Cabo Verde flag

Cabo Verde

History

Portuguese navigators found the islands uninhabited and began settlement at Ribeira Grande.
The islands became an Atlantic staging post, including for the slave trade.
The PAIGC was founded, campaigning for independence from Portugal.
Independence came on 5 July.
The first multi-party elections brought a peaceful change of government.
Africa thumbnailPart ofAfricaMore countries, cities and routes.
CapitalPraia
Population491k
Area4k km2
CurrencyCape Verdean escudo

Short facts

RegionWest Africa
LanguagePortuguese
Time zoneCVT (UTC-1)
Drives onRight

Worth seeing

  • Cidade Velha: The first European colonial town in the tropics, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Pico do Fogo: An active volcano rising from a caldera, the archipelago's highest point.
  • Santo Antao: Ridge paths and terraced valleys crossing the island's green interior.

Find a city in Cabo Verde

Showing all cities

Praia thumbnailPraiaCity

Planning questions

What is Cabo Verde known for?Cidade Velha, Pico do Fogo, Santo Antao.
What is the capital?Praia.
Which language is useful?Portuguese.
When is the national day?5 July.
How should I browse it here?Start with the facts, jump to linked cities, then check events and topics.

Upcoming events

Use Praia as the first planning anchor for Cabo Verde, then compare the city, food and worth-seeing notes on this page.

Food & drink

Street food thumbnailStreet foodSignature dishCoffee thumbnailCoffeeLocal drink

Known for

Cidade VelhaPico do FogoSanto AntaoPraiaStreet foodCoffee
Eurovision Song Contest thumbnailMusic & CultureFestivals, concerts and cultural calendars.Africa thumbnailIsland and coast routesMarine weather, beaches, reefs and island travel windows.