Its deepwater harbor serves vessels of any size and is used primarily as a fueling station. On the windward sides of the islands there are desert conditions. A sea mist on the higher hills provides enough moisture for some agriculture. Plants called aloes grow, and crops are raised on the green mountain of S o Vicente. There are monkeys, sea turtles, lizards, butterflies, and 105 species of birds.
Volcanic rock is exported for use in making cement.
Salt is an important product on Sal, Maio, and Boa Vista. The vast majority of Cape Verde's work force has traditionally been employed as agricultural laborers. The chief agricultural exports are bananas, refined sugar, peanuts, and coffee. More than four fifths of the nation's food requirements must be imported. Severe droughts on and off since 1968 would have led to widespread starvation but for large-scale international food aid.