São Domingos
Praia's immediate suburban zone absorbing capital spillover while maintaining agricultural activity in valleys.
São Domingos lies immediately north of Praia—a municipality where the capital's expansion meets Santiago's rural interior. This position creates satellite-city dynamics as Praia's housing costs and congestion push residents toward more affordable nearby areas.
Agriculture continues in valley areas despite urbanization pressure. Vegetable farming, fruit cultivation, and small-scale livestock supply Praia's markets. The Rui Vaz botanical garden provides ecotourism interest. But residential development increasingly defines the municipal economy.
Service provision grows alongside population. Schools, healthcare facilities, and commerce serve residents who may work in Praia but live in São Domingos. Transport connections link the municipality to the capital's labor markets and services.
The biological pattern is suburban colonization: São Domingos absorbs population growth that Praia cannot accommodate, developing residential and service functions as spillover from the capital's constrained urban core.