Cape Verde

Crater of Pico de Fogo, Cape Verde
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pico_de_Fogo_Krater.jpg
Author: Kogo


Cape Verde is an island nation in the central part of the Atlantic Ocean. Comprising an archipelago of some 10 islands, the Republic of Cape Verde is about 540 km from the coast of Western Africa. The islands have a total area of 4,033 sq km (1,557 sq mi). The capital and biggest city is Praia.

Cape Verde has a population of about 570,000 (2011 estimate). Its official language is Portuguese, although the population mostly speak Cape Verdean Creole. The country observes Cape Verde Time, which is one hour behind Coordinated Universal Time. Traffic moves on the right side of the road here. The phone IDD code is +238. Electricity is 220V 50Hz using European sockets.

Steep coast near Forminguinhas, Santo Antão, Cape Verde
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Canyon_Forminguinhas.jpg
Author: Kogo


The official currency of Cape Verde is the Cape Verdean escudo (CVE). In 2009, Cape Verde had a nominal GDP of $1.768 and a per capita nominal GDP of $3,444. The per capita GDP at purchasing power parity was $3,587.

Cape Verde was uninhabited when Italian and Portuguese navigators discovered it in 1456. According to the Portuguese, the islands were first discovered by Genoese-born Antonio de Noi, who was later made the governor of Cape Verde by King Afonso V of Portugal. Portuguese settlers began arriving in newly established Santiago in 1462.

Aqueduto Ribeira Grande, Cape Verde
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:AquedutoRibeiraGrande.JPG
Author: CorreiaPM


In the 16th century Cape Verde became a thriving slave port. It was occasionally ransacked by pirates, particularly in the 18th century. That, along with the decline in slave trade, brought an end to the islands' early prosperity.

In an attempt to suppress nationalism, the Portuguese elevated Cape Verde from colony to an oversea province of Portugal in 1951. A group of Cape Verdeans and Guineans formed an armed rebellion group called PAIGC (Partido Africano da Independência da Guiné e Cabo Verde) which waged a guerilla warfare against the Portuguese authorities. This led to the independence of Cape Verde from Portugal on 5 July, 1975. Originally a single-party state, Cape Verde had its first multi-party elections in 1991.

Planning your visit to Cape Verde

Most visitors require a visa. You are expected to have one done if there is a Cape Verde embassy in your country. Otherwise a visa-upon-arrival can be purchased.

Cape Verde gets international flights connecting it mostly with destinations in Europe and Africa. Four of its major islands have international airports.

Places of Interest in Cape Verde

World Heritage Sites in Cape Verde

Cape Verde ratified the World Heritage Convention on 28 April, 1988. As of August 2010, it has one World Heritage Site, in the Cultural category. Cape Verde has another five sites on the World Heritage Tentative List. Sites in Cape Verde on the World Heritage Tentative List:

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