last edited Dec 11, 2019
Overview of Cape Verde
Quick Overview
Cape Verde is an archipelago in the North Atlantic made up of around twenty islands and islets, which can be divided into two groups based on their location. The "Leeward Islands" are in the south and, in addition to Brava, Fogo, and Maio, include the island of Santiago, which is home to the capital Praia. The "Windward Islands", the most numerous with Sal, Boa Vista, São Nicolau, São Vicente, and Santo Antão, are located to the north. While Sal, Boa Vista, and Maio in the far east are flat with beautiful sandy beaches and sparse vegetation (except on Maio), the others feature mountainous terrain (Fogo volcano at 2,829 m) with deep valleys and impressive cliffs like those on Santo Antão.
The Cape Verdean population (and culture) is largely the result of a blend of Africa and Europe (80% mixed-race), shaped notably by five centuries of Portuguese presence. It is also predominantly Catholic. Following various waves of emigration, over 500,000 Cape Verdeans now live abroad—almost as many as the resident population. Salt, bananas, sugarcane, seafood, and, above all, tourism now represent the country’s main resources, alongside international aid and support from the Cape Verdean diaspora.
Key Facts
- Location: south of Canary Islands and 500 km west of Senegal.
- Latitude/longitude: 14°55' N, 23°31' W.
- Local time:
- Capital: Praia on the island of Santiago.
- Nature of the state: semi-presidential republic.
- Official language: Portuguese, plus Cape Verdean Creole, recognized as a "national language".
- Currency: Cape Verdean escudo.
- Population: 568,373 inhabitants (2018).
- Area: 4,033 km².
- Density: 142 inhabitants/km².
- Highest point: Fogo Volcano (2,829 m) on the island of Fogo.
- Lowest point: sea level.
- Coastline:
- Driving: on the right.
- Flag: [drapeau: Cape Verde]
Tourism
The homeland of Cesária Évora has seen a surge in tourism in recent years. Between Europe, Africa, and South America, the archipelago offers stunning landscapes, wild nature, historical heritage, and even some beach activity. For all tastes...
With steadily increasing visitor numbers, Cape Verde attracted 710,000 foreign tourists in 2018—more than double the figure from ten years ago. Among these, Italians, Britons, Portuguese, and Germans are the most numerous. As a result, the tourism sector now accounts for 30% of the country’s wealth.
Travel Essentials
- Destination: for beginner travelers.
- By air: France-Sal.
- Entry requirements: passport valid for at least 6 months after the planned return date.
- Currency to bring: euros.
- Exchange rate:
- Daily "backpacker" budget:
- Best for accommodation:
- Best for getting around:
- Risks:
- Best time for climate/crowds/prices:
- Interests (out of ): Nature ; Adventure ; Culture ; Relaxation-holidays .
Useful Addresses
Socio-Economic Statistics
- "Quality of life": 125/188 (rank in 2018)
- GDP per capita: $7,000 (2017)
- Average monthly income: ()
- Inflation: +0.8% (2017)
- "Official" unemployment: 9% (2017)
- Population below the poverty line: ()
- Life expectancy: 72.7 years (2018)
- Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: -0.6 (2017)
- Population growth: +1.32% (2018)
- Literacy rate: 87.6% (2015)
- Urban population: 65.7% (2018)
- Press freedom: 29/180 (rank in 2018)
- Political regime: flawed democracy (26/167 in 2018)
Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook