24/02/2026
Cape Verde (officially Cabo Verde)
Basic facts
Location: Atlantic Ocean, about 570 km (350 mi) west of Senegal, West Africa — an archipelago of 10 main islands + several islets.
Capital: Praia (on Santiago island).
Official language: Portuguese; Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu) widely spoken.
Population: ~560,000 (approximate; small, dispersed population).
Area: ~4,033 km².
Currency: Cape Verdean escudo (CVE).
Government: Unitary semi-presidential republic.
History highlights
Uninhabited until Portuguese discovery in the 15th century; became an important Atlantic trading and resupply hub.
Independence from Portugal: July 5, 1975.
Stable democracy since the 1990s with regular elections.
Economy
Service-oriented: tourism (growing), transport, commerce, remittances from diaspora, light industry and fishing.
Limited natural resources; imports many goods.
Recent focus on renewable energy, sustainable tourism, and infrastructure.
Culture
Rich Creole culture blending African and Portuguese influences.
Noted for morna music (Cesária Évora was internationally famous), funaná, coladeira.
Festivals, strong maritime traditions, varied cuisine with seafood, corn, cassava, beans.
Tourism & attractions
Beach islands: Sal and Boa Vista — sand beaches, water sports, kitesurfing.
Santiago: historic Cidade Velha (UNESCO World Heritage), Praia markets.
Santo Antão: hiking, dramatic mountain landscapes.
São Vicente (Mindelo): cultural capital, music, carnival.
Good for eco-tourism, birdwatching, diving.
Climate & environment
Generally arid to semi-arid; islands differ — some green and mountainous (Santo Antão, Santiago), others flat and dry (Sal, Boa Vista).
Warm year-round; rainy season mostly Aug–Oct.
Vulnerable to droughts and climate change impacts.
Travel notes
Flights connect to Europe and West Africa; inter-island flights and ferries available.
Visas: many nationalities get visa on arrival or visa-free short stays; always check current rules before travel.
Health: routine vaccinations recommended; check malaria risk for some islands and take precautions if advised.
Quick practical tips
Currency code: CVE; euros widely accepted in tourist areas.
Portuguese useful; English spoken in tourist centers.
Electrical: 220V, European plugs (Type C/E).
If you want, I can provide: current visa rules for your nationality, suggested itineraries (7–10 days), best time to visit for windsurfing or hiking.
