According to Countryaah, Cape Verde is a country located in Africa with name that begins with letter C. The Republic of Cabo Verde consists of 15 islands, nine of which are inhabited. The Cape Verde Islands are located around 450 km off the coast of West Africa in the Atlantic. Together they have an area of around 4,000 square kilometers and are inhabited by a total of 523,000 people. It is estimated that over 700,000 Cape Verdeans live overseas.
The capital of the archipelago is Praia on the island of Santiago with around 125,000 residents. The eastern islands are rather flat and desert-like, the western islands are mountainous and on the northern sides tropical green and fertile.
Entry
Since January 2019, citizens of the European Union no longer need a visa for Cabo Verde, but they must register online with the Cape Verde police at least five days before departure.
Climate
The sun shines 350 days a year. Thanks to a constant breeze from the sea, Cape Verde is blessed with a year-round mild, dry climate with temperatures between 22 °C and 30 °C. The water temperatures fluctuate between 22 °C and 27 °C, so that you can swim in the Atlantic all year round.
Food and drink
Cape Verdean cuisine is shaped by influences from both Africa and Europe. Cachupa, the national dish, is a tasty stew made from corn, beans and various other ingredients such as fish, chicken or pork. Fresh fish, grilled or baked in the oven, potatoes, sweet potatoes, vegetables, yams and breadfruit are the foundations of many dishes. Lobsters and other shellfish are caught in the Cape Verdean waters and prepared in the small restaurants.
Cultural characteristics
Celebrate the festivals as they come: This is especially true on the Cape Verde Islands. The residents love to celebrate Mardi Gras, Christian holidays and the name days of their local and island saints extensively and often for days with music, dance and festive clothing. Even unknown guests are warmly welcomed.
Although the population of Cape Verde is predominantly Catholic, it is common on the islands for a man and woman to live together without a marriage license or for the man to have relationships with several women who often still live with their parents.
Medical advice
No vaccinations are required for Cabo Verde, a hepatitis vaccination is recommended. Medical care on the islands cannot be compared to Europe. It is recommended that you bring a personal first-aid kit with you. In order to prevent intestinal infections, appropriate food and drinking water hygiene must be observed – as well as normal hygiene measures such as frequent hand washing. On Santiago there is a minimal risk of malaria from August to November, which can be further reduced with appropriate precautionary measures – clothing, insect repellent, mosquito net.
security
The safety standard on the Cape Verde Islands is considered good. However, pickpockets can occur in cities. Travelers should take care of their bags and purses in the tourist centers and refrain from wearing flashy jewelry.
Climate and travel time
Similar to the Canary Islands, the Cape Verde Islands have a very mild and dry oceanic climate, which is determined by the northeast passat. The climate is characterized by small temperature differences between day and night (mostly around 5 °C) and by relatively high humidity all year round (around 70%). The daytime temperatures are between 23 and 30 °C all year round, with the nighttime values in winter (January-April) around 18 °C and in summer (August-October) around 24 °C. It is very dry everywhere, the average rainfall in the capital is around 250 mm per year, but mostly between 100 and 200 mm. Most of the precipitation falls from August to November. The water temperatures are very pleasant with 22 to 27 °C and therefore also make the country attractive for beach tourism.
All about money
The local currency is the Cape Verdean Escudo (ECV). Exchange of money is only possible in Cape Verde
. Foreign currencies can be introduced without restriction. The export of the local currency is
prohibited. Keep exchange receipts in a safe place, as they
can be used to exchange the remaining money. The rate of the ECV against the euro is fixed. A corresponding mix
of Visa card including PIN and / or cash (euros!) Makes the most sense.
Other essential information
Time difference
Time difference to CET, -2 h
Electricity / plug
The power supply is always a problem, especially on the smaller islands. The
outdated technology and the ailing network are the main reasons why it always
can come blackouts. The regular voltage is 220 V / 50 Hz. It
is not necessary to take an adapter with you on vacation.
Language
The official language is Portuguese, the colloquial language is “Creol”, which has a different
expression on every island. Many Cape Verdeans
speak English or French because of their stay abroad or school ties. Tourists / guests are
welcomed in a very friendly manner.