Sotavento Islands, island group in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of western Africa and the southern of two island groups that constitute Cabo Verde. The archipelago consists of the islands of Brava, Fogo, Maio, and Santiago, as well as the islets of Grande, Luís Carneiro, and Cima, together known as the Rombos. The islands are of volcanic origin and have a tropical climate. Precipitation is scarce, and drought is a persistent problem.