Cape Verde
Santiago is one of the most interesting of the nine inhabited Islands, with a lush mountain interior and pristine sandy beaches nestled into a jagged coastline. Banana, coconut and sugar cane plantations nestle into valleys before they meet the clear blue sea. Culturally diverse, Santiago is the most African of the Islands with traditional festivals throughout the year and a major carnival.
The City of Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, is situated here and now has an international airport and a large commercial port. This will attract tourists that are expected to grow to over 1 million by 2015. (Tourism increased 11.5% during 2007 to 313,000)
Facts about Cape Verde:
| Population: | 450,000 (est 2008) | Annual Inflation: | 4.7 % |
| Language: | Portuguese / Crioulo | Employment: | 78% (INE) |
| GDP: | $3000 per capita | Currency: | Cape Verdean Escudos (fixed to Euro-€1:110.265 CVE) |
| Interest Rate: | 6% (Banco Cabo Verde) | Political system: | Multi-party Democratic |
| Country Name | Conventional long form: Republic of Cape Verde Conventional short form: Cape Verde Local long form: Republica de Cabo Verde Local short form: Cabo Verde |
| Flight time | 5.5 hours from the UK |
| Climate | Near perfect climate is classified as dry tropical, with low humidity. Average air and sea temperatures are between 22C and 26C, with 10-12 hours of sunshine (cloudless sky) |
| Visas | Visas are compulsory, 25 Euros |
| Vaccinations | No vaccinations are required, unless arriving from West Africa |
| Time Zone | One hour behind GMT (GMT - 1 hour) |
| Elecricity | 220V, 50Hz. European two pin plugs are the standard. |
| Weights and Measures | Metric |
| Dialling Code | 00 238 + telephone number |
For more information about Cape Verde, it's history, people and culture follow the links below.
