Cape Verde is an archipelago of ten volcanic islands located in the Atlantic Ocean, about 570 kilometres off the west coast of Africa. The country is known for its year-round warm climate, diverse music scene, and stunning beaches. Its mix of African and Portuguese influences gives it a distinct cultural identity unlike anywhere else in the region.
- Capital
- Praia
- Continent
- Africa
- Region
- Western Africa
- Area
- 4,033 km²
- Coordinates
- 16° N, 24° W
Country facts
- Cape Verde gained independence from Portugal on 5 July 1975 after centuries of colonial rule.
- The islands were uninhabited when Portuguese sailors first arrived in the 1460s.
- Morna, a soulful musical genre made famous by singer Cesária Évora, originates from Cape Verde.
- Portuguese is the official language, while Cape Verdean Creole is widely spoken in daily life.
- The country is frequently battered by the Harmattan, a dry dusty wind that blows in from the Sahara Desert.
Capital facts
- Praia is located on Santiago, the largest island in the Cape Verde archipelago.
- The city sits on a plateau known as the Plateau, which forms its historic and administrative centre.
- Praia served as an important stop for ships crossing the Atlantic during the era of the slave trade.
- The Presidential Palace and the National Assembly building are both located in the city centre.
- Praia is the most populous city in Cape Verde and serves as the country's main commercial hub.