CABO VERDE
Geographical Region: Africa
-Archipelagic nation located in the central Atlantic Ocean.
-Due to its position, it has historically been a significant stopover point for trans-Atlantic Sea routes between Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
-It is part of the Macaronesia ecoregion, which is characterised by its unique biodiversity and volcanic origins.
-Composed of ten main volcanic island and several smaller islets.
-Nine of the ten islands are inhabited.
The islands are divided into two main groups based on their position relative to the prevailing winds:
Barlavento Islands (to the North):
-Santo Antao
-Sao Vicente
-Santa Luzia
-Sao Nicolau
-Sal
-Boa Vista
Sotavento Islands (to the South):
-Maio
-Santiago
-Fogo
-Brava
Climate: Tropical Dry
-Consistently warm temperatures and generally low rainfall throughout the year.
-Known for its year-round sunshine and pleasant sea breezes.
-Coolest months are typically January to April.
-The hottest months are usually August and September.
-Ocean water is warm year-round, ranging from 22C in winter to 29C in summer.
-Brief rainy season runs from August to October.
Capital: Praia
-Located on the southern tip of Santiago Island, which is the largest island in the Cabo Verde archipelago.
-It is a port city, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the islet of Santa Maria.
-The city’s name actually means ‘beach’ in Portuguese and reflects its costal identity.
-The original capital was Cidade Velha, however due to repeated pirate attacks it was gradually moved to Praia, which was a more defensible location with a better natural harbour.
Currency: Cabo Verdean Escudo (CVE)
Economy: Service-Oriented
Cabo Verde has successfully transitioned from a least developed country to a lower-middle-income country, which was a significant achievement for an African nation.
Key Economic Sectors: Services, Industry, Agriculture and Fisheries
1.Services
-Accounts for vast majority of Cabo Verde’s GDP (contributing approximately 70 - 78%)
-Tourism: Primary engine of the sector and overall economy. Cabo Verde’s beautiful beaches, consistent sunshine, and pleasant climate attracts a growing number of visitors.
-Commerce, Trade, and Transport: As an island nation with strategic location, trade and transport services are vital.
-Public Services: Government and administrative services contribute significantly as well.
2.Industry
-Contributes appropriately 17 – 18 % of GDP
-Light Manufacturing: Food and beverages, fish processing, shoes, and garments.
-Salt Mining: Particularly on islands like Sal and Maio.
-Ship Repair: Especially in Mindelo and Sao Vicente.
-Construction: Driven by tourism infrastructure development and public investment projects.
3.Agriculture and Fisheries
-Contributes a relatively small portion to GDP, often under 8%
-Agriculture: Between severe water scarcity and limited arable land due to frequent droughts, agriculture is challenging. Key crops include maize, beans, bananas, and sugarcane.
-Cabo Verde imports around 75 – 80% of its food needs.
-Fisheries: Surrounding waters are rich in fish, including lobster and tuna. However, although there is potential, fishing is often done on smaller scale.
Key Economic Strengths
-Fixed Exchange Rate: The Cabo Verdean Escudo is pegged to the euro at a fixed rate which provides macroeconomic stability and confidence for foreign investors and trade, especially in Europe.
-Political Stability: Often cited as one of the most politically stable and democratically governed counties in Africa, which enhances its appeal for foreign investment.
-Strategic Location: Being located in the central Atlantic makes it a potential hub for air and sea transport between Europe, Africa and the Americas.
-Government Focus: The government is actively pursuing reforms to diversify the economy, developing the private sector, attracting foreign investment, and improving infrastructure.
Key Economic Challenges
-Over-Reliance on Tourism: Making the economy highly susceptible to global economic downturns, travel restrictions, and geopolitical events.
-High Import Dependency: Significant imports of food, fuel, and manufactures goods create a persistent trade deficit.
-Climate Change: As an archipelago, it is highly vulnerable to climate- related shocks such as droughts affecting agriculture, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events impacting coastal infrastructure and tourism.
-Limited Natural Resources: The country lacks mineral resources and has scarce arable land and fresh water.
-Unemployment and Poverty: Despite overall economic progress, poverty and unemployment remain a significant challenge.
-Global Volatility: As all small open economies, it is impacted by global inflation.
Official Language: Portuguese
Most widely spoken by locals is Kabuverdianu, which is a language based on Portuguese that evolved with influences from West African languages. This is the mother tongue for the vast majority of the population and is used in everyday conversation, music, and poetry.
Population: 610,000 (Estimated for 2024-2025)
-Generally, experiences a modest population growth tare of approximately 0.5% to 1.0% annually.
-Population is unevenly distributed across islands.
-Overall population density is approximately 131 people per a square kilometre.
-Majority of the population is of mixed European and African descent.
-The population is relatively young, approximately 28% was ages 0-14 years in 2022.
-The largest portion of the population is of working-age, approximately 66-67%
-The median age is approximately 29 years (2025 estimate)
-Life Expectancy is fairly high at around 73-77 years.
-As of 2025 estimates around 78-80% of the population lives in urban areas.
Religion: Majorly Christian
National Food: Cachupa
-A hearty, slow-cooked stew which serves as a cornerstone of Cabo Verdean cuisine. It reflects the islands history, blending African staples with Portuguese influences.
-The base always includes dried, rehydrated corn kernels and a mix of different beans.
-What distinguishes it depends on the remaining ingredients which vary depending on what is available or the occasion.
-Meats such as pork, beef, chicken, or goat.
-Fresh cured fish, especially in coastal areas
-Vegetables like sweet potato, cassava, squash, green bananas, cabbage, kale, carrots, and yams are common additions along with onions, garlic, bay leaves, and other spices.
National Animal: Manatee
Also known as sea cows, are gentle, slow-moving marine mammals that are found in the coastal waters around the islands. They symbolise the peaceful and gentle nature that Cabo Verdeans aspire to.
National Flower: Gerbera Daisy
Known for its bright, cheerful colours and daisy like appearance.
National Sport: Football
It is deeply ingrained in the culture, with the vast majority of Cabo Verdeans being dedicated and passionate fans.
Is it worth a visit?
Absolutely! Especially if you are seeking a unique blend of African and Portuguese culture, stunning diverse landscapes, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Landmarks worth a peek!
The beauty of Cabo Verde lies in its diversity, with each island offering a unique experience.
1.Sal Island
-Best for beach holidays, water sports, and package tourism.
-Santa Maria Beach: Kilometres of pristine white sand and turquoise waters.
-Buracona: A natural pool formed in volcanic rick, famous for a ‘blue eye’ effect when the sun hits at a specific angle.
-Pedra de Lume Salt Pans: An inactive volcanic crater transformed into salt pans.
-Ponta Preta: You can wade into the shallow water to see lemon sharks in their natural habitat.
-Kite Beach: World-renowned for kitesurfing and windsurfing.
2.Boa Vista Island
-Best for tranquil beach holidays, vast sand dunes, and nature.
-Praia de Chaves and Santa Monica Beach: Unspoiled stretches of white sand dunes flowing into the Atlantic. Perfect for long walks and solitude.
-Deserto de Viana: A desert landscape shaped by sand carried from the Sahara, offering a unique opportunity for quad biking and exploring dunes.
-Turtle Nesting (July-October): It is a critical nesting site for loggerheaded turtles; you can join the guided tours to observe them.
3.Santiago Island
-Best for history, culture, and local life.
-Praia: Bustling capital city with a historic city centre, colonial architecture, and markets.
-Cidade Velha: First European colonial settlement in the tropics and a key hub for the transatlantic slave trade.
-Tarrafal Beach: A beautiful white-sand beach with palm trees, offering a relaxed vibe.
-Serra Malagueta Natural Park: Offers hiking opportunities and lush green landscapes in contrast to the drier coastal areas.
4.Sao Vicente Island
-Best for culture, music, and vibrant city life.
-Mindelo: Vibrant, charming port city. Known for its music scene, lively carnival celebrations in February / March, and colonial architecture.
-Monte Verde Natural Park: Offers panoramic views of Mindelo and the surrounding islands.
-Praia de Laginha: A city beach perfect for relaxation and swimming.
5.Santo Antao Island
-Best for hiking, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and lush green valleys. A paradise for nature lovers.
-Ribeira Grande and Ribeira do Paul: Stunning valleys with terraced field, dense vegetation, and picturesque villages. Ideal for trekking.
-Cova Crater: A magnificent extinct volcanic crater, often shrouded in mist, offering incredible views.
-Ponta do Sol: A charming fishing village often serving as starting point for hikes.
6.Fogo Island
-Best for volcano trekking and unique volcanic landscapes.
-Pico do Fogo: An active volcano and the highest point in Cabo Verde. You can hike to the rim of the main crater or even the peak, depending on activity and regulations.
-Cha das Caldeiras: Caldera at the base of the volcano, where local communities live and cultivate grapes to produce unique Fogo wine.
Best Time to Go: Sunshine year-round
Best time to visit depends on your priorities.
-December to June: Is best for beach and sun.
-December to March: Cooler and windier, perfect for water sports.
-April to June: Still dry and warm, but fewer crowds and slightly calmer winds, great for general beach lounging and swimming.
-August to October: Is best for hiking and greenery. This is the short rainy season with occasional showers, temperatures are hotter and more humid.
-This period does however fall within the Atlantic hurricane season.
-March to May: Humpback whales can often be spotted off the coast of Boa Cista.
Tips!
-Island Hopping: Don’t stick to just one island!
-Do not drink tap water.
-The sun is intense, use high-factor sunscreen, wear hats, and sunglasses.
-Don’t just stay in resorts, explore local markets, try local food, listen to local music, and engage with the friendly locals.
-Embrace the laid-back no stress philosophy, things might move at a slower pace, and services might not always be as punctual as you are used to. Just relax and enjoy the rhythm of island life!
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