Cabo Verde Factsheet
About Cabo Verde
Official Name: Republic of Cabo Verde (República de Cabo Verde)
Location: Central Atlantic Ocean, 600-850 km west of Senegal, part of the Macaronesia ecoregion with the Azores, Canary Islands, and Madeira
Capital: Praia, on Santiago Island
Population: ~596,000 (2022 estimate)
Land Area: 4,033 km² across ten islands
Languages: Official: Portuguese; National: Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu)
Currency: Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE), pegged to the Euro (€1 ≈ 110 CVE)
Time Zone: Cape Verde Time (CVT, UTC-1)
Flag: Five horizontal stripes (blue, white, red, white, blue) with a circle of ten yellow stars, symbolizing the ten islands, unity, and maritime heritage
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Geography and Islands
Geographical Overview: Ten volcanic islands (nine inhabited) in two groups:
Barlavento (Windward): Santo Antão, São Vicente, Santa Luzia (uninhabited), São Nicolau, Sal, Boa Vista
Sotavento (Leeward): Maio, Santiago, Fogo, Brava
Largest Island: Santiago (991 km²), hosting over half the population
Map of Islands: The archipelago spans ~300 km north-south and ~250 km east-west, with inter-island distances ranging from 8 km (São Vicente to Santo Antão) to ~200 km (Sal to Brava)
Volcanoes: Pico do Fogo (2,829 m, active, last erupted 2014-2015) on Fogo is the highest peak. Other volcanic features shape Santo Antão and São Nicolau
Highest Mountains: Pico do Fogo (2,829 m), Tope de Coroa (1,979 m, Santo Antão), Monte Gordo (1,312 m, São Nicolau)
Cabo Verde vs. Canary Islands/Madeira: Unlike the Spanish Canary Islands or Portuguese Madeira, Cabo Verde is an independent nation with a distinct Creole identity, less developed tourism infrastructure, and a more arid climate
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History
Discovery: Uninhabited until Portuguese explorers arrived in 1456. Settled in 1462 at Ribeira Grande (Cidade Velha)
Colonial Era: Key in the transatlantic slave trade (16th-17th centuries), later a maritime resupply hub
Independence: Achieved July 5, 1975, led by Amílcar Cabral and the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC)
Climate
Overview: Tropical, arid with a rainy season (August-October) and dry season (December-June). Average temperatures: 24°C (winter) to 30°C (summer)
Best Time to Travel: November-May for warm, dry weather and optimal beach conditions
Rainy Season: August-October, with risks of flash floods, as seen in August 2025 on São Vicente and Santo Antão
Water Temperature: 22°C (February) to 27°C (September), ideal for swimming and diving
Calima Phenomenon: Rare Saharan dust storms may reduce visibility and raise temperatures, most likely February-March
Climate Month by Month:
Jan-Apr: Dry, 22-25°C, strong trade winds
May-Jul: Warming, 24-28°C, minimal rain
Aug-Oct: Rainy, 26-30°C, occasional storms
Nov-Dec: Dry, cooling, 24-26°C
Vegetation & Sea Currents: Sparse vegetation (11% forest cover, 45,720 ha in 2020) includes laurisilva forests and acacias. The Canary Current supports marine biodiversity but contributes to aridity
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Culture
Music: Morna (UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, popularized by Cesária Évora), funaná, and coladeira reflect Creole roots
Cuisine: Features cachupa (corn and bean stew), fresh seafood, and grogue (sugar cane spirit)
Religion: ~80% Roman Catholic, 5% Protestant, small Muslim and Baháʼí communities
Largest Cities: Praia (159,000), Mindelo (70,000, São Vicente), Santa Maria (25,000, Sal)
Travel Information
Top Things to Do:
Swim at Santa Maria Beach (Sal)
Hike Pico do Fogo or Santo Antão's valleys
Visit Cidade Velha (UNESCO site, Santiago)
Spot loggerhead turtles (Boa Vista, July-September)
Enjoy Mindelo's Carnival (February)
Public Holidays: Include Independence Day (July 5), Amílcar Cabral's Birthday (September 12), Christmas (December 25)
Emergency Numbers: Police: 132, Medical: 130, Fire: 131
Drinking Water: Bottled water recommended; tap water often desalinated but not always potable
Power & Plugs: 220V, Type C/F plugs (European standard)
Tipping: Not mandatory; 5-10% appreciated in restaurants
Communication & Internet: Reliable 4G on major islands (Sal, Santiago, São Vicente). Webcams available at resorts (e.g., Santa Maria, Sal) via www.earthcam.com or hotel sites
Flight Time: ~6 hours from Europe (e.g., Lisbon), 7-8 hours from US East Coast, 2 hours from Dakar
Emigrating: Requires residency permits, often tied to investment or employment. Contact embassies for details
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Getting Around
Transportation Options: Domestic flights, ferries, car rentals, and aluguer collective taxis
Domestic Flights: Operated by BestFly Cabo Verde, connecting Sal, Praia, São Vicente, and Boa Vista daily
Ferries: Regular services (e.g., São Vicente to Santo Antão, 1 hour) via CV Interilhas
Car Rental: Available on Sal, Boa Vista, and Santiago; 4x4 recommended for rugged islands
Aluguer Taxis: Shared minibuses, affordable but unscheduled, common in cities
Driving: Right-hand side, international driving permit recommended. Roads vary from paved (Sal, Praia) to rough (Santo Antão)
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Airports and Ports
Airports:
Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal): Main gateway, handles most international flights
Aristides Pereira Airport (Boa Vista): Key for tourism
Nelson Mandela Airport (Praia, Santiago): Domestic and regional hub
Cesária Évora Airport (São Vicente): Serves Mindelo and northern islands
Maritime Ports: Praia Harbor and Porto Grande (Mindelo) are primary trade and ferry hubs
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Travel & International Relations
Embassies: Cabo Verde hosts embassies in Praia (e.g., US, Portugal, EU). Citizens abroad rely on consulates in Lisbon, Boston, or Dakar
Memberships: African Union, ECOWAS, Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), special EU partnership since 2007
Hospitality: Known for warm, Creole-influenced hospitality with eco-lodges and boutique hotels
Visa: Visa-free for ECOWAS citizens and many nationalities (e.g., EU, UK, US) for stays up to 30 days. Others require pre-registration via EASE platform
ECOWAS Free Travel: Cabo Verde, an ECOWAS member, allows visa-free entry for ECOWAS passport holders
Tourist Tax: €2/day (max €10/stay) for visitors aged 16+, payable at accommodation
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