Geography

Situated 500 km off Senegal, Cape Verde consists of 10 islands and 8 islets, most of which have a rugged mountainous terrain.

Boavista
Sao Nicolau
Brava
Santiago (the largest island
991 square kilometers)
Fogo
Sao Vicente
Maio
Santa Luzia (uninhabited)
Sal
Santo Antao

The highest point is Pico on Fogo island, that rises to 2899 metres.

The country's area is 4033 square kilometers.

General Information

Status
Republic

Government
Centralized power; multiparty; includes a president of the republic, a prime minister and a parliament made up of 79 members elected by universal suffrage.

Important date
July 5, 1975 - the country acquired its independence

Capital
Praia

Currency
Cape Verde Escudo

Languages spoken
Portuguese

Principal industries
Fairly undeveloped - brewing, construction, sea water desalinization, leather clothing

Agriculture
dry, unproductive land; main crops are corn, potatoes, cassava, sugar cane and bananas

Tourism Information

The dry season lasts from November to July and is tempered by ocean currents, making it a good time to visit Sao Vicente and Santa Antao, two of the archipelago's islands with spectacular lunar landscapes and little valleys where the cottages and farms look the same as they have for centuries. The craggy coasts and Cova crater provide a beautiful land and sea backdrop for the romantic Cape Verdian music that you'll hear everywhere.

Sao Vicente Island
The port of Mindelo is the country's second-largest city and has grown considerably with the construction of Port Grande which serves as a stopping-off point for ships flying every flag. Today Port Grande and Praia are the country's largest ports. The town of Mindelo is certainly the leader when it comes to festivals and celebrations. Its charm makes it an appealing tourist destination. The town center is very lively in the evenings
locals like to promenade along the square and chat with friends. During the day, take a trip to Langinha, a little sandy beach nearby.

Baia das Gatas
is a perfect spot to relax, and also the busiest beach during the summer. Every year in late August a big music festival is held here. Musicians arrive from around the world to play for three consecutive days
morna, coladeira, funana, zouk, rock… The spot also offers perfect conditions for water sports, especially windsurfing.