Fogo is a volcanic island in Cape Verde's archipelago, known for its active volcano, Pico do Fogo, standing at 2,829 meters (9,281 feet). The name "Fogo" means "fire" in Portuguese, reflecting its volcanic nature. The island is small, about 25 kilometers (16 miles) in diameter, with a population of around 37,000 [1].
Pico do Fogo is a stratovolcano that remains active. Its last major eruption occurred in 2014-2015, destroying villages like Portela within the caldera. The eruption caused significant damage from lava flows and ash clouds, but no fatalities were reported [3][5]. The volcanic soil is highly fertile, supporting the cultivation of coffee, wine grapes, and vegetables. The Cha das Caldeiras caldera is particularly known for its agricultural activities [6].
Fogo's ecosystem is unique, home to endemic species like López-Jurado's Half-toed Gecko and Fea's Petrel. The island is part of UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme, highlighting its ecological and cultural importance [1].