Assomada


Assomada is a city on the Sotavento island of Santiago in Cape Verde. Since 1912, it is the seat of the municipality of Santa Catarina, which comprises the central western part and much of the interior of the island. It is the largest city in that region.

Geography

Assomada lies at about elevation on a plateau surrounded by mountains, farmland, and hills in the center of Santa Catarina. Assomada is located northwest of Praia. It has an urban area of about. In 2021, it had about 21,297 inhabitants, making it the second largest city on the island. Assomada plays an important commercial role and has a pleasant combination of urban areas and fields. Assomada lies near the midpoint of the highway that runs the length of the island of Santiago from Praia in the south to the northern port of Tarrafal.

Subdivisions

Assomada is subdivided into 22 neighborhoods including Achada Riba, Atrás de Banco, Bolanha, the City Center, Chã de Santos, Covão, Covão Ribeiro, Cruz Vermelha, Cumbém, Cutelo, Cutelo Somada, Espinho Branco, Leiria, Lém Vieira, Matinho, Nhagar, Pedra Barro, Ponta Fonte Lima, Portãozinho, Tarafalinho and Tras da Empa.

Landmarks

  • The market of Assomada, founded in 1931 is one of the largest on the island of Santiago, with a large variety of agricultural products and crafts.
  • Centro Cultural Norberto Tavares, in the former post office, home to the Museu da Tabanca until 2008.

Demography

According to Cabo Verde 2021 Census, there were 21,297 inhabitants in the city of Assomada.
The age and sex distribution at the 2010 census were:

Education

In addition to a vocational school, Assomada is home to the University of Santiago, which is a major Cabo Verdean university and a private one, an extensive school complex, including a public high school, two private secondary schools and a primary school. It is also home to an elite technical high school, which trains the most promising Cape Verdean youth in career skills.

Economy

Commerce, financial services, transport, and educational services are the lifeblood of the city. Among the financial entities that contribute much to the local economy are: six commercial banks, hundreds of retail and wholesale businesses, a relatively large fleet of taxis and minivans, schools. The "summit city" as it is kindly called by its locals and the outsiders is increasingly consolidating its economic success and self-sustainability. The residents of the city of Assomada enjoy the highest living standards on the island of Santiago.

Notable people