Map
Source: CIA World Factbook
Summary Data
| summary data |
|
| Total Area (km2) |
4,033 |
| Land (km2) |
4,033 |
| Water (km2) |
- |
| Population |
426,998 |
| Population Density (/km2) |
106 |
| Capital |
Praia |
| Religion |
Roman Catholic, Protestant. |
| Time |
GMT -1 |
| Climate |
Cape Verde has warm, dry summers
with very little rainfall. Average temperatures
start at 24°C in January and February to
29°C in September. |
Source: CIA World Factbook
Geography
Cape Verde is an archipelago located off the west coast of
Africa in the Atlantic Ocean. The country consists of several
islands divided into two groups: the Balavento islands and the
Sotavento islands. The islands are mainly rocky and worn, apart
from three which are desert islands. All the islands are volcanic
but only Fogo contains an active volcano.
With limited rainfall, Cape Verde cannot rely on its agriculture
as a main food source meaning the islands are very dependant on
international food imports.
Government
The Republic of Cape Verde gained independence from Portugal in
1975. To celebrate this, Cape Verde has an annual national holiday,
Independence Day on 5th July. The head of state is President Pedro
Pires and the head of government is Prime Minister Jose Maria
Neves. The legal system in Cape Verde is based on the legal system
of Portugal.
Cape Verde is a multiparty democracy governed under the
constitution of 1992. The country is divided into fourteen
districts.
Language
The official language is Portuguese but Creole is spoken by most
habitants across the islands of Cape Verde. Creole a mixture of
Portuguese and west African words, English, French, German and
Spanish are broadly spoken throughout the country.
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are of the two-pin type.
Passports/Visa
Passports are required by all nationals and must be valid for at
least six months prior to the return date.
Visas
Visas are required by all nationals apart from those continuing
their journey to a third destination, those periodically in
transit, and those not leaving the airport. Visas are valid for 6
months from the date of issue for visits up to 90 days whilst multi
entry visas are valid for up to a year. Expect 7 days at the most
to acquire a visa.
Passport/Visa Information
Cape Verde Bureau
18-20 Stanley Street
Liverpool
L1 6AF
ENGLAND.
Telephone: 0044 (0)151 255 1314
Email: Joao.Roberto@capeverdebureau.com
Airports and Airlines
AmílcarCabral (SID)/Sal international
airport
- Location: The airport is situated 2km (1 mile)
south of Espargos.
- Time: GMT – 1
- Contacts: Tel: + 40 (0)21 204 1200.
- Transfer to the city: There is currently no
public transport from the airport but a number of taxis are
available.
- Car rental: Car rental companies are available
at the airport.
- Facilities: The airport only has one terminal.
The facilities include: waiting and arrival areas, shopping,
banking and passenger services.
- Parking: Parking is available.
- Website: http://airport.u.nu/SID
Standard of Living
Cape Verde enjoys a comfortable standard of living. Reports that
Praia international airport will be developed to allow more
international flights has pleased the locals as more tourists
equate to more jobs and opportunities to learn jobs in a trade.
Principal commercial centres and towns
The majority of the population live in Praia, the
capital, or on the island of Santiago.
| population by city/town 2007 |
|
| Praia |
113,364 |
| Mindelo (São Vicente) |
70,611 |
| Santa Maria (Sal) |
17,231 |
| Pedra Badejo (Santa Cruz) |
9,488 |
Source: Wikipedia
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