Time Zone |
America/Chicago |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC-6 |
Daylight Saving Time |
UTC-5 |
Time Zone |
Atlantic/Cape_Verde |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC-1 |
Daylight Saving Time |
Daylight saving time is not observed in the current region. |
Ames is located in the central part of the U.S. state of Iowa, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of the capital city of Des Moines, and is one of the county seats of Boyd and Story counties, as well as the state's most important educational and livable city. As the home of Iowa State University (ISU), Ames has been deeply tied to the university since its founding in 1888, and the university is nationally renowned for its agricultural engineering, veterinary medicine, materials science and other disciplines, infusing the city with a strong academic and innovative atmosphere. With the university's resources, Ames has developed into a center for biotechnology, high-end manufacturing and aerospace research, with leading research institutions such as the National Advanced Driving Simulator Laboratory. With a population of approximately 66,000 (2020 data), the city has been repeatedly recognized as one of the safest and most livable areas in the nation, combining urban convenience with a small-town friendliness that attracts numerous academic conferences and tourists each year.
Gata (Santa Maria) is a seaside town on the southern tip of the Cape Verdean island of Sal, located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. As the main tourist center of the island of Sal, Gata is known for its 8 km of golden sandy beaches, clear blue waters and warm sunny climate all year round. Once a major salt-producing town, today it retains its traditional colorful colonial-style architecture, which coexists harmoniously with modern resort facilities.
Gata Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Cape Verde and is suitable for water sports such as surfing and windsurfing. The town is surrounded by a unique landscape of salt flat ruins and volcanic landscapes. The daily active fishing port offers fresh seafood, and local restaurants are famous for cooking swordfish, tuna and other seafood specialties. The annual summer music festival attracts a large number of international visitors and showcases traditional Cape Verdean music culture such as the Funaná.
Gata is conveniently located just 15 kilometers from Sal International Airport. As one of the gateways to Cape Verdean tourism, the town is connected to Sal Island's natural attractions such as Grotto Beach and Shark Bay. Its strategic location on the route between Europe, Africa and South America makes it a popular stopover for transatlantic travel.