is forested.
ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES
The economy of the island is mainly based on (irrigated) agriculture and fishing. Main agricultural goods include coffee, potatoes including sweet potatoes, corn (maize), banana and sugar cane. The village of Furna has a commercial port, the other port is Fajã de Agua which is only used for fishing.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT
The island has a mild climate which offers a certain fertility to the soil and contributes to the enchantment of its landscapes. Indeed, it is more humid and much greener that the other islands of Cape Verde, and Brava is called “the Island of Flowers”, with some precious flowers growing on the island, such as: hibiscus, bougainvillea, jasmine, sisals and some solitary dragon trees.
