Capital: Praia
Location:
Western Africa, group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Senegal (slightly larger than Rhode Island).
Registration Embassy and Consulate:
U.S. citizens are encouraged to register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy at Rua Abilio M. Macedo 81, C.P. 201, Praia, telephone (238) 61-56-16 or 17, fax (238) 61-13-55, and to obtain updated information on travel and security in Cape Verde. The U.S. Embassy is located on the island of Santiago; currently the only international flights that land on this island are from Dakar, Senegal. The main international airport is on the island of Sal, a 35 minute flight from Praia.
Background:
The uninhabited islands were discovered and colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century; they subsequently became a trading center for African slaves. Most Cape Verdeans descend from both groups. Independence was achieved in 1975.
Ethnic Groups:
Creole (mulatto) 71%, African 28%, European 1%
Language:
Portuguese, Crioulo (a blend of Portuguese and West African words)
Currency:
CVE
Cape Verdean escudo (CVE)
Cape Verdean escudos per US dollar - 123.080 (December 2000), 115.877 (2000), 102.700 (1999), 98.158 (1998), 93.177 (1997), 82.591 (1996)
Climate:
Temperate; warm, dry summer; precipitation meager and very erratic
Population:
405,163 (July 2001 est.)
Religion:
Roman Catholic (infused with indigenous beliefs); Protestant (mostly Church of the Nazarene)
Medical:
Medical facilities are limited, and some medicines are unavailable. Travelers should bring their own supplies of prescription drugs and preventive medicines. Further information on prescription drugs is found in the section on import/export restrictions.
U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas may face extreme difficulties.
Safety:
U.S. citizens should avoid crowds, political and street demonstrations, and maintain security awareness at all times.
Traffic Safety:
While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Cape Verde is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Safety of Public Transportation:
Poor
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance:
Poor
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance:
Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance :
Poor
The Cape Verdean authority responsible for road safety is Direccao Geral dos Transportes Rodoviarios in the Ministry of Sea, Transport and Tourism. Most inter-city travel is by private automobile, taxi and vans. The van service can be hazardous due to the recklessness and excessive speed of many van drivers. Taxis at hotels offer reasonably dependable service. City buses in Praia are very old, break down frequently and are usually overcrowded. Ambulance service is available in Santiago, Sao Vicente, Sal, Fogo and Ribeira Grande on Santo Antao. There is only one ambulance on each island and limited emergency medical care. There is no organized system of roadside assistance.
Cape Verde has an extensive road system. Paved roads on most islands are narrow, winding and almost always paved with cobblestones. Cobblestone roads are extremely slippery when wet, and many are in poor repair. Roads and streets are often unlit, and driving at night can be hazardous. The Peace Corps restricts volunteers in Cape Verde from driving on the roads after dark.
