Cabo Verde
Subregion: Western Africa
Cape Verde is a grouping of ten islands located off the coast of Western Africa. The Windward Islands consist of Santa Antão, São Vicente, Santa Luzia, São Nicolau, Ilha do Sal and Boa Vista. The Leeward islands are Maio, Santiago, Fogo and Bravo. The capital city is Praia. The government is a Unitarian semi-presidential republic. The official language of the country is Portuguese but the majority of the residents speak Cape Verdean Creole. The predominant religion is Christianity. Public healthcare is provided to the population with two hospitals. The less populated areas have medical facilities for basic care. There is a private medical center in Santa Maria.
Safety:
Cape Verde is generally considered a safe country for residents. The crime rate is relatively low, and incidents of violent crime are rare. However, like any destination, there are still some safety concerns that residents should be aware of. One common issue in Cape Verde is petty crime, such as pickpocketing and theft. Travelers should take precautions to keep their belongings secure, particularly in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. It is also advisable to avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuable items in public. Travelers should be aware of the risks associated with outdoor activities, such as swimming and hiking. Some areas may have strong currents, and visitors should only swim in designated areas. Hiking trails can also be challenging and may require a guide to navigate safely. Another concern is road safety. The quality of roads in Cape Verde can vary, and drivers may not always follow traffic rules. Visitors should exercise caution when driving or crossing roads and should be aware of the risks of accidents. Driving in Cape Verde can be challenging, as many of the roads are narrow, winding, and have steep inclines. There are also many potholes and uneven surfaces that can make driving difficult, especially during the rainy season. It is important to drive cautiously, especially at night, and to be aware of pedestrians and livestock that may be on the roads. In terms of safety concerns, crime rates in Cape Verde are relatively low. Overall, travelers to Cape Verde should take basic precautions to stay safe and avoid unnecessary risks.
Cultural Customs:
The country has a rich cultural heritage that has been shaped by various influences, including African, Portuguese, and Brazilian traditions. Music is an integral part of Cape Verdean culture, and the country is known for its unique musical styles such as Morna, Coladeira, and Funana. These musical styles are often accompanied by dance, which is a lively and colorful expression of the country's cultural identity. Cape Verdean cuisine is a fusion of African, Portuguese, and Brazilian influences. It includes a variety of seafood dishes, stews, and rice-based dishes, and is often seasoned with spices and herbs. Cape Verde has a rich calendar of festivals and celebrations throughout the year. The most famous festival is Carnival, which takes place in February and is celebrated with colorful parades and street parties. Family is an important aspect of Cape Verdean culture, and families are often large and extended. Respect for elders is also highly valued, and young people are expected to show deference to their elders. Cape Verdeans have a communal outlook on many aspects of their lives. The adults collectively rear the children within a family. Property is treated the same way, things are borrowed and lent freely. Personal appearance is taken seriously. Western clothing is standard. Cape Verdeans also find it rude to eat in front of others without offering to share their meal. Cape Verde is a predominantly Catholic country, and religion plays an important role in the culture. However, traditional African religions also have a significant influence, and many people practice a mix of Catholicism and African spirituality. Cape Verdean art and craft are characterized by their bright colors and intricate designs. The country is known for its pottery, weaving, and embroidery, which are often sold in local markets and shops.
Geography & Weather:
The climate of Cape Verde depends on which group of islands you are on. The Windward Islands are arid and dry and the Leeward Islands have a more tropical arid climate.
On the Windward Islands, the average temperature ranges from 67 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit. The “coldest” month is February with a median temperature of 70 degrees F and September being the hottest month with a median temperature of 80 degrees F. There isn’t a rainy season on the northern islands, they average 3 inches of rain per year. The water temperature averages 75 degrees year round.
On the Leeward Islands, the average temperature ranges from 67 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is January with a median temperature of 73 degrees F and September is the hottest month with a median temperature of 81 degrees F. August - September is the rainy season but it is mild. The islands only get 7 inches of rain per year. The sun shines year round. The sea temperature averages 75 degrees year round.
Economy:
Cape Verde’s economy is primarily driven by the service sector, particularly tourism, which accounts for a significant portion of the country's GDP. Other important industries include fish processing, agriculture, and light manufacturing. In recent years, Cape Verde has experienced steady economic growth, with an average GDP growth rate of around 4% per year. However, despite this growth, the country continues to face high levels of unemployment, particularly among young people. As of 2021, the unemployment rate in Cape Verde was around 12%, with youth unemployment estimated to be much higher. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on Cape Verde's economy, particularly its tourism sector. The country's government has implemented various measures to support the economy and protect jobs, including providing financial support to businesses and workers, implementing tax breaks, and promoting domestic tourism. However, the pandemic has still had a significant impact on the country's unemployment rate, which has risen in recent years. Overall, while Cape Verde's economy has shown some positive signs of growth, the country continues to face challenges in addressing unemployment and creating opportunities for its young people.
Currency/Foreign Exchange Rate:
Cape Verdean Escudo (ESC)
ESC 1.00 = USD .010
Country Stats:
Population (2020):
555,987
Median Age:
27.6
Life Expectancy:
73.58
Visa Requirements:
Needed for Entry for US Citizens? No, if your stay is less than 30 days
Cost: Tourist Visa single entry $60
Tourist Visa multiple entry $114
*Additional Information*
Yellow fever vaccination required if you traveled thru: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Côte d’lvoire, DRC, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Niger, Togo.
Citizenship Requirements:
Dual citizenship - Yes
Naturalization - Cape Verde citizenship may be acquired upon fulfillment of the following conditions: Must have lived in Cape Verde for 5 years, be in good health & of good character, no criminal convictions over a year, and must be able to provide for yourself.
Residency Requirements:
Temporary residency permits must be renewed annually. Permanent residency permits must be extended every 5 years. Must have a Visa stamp entry “permanente” to apply.
Resources:
U.S. Embassy Praia
Rua Abilio Macedo 6
C.P. 201
Praia, Santiago, Cabo Verde
Telephone: +(238) 260-8948
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: + (238) 991-3325
Fax: +(238) 261-1355
Email: praiaconsular@state.gov