Situated 455km off the coast of Africa, the tem islands and eight islets of the Archipelago of Cape Verde cover an area of approximately 4033km2 and were formed by the accumulation of volcanic rock resulting from eruptions on the seabed.

The archipelago has, in its general formation, an impressive and majestic aspect. Some islands are arid whilst on others the vegetation is tropical and exuberant. The trade winds blow from the African continent dividing the country into two groups. The Barlovento group consists of Santo Antão, S. Vicente, Santa Luzia, Sal and Boavista whilst the Sotavento group is made up of the islands of Maio, Santiago, Building and Brava. The reliefs of the major part of the islands are the victims of accident, with altitudes passing a thousand meters on some islands reaching approximately 2,830 meters on the Island of Building. The three most easterly islands, Sal, Maio and Boavista, have a flatter relief and a more arid climate due to their exposure to the dry and hot winds of the Sahara .

The island of Santiago was the first island to be populated after the discovery of the archipelago. It is the largest of all the islands and in the city of Praia is located the countries capital and the government headquarters. It has approximately 235,803 inhabitants and a total surface area of 991 km2 .

Santiago is constituted of various solid mountains, such as Pico de Antónia which, with and altitude of 1392 m, is the highest point on the island. The deep, windy valleys, and on the coast, abrupt, black cliffs interrupted at various points by small sandy beaches pay testament to the force of erosion that the island has been subjected to.

The regions with the highest altitudes have the more amenable and humid climates, appropriate for the growth of vegetation which contrasts with the aridity of the lowlands. Originating as a commercial trading post for the triangular route between Europe - Africa - The Caribbean, the island of Santiago, more so than any of the other islands, absorbed the influence of all these people. It has assumed in a marked form the original characteristics of African identity. This can be seen in its traditional festivals and in the vibrant colours of the clothes of its inhabitants as well as in its music and certain customs.

Santiago has a network of paved roads which are an important factor in its development, providing a connection to the islands interior. Drought is a constant on all the islands however the desert landscape is at certain points interrupted by valleys of exuberant vegetation, a fact taken advantage of by agriculture producers. São Jorge is one of these locations; where in the midst of abundant vegetation is to be found the only botanical garden in the country.   This tranquil place contrasts with the nearest city, Assomada, the centre of the district of Santa Catarina and where is to be found the full phase of urban growth. The district is known as the basket of Cape Verde and the market of Assomada was the countries first.

The centre of the city displays in the majority of its buildings, a Portuguese colonial style of architecture, testament to its historical past .

The city has notable growth since the country's independence which is due in the main to migration of people from the islands interior and from other islands in search of work. The district of Praia is now home to more than 140 thousand inhabitants.