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Cape Verde
From Wikitravel
Africa : West Africa : Cape Verde
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Contents
Location
Flag
Quick Facts
Capital
Praia
Government
republic
Currency
Cape Verdean escudo (CVE)
Area
4,033 sq km
Population
420,979 (July 2006 est.)
Language
Portuguese, Crioulo
Religion
Roman Catholic (infused with indigenous beliefs); Protestant (mostly Church of the Nazarene)
Electricity
220V/50Hz (European plug)
Calling Code
+238
Internet TLD
.cv
Time Zone
UTC -1
Cape Verde (Portuguese: Cabo Verde) is a country in West Africa. It comprises a group of islands of the Atlantic Ocean, west of Senegal.
[edit] Regions
  Map of Cape Verde
Cape Verde is formed by 10 main islands and about 8 islets. The main islands are:
[edit] Cities
[edit] Other destinations
The Island of Fogo volcano - The country's highest point (2,829 m)
[edit] Understand
Cape Verde (pop. 480.000) is located 500 km from the west coast of Africa. The once uninhabited islands were discovered and colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century; they subsequently became a trading center for African slaves and later an important coaling and re-supply stop for whaling and transatlantic shipping. Independence was achieved in 1975.
Most Cape Verdeans have both African and Portuguese antecedents.
[edit] Climate
Cape Verde’s climate is temperate, with a warm, dry summer. Precipitation is meager and very erratic.
[edit] Holidays
The national holiday is the 5th of July, Independence Day.
[edit] Get in
[edit] By plane
International flights land at the island of Sal, 110 miles (170 km) northeast of the capital.
There are regular flights from Amsterdam, Boston (weekly), Fortaleza (Brazil) (weekly), Lisbon (daily), Madrid, Milan, Munich and Oporto operated by TACV.
Cape Verde is also serviced by Air Senegal (from Dakar), SAA (from South Africa) and TAP airlines.
As of November 06 you can fly direct to Santa Maria on Sal from London Gatwick and Manchester on Astraeus and also with Thomson Holidays
[edit] By boat
There are only infrequent, expensive connections to the mainland.
[edit] Get around
Timetables in Cape Verde are not to be taken too seriously - don't be too surprised if that boat departs ahead of schedule or if that flight suddenly gets postponed until tomorrow. This is important to consider if you decide to do some island-hopping. Do not risk missing your flight home by being too optimistic regarding domestic transport between the islands.
[edit] By plane
TACV Cabo Verde airlines has regular flights between the majority of the islands. If you can afford to wait until you arrive, domestic tickets are cheaper if purchased in Cape Verde.
[edit] By boat
There are ferry services between the islands. Depending on the distance between the islands you are going from and to, flying can be significantly shorter but also significantly more expensive.
[edit] By taxi
Nice, new taxis are available in the major cities and are metered. Aluguers, which are usually either open back pickup trucks with bench seats or 15 passenger Toyota vans, tend to travel between more rural destinations, particularly on Santa Antao.
The official language is Portuguese. Crioulo (a blend of Portuguese and West African words) is widely spoken. English in some Islands is well understood by many; especially young adults.
Lagostada – a lobster dish
Cachupa - delicious bean dish, often served for breakfast
Tosta mista - common toasted ham and cheese sandwich
European food is common on all the islands. Italian is especially popular on Sal. Not very many options for vegetarians
[edit] Stay safe
Crime rates are relatively low. The emergency number is 132.
[edit] Stay healthy
The tap water is all desalinated and is perfectly good for anyone to drink.
[edit] Respect
[edit] Contact
The telephone system is effective and improving. There is mobile phone coverage.
The country also has one internet service provider.
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