Cabo Verde
Ten volcanic islands in the Atlantic, famous for morna music, year-round sunshine and one of Africa's most stable democracies.
At a glance
| Capital | Praia |
|---|---|
| Region | West Africa |
| Area | 4,033 km² (#50 of 54 in Africa) |
| Size vs Kenya | Kenya is about 144× bigger |
| Languages | Portuguese (official); Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu) is spoken by almost everyone |
| Currency | Cape Verdean escudo (CVE), pegged to the euro |
| Independence | 5 July 1975, from Portugal |
The capital: Praia
Praia is on the southern coast of Santiago, the largest island. It is Cabo Verde's biggest city and its political centre. Its name means "beach" in Portuguese.
The historic centre sits on the Platô, a flat-topped plateau above the harbour, with colonial-era buildings, the presidential palace, squares and cafés. The city spreads out around it into neighbourhoods that run down to the beaches.
What to see in Praia
The Platô
Praia's old town, with pastel colonial buildings, the Praça Alexandre Albuquerque square and views over the bay.
Sucupira market
A busy market for food, cloth, music and everyday goods, and a good place to hear Kriolu spoken.
Ethnographic Museum
A small museum on the Platô with displays on traditional weaving, music and island life.
Quebra Canela beach
The most popular city beach, a short walk from the centre.
How big is Cabo Verde?
Cabo Verde covers 4,033 km², making it Africa's #50 largest country out of 54. Kenya (580,367 km²) is about 144 times bigger. One place above it is Gambia (11,300 km²) and one place below is Mauritius (2,040 km²).
Places to visit in Cabo Verde
Cidade Velha
Fifteen kilometres from Praia, the first European colonial town in the tropics is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Fogo
An island built around Pico do Fogo, a 2,829-metre active volcano that last erupted in 2014. You can climb it and stay in the crater village of Chã das Caldeiras.
Mindelo, São Vicente
Cabo Verde's cultural capital, home of Cesária Évora and a famous carnival every February.
Santo Antão
Dramatic green valleys and cliffside trails make this the best island for hiking.
Sal and Boa Vista
Long white beaches, kitesurfing and turtle-nesting season from June to October.
Did you know?
- Cabo Verde is an island nation off West Africa, famed for morna music and the 'Barefoot Diva' Cesária Évora.
- The islands were uninhabited when Portuguese navigators arrived in the 15th century.
- The international airport on São Vicente is named after Cesária Évora, the singer who took morna to the world.
- More Cabo Verdeans are thought to live abroad, in the United States, Portugal and elsewhere, than on the islands.
Planning a visit
Cabo Verde is warm all year, with temperatures usually between 20°C and 30°C. The driest months are roughly November to June. August to October brings occasional rain, which turns the hillsides green.
Travellers from many countries can register online before arrival through the EASE pre-registration system instead of getting a visa. Check the current rules before you go.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Cabo Verde?
The capital of Cabo Verde is Praia.
How big is Cabo Verde compared with Kenya?
Cabo Verde covers 4,033 km², making it Africa's #50 largest country out of 54. Kenya (580,367 km²) is about 144 times bigger.
Which part of Africa is Cabo Verde in?
Cabo Verde is in West Africa. It is an archipelago about 570 km off the coast of Senegal in the Atlantic Ocean.
Areas and rankings are standard reference figures, rounded. Travel conditions change, so check your government's current travel advice before you go. Spotted an error? Tell us.