Maio is a constituent republic of Verde Region.
| Maio Republic | |
|---|---|
| Island of Maio | |
| Constituent Republic of Vekllei | |
 |
|
| Part of the Verde Region | |
| The republic is known for its salt, which has been worked there since the 16th Century. | |
| Population | 14,391 |
| Demographics |
72% Sampadjudo 13% São Tomense & Forro 7% African
8% other
|
| Economy | Arable farming Fisheries & shipping, Livestock & dairy |
| Produces | Salt, Fish, Maize, Beans, Root Vegetables |
| Working week | 18.8 hours |
| Specialisation | Agriculture, Land & Sea |
| Accession | 1945, as part of the British Atlantic Territories |
| Area | 274.5 km² |
| Capital | Vila |
| Languages | English, Verde Creole, Portuguese |
The Maio Republic is a constituent republic of Vekllei on the eastern periphery of the Cabo Verde archipelago, east of Praia and southwest of Boa Vista. It is one of the least visited islands of the Verde Region, and is flat and quiet.
Comprising a dry plain with a few low hills, Maio is sparsely populated for an island of its size. Its modest settlements are mostly clustered around the capital of Vila on the southwest coast. Vila is a modest town with a pleasant square and a church dating from the colonial period. The highest point on the island is Morrinho Peak at 436 metres, and Ponta Preta Beach on the north coast is one of the quietest in the Verde archipelago.
The Maio economy is municipal and agricultural, and its major employers are all institutions of Commonwealth government. A joint committee of the federal government and several international bodies runs the International Peace Garden on the inland plateau, and the municipal government operates the salt works at the southern end of the island. The Peace Garden is neutral ground under Commonwealth law, and is used for international mediation, regional diplomacy and arms treaty negotiations for West Africa. The republic is known for its salt, which has been worked there since the 16th Century, and fishing is still the most common registered occupation on the island. Local diets are supplemented by goats and crops of maize, beans and root vegetables.
The Maio Central Railway runs from Vila to the inland plateau. An airport with basic facilities is found outside Vila and handles Commonwealth services flights, but realistically most people on Maio travel by ferry to Praia and Boa Vista.
Climate
Hot and dry, with a brief wet season from August to October. Winds are persistent. The island is generally calmer than the more exposed northern Verde islands.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 25° 21° 24° 21° 25° 21° 26° 21° 26° 22° 27° 23° 28° 24° 29° 26° 29° 26° 29° 26° 28° 24° 26° 22°
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun 25° 21° 24° 21° 25° 21° 26° 21° 26° 22° 27° 23° Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 28° 24° 29° 26° 29° 26° 29° 26° 28° 24° 26° 22°
Public Holidays
- New Year’s Day 1 Jan
- Heroes Day 20 Jan
- Republic Day 2 Apr
- Good Friday
- Commonwealth Day 1 May
- Assumption Day 15 Aug
- All Saints Day 1 Nov
- Christmas Day 25 Dec
- Electronic Components
- Fish
- Fruit
- Glass
- Wheat
- Medicines
- Palm Oil
- Paper
- Petroleum
- Sugar
- Timber
- Vegetables
- Water
- International Peace Garden: Neutral diplomatic facility on the island’s inland plateau, used for international mediations and treaty negotiations under Commonwealth auspices.
- Maio Salt Works: Historic salt extraction site still in partial operation, with Portuguese colonial infrastructure alongside modern processing equipment.
- Morrinho Peak: The island’s highest point at 436 metres, giving views across the flat interior to the sea.
- Ponta Preta Beach: Long, undeveloped beach on the island’s north coast, one of the quietest in the Verde archipelago.
- Agriculture, Land & Sea 13.6%
- Education 11.9%
- Skilled Trades & Construction 9.5%
- Healthcare 9.3%
All 19 groups
Hide table
- Agriculture, Land & Sea 13.6%
- Education 11.9%
- Skilled Trades & Construction 9.5%
- Healthcare 9.3%
| Occupation | Share | Posts |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture, Land & Sea | 13.6% | 2,350 |
| Education | 11.9% | 2,060 |
| Skilled Trades & Construction | 9.5% | 1,650 |
| Healthcare | 9.3% | 1,610 |
| Domestic | 8.4% | 1,460 |
| Industry | 6.5% | 1,120 |
| Government & Civil Administration | 5.4% | 930 |
| Transport | 5.2% | 900 |
| Retail, Distribution & Logistics | 4.5% | 780 |
| Arts & Media | 4.3% | 750 |
| Security & Defence | 4.3% | 750 |
| Economic Planning | 3.1% | 530 |
| Sport & Recreation | 2.7% | 470 |
| Hospitality & Participatory Trades | 2.6% | 450 |
| Law & Justice | 2.1% | 360 |
| Science & Research | 2.1% | 360 |
| Information & Communications | 1.9% | 320 |
| Energy & Resources | 1.5% | 270 |
| Religious & Ceremonial | 1.1% | 200 |
Register estimates of posts located in the republic, rounded; figures under 50 suppressed. Includes 90 posts held by non-residents.