Cape Verde
From MaxTravelz
| Flag | |
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| Quick Facts | |
| Capital | Praia |
| Government | republic |
| Currency | Cape Verdean escudo (CVE) |
| Area | total: 4,033 sq km water: 0 sq km land: 4,033 sq km |
| Population | 408,760 (July 2002 est.) |
| Internet TLD | .cv |
| Language | Portuguese, Crioulo |
| Religion | Roman Catholic (infused with indigenous beliefs); Protestant (mostly Church of the Nazarene) |
Cape Verde (Portuguese Cabo Verde) is a country in West Africa. It comprises a group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Senegal.
Contents |
Regions
Cities
- Praia – the country’s capital
- Mindelo – a port city and probably the country’s liveliest
- Cidade Velha (Ribeira Grande) – A World Heritage Site
Other destinations
- The Island of Fogo volcano - The country's highest point (2,829 m)
Understand
Cape Verde (pop. 480.000) is located 500 km from the west coast of Africa. The once uninhabited islands were discovered and colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century; they subsequently became a trading center for African slaves and later an important coaling and re-supply stop for whaling and transatlantic shipping. Independence was achieved in 1975.
Most Cape Verdeans have both African and Portuguese antecedents.
Climate
Cape Verde’s climate is temperate, with a warm, dry summer. Precipitation is meager and very erratic.
Holidays
The national holiday is the 5th of July, Independence Day.
Get in
By plane
International flights land at the island of Sal, 70km (110 miles) northeast of the capital.
There are regular flights from Amsterdam, Boston (weekly), Fortaleza (Brazil) (weekly), Lisbon (daily), Madrid, Milan, Munich and Oporto operated by TACV.
Cape Verde is also serviced by Air Senegal (from Dakar), SAA (from South Africa) and TAP airlines.
By boat
There are only infrequent, expensive connections to the mainland.
Get around
Talk
The official language is Portuguese. Crioulo (a blend of Portuguese and West African words) is widely spoken.
Buy
Costs
Eat
- Lagostada – a lobster dish
Drink
Sleep
Learn
Work
Stay safe
Crime rates are relatively low. The emergency number is 132.
Stay healthy
Respect
Contact
The telephone system is effective and improving. There is mobile phone coverage. The country also has one internet service provider.
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