CAPE VERDE

Cape Verde is located in the Atlantic Ocean, less than 500 km off the coasts of Senegal and about 1,000 km off the Canary Islands.

The whole archipelago covers a total area of about 4,033 square km.

More than 400,000 inhabitants, with an average population growth rate of 0.92% and a density of approximately 100 inhabitants per square km.

The capital city is Praia. With about 100,000 inhabitants, the city lies on Santiago island and is basically divided into two parts: the historic centre and the suburban area, seat of Parliament and Government.

Sal Rei on Boa Vista island, Espargos on Sal island and the capital city Praia on Santiago island.

International Airport Rabil - Boa Vista; International Airport Amilcar Cabral - Sal.

The islands of Cape Verde are thought to have been discovered during the X century but actually the correct date of its discovery is still uncertain. The first news regarding the archipelago date back between the end of 1456 and 1462, when some Portuguese navigators landed on the white shores of Santiago, Boa Vista, Fogo and Sal. The archipelago became soon a sort of trade centre for slaves - these were picked up in the African continent and then trained, transported and sold in Europe and America. Around the mid of the XVIII century such an horrible business came to an end due to a terrible drought that Portuguese government decided not to fight. Slavery was definitively abolished in 1875 and a new age began: no more used as a station for the slave trade, its inhabitants started emigrating to the richest countries. The recent history of the archipelago is marked by a date - the 19th September 1956: on that day Amilcar Cabral founded the African Party for the Independence of Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde (PAIGC) and together with other combatants fought for liberation and independence. Cabral was assassinated in 1973. On the 10th of September 1974 his brother, Luis, became the first President of the Republic, and on the 24th of December of the same year the Archipelago of Cape Verde obtained the administrative autonomy. On the 5th of July 1975 the islands finally achieve the long awaited and much dreamt-about independence from Portugal.

The 5th of July (Independence Day).

Presidential Republic.

The official language is Portuguese but nearly all inhabitants do speak Creole, a recognised regional language combining Portuguese and different African languages.

About 90% of the religious population in Cape Verde is formed by Roman Catholics, but also other religions are represented here, such as Protestantism, the Baptist Church and the Evangelicalism.

The time zone is 2 hours behind Italy. When in Italy the Daylight Saving Time is in use, the difference is 3 hours.

Italian citizens travelling for tourism purposes are required to hold a passport with at least 6-month remaining validity and an entry visa. Such a visa is issued by the Embassy of Cape Verde in Italy, or else directly at the airport after arrival. To avoid long-lasting queuing you have better getting the visa before the departure.

The country's monetary unit is the Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE), fractioned in 100 centavos. The current exchange rate makes the Archipelago of Cape Verde a very economical destination for Italian travellers.

CHECK THE CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE

The main international credit cards are accepted only in good - class hotels. It is advisable to bring cash money since ATMs are not that common.

No vaccinations are required. Before departure it is nevertheless advisable to underwrite an Accident and Health Insurance policy.

Its geographic position and the winds, blowing nearly always, guarantee a dry and tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 24 to 28°C. Two seasons alternate during the year: the dry season, from October to June, and the wet season, from July to October, characterized by short but intense rainfalls. 

CHECK THE WEATHER FORECASTS IN REAL TIME

The voltage is 220 v.

To call Italy from Cape Verde dial the country code for Italy 0039, then the Italian area code - including zero for fixed net numbers - and the number you wish to call (for example: to call a fixed net telephone number in Milan from Cape Verde just dial 0039 02 34 ...; to call a mobile phone number from Cape Verde just dial 0039 329 50 ...).
To call Cape Verde from Italy, dial the country code for Cape Verde 00238, followed by the area code without 0 and then the number you wish to call.
The GSM network is active but it is advisable to get informed about costs and coverage before the departure.
The internet can be found in the bars of the tourist places, where you can check or send e-mails

There are no restrictions to take pictures or make amateur videos for private use. As in any other country, it is advisable to politely ask local people for their permission before taking pictures of them.

This enchanting archipelago has no local handicraft traditions, so shopping is not that demanding here. But if you like ceramics and terracotta you are lucky: you will surely have the opportunity to get something interesting. On the contrary, you may try at the typical local markets: curious and original objects are usually to be found here - such as the Panos, multicoloured cotton clothes with classic narrow strip technique, used in the past as bargaining chips. The only problem - beside cost - is where to find them.

The Cape Verdean gastronomy is based on fish - of course!., thus resulting in a simple, rich and tasty cuisine. The ingredients used to prepare the typical dishes are mixed in such a way that you can but adore their appetizing taste. The most well-known dishes on the islands are the "Cachupa", a mixed stew of corn, sausage and beans, and the local goat meat served with goat's milk cheese. If you prefer to have just a snack, try the "cuscus", prepared with corn flour, sugar or cinnamon (according to your preference) and then steamed; or else the "pasteis di milho", a delicious fish-stuffed corn-flour puff pastry..

The main form of artistic expression is represented by music. The Cape Verdean harmonies are a perfect combination of several African rhythms skilfully mixed with the typical Portuguese musical atmosphere, and the refined South American sound (especially that of Brazil). The perfect example of such a mixture can be listened to in the music of the international star Césaria Evora: her music merges perfectly the African percussion instruments of the Funanà and the European-originated melodies of the Monra.
"Funanà" is an accordion-based music genre accompanied by the rhythm of a knife blade scraped on an iron bar. It was forbidden during the colonial regime since the dance was deemed too erotic.
The "batuque" is played by beating the rhythm on a cloth placed between the knees, thus generating an overwhelming sound you will not be able to resist.
The chances to listen to the music on the islands are several - indeed, it is the most simple thing in the world. You just need to take a walk along the streets and you will run across music shows or improvised concerts. In Cape Verde music is not only a cultural richness: it is the real soul of the people.

Cape Verdean nightlife is quite simple: there are no big discos, typical of the European metropolises, but you can nonetheless have a lot of fun. Actually nights are extremely animated, especially during the weekends. In the most popular islands frequented by mass tourists you may find both typical bars where to sip an iced beer, and trendy places where to dance disco music, house music and R&B. Moreover, surfers may find specific meeting-points

As to events and attractions, the Archipelago of Cape Verde is second to none. Many religious events are celebrated in the country, the most important of which are: the celebration of Santa Cruz, on the 3rd of May; the festival of St. Antonio, on the 13th of June; the festival of St. João, on the 24th of June, and the festival of St. Pedro, on the 29th of June. These do express the real and deep Catholic faith of the population. Carnival celebrations are considerably popular, especially those taking place in Mindelo, on Sao Vicente island. This Brazilian-style festival involves the whole community and attracts also tourists from the nearby islands. But also some of the several festivals arranged on the other islands of the archipelago are noteworthy, such as: "Gamboa", a music festival taking place in Santiago around the 20th of May, and "Baia das Gatas", another music festival performed in Sao Vicente in August during the full moon weekend.

... on the island of Sao Vincente there is a village named Sinagoga (synagogue) as a symbol of the Jewish presence in the country? The Hebrews arrived on the archipelago around the end of the XV century in order to escape from the expulsions carried out by Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabel of Castille during the Spanish Inquisition. Some centuries later, in 1800, other Jews coming from Portugal settled on the islands of Boa Vista and Santo Antao. Even though it was not a real exodus, but just a series of sporadic emigrations, their presence contributed to the development of the Creole spirit still present in the country. Nowadays their passage is evoked not only by the name of this small village, but also by a memorial tablet and some surnames, thanks to which some Cape Verdean families may trace back their origins.

1) The salt mines in Pedra Lume - Island of Sal

2) The small village of Santa Maria - Island of Sal

3) The natural pool in Buracona - Island of Sal

4) The desert of Viana - Island of Boa Vista

5) The Turtle beaches: Praia de João Barrosa and Curral Velho - Island of Boa Vista

6) Sal Rei - Island of Boavista

7) Morro Negro (the black mountain) - Island of Boavista

8) Ribeiras valleys - Santo Antão

9) Tarrafal beach - Santiago

10) The city of Praia - Santiago

1) Sal - Divers may find here many beautiful places, the most famous of which being the Buracona Cave.

2) Sal - The beach in Santa Maria is well known all over the world for surf and windsurf activities.

3) Santiago - The seafloors of this island are rich in tropical fishes, many of which may be seen with the naked eye. It is the ideal place for snorkelling, scuba diving and diving.

4) Boavista - The unspoiled nature and the constant-blowing winds make this place one of the best for water sports.You can take your pick: high-sea fishing, surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and diving.

5) Sao Vincente - It is the real top for water sports. Sao Pedro bay is one of the best places for activities such as surf and windsurf. Many international champions come here to ride the high waves of the Atlantic Ocean.

- Food and water - It is advisable to eat only freshly cooked foods and drink only sealed bottle water or canned beverages. Please avoid ice.

- Not to forget - A sweater may be useful especially during windy evenings, while a k-way could be of help in case of sudden rainfalls. Do not forget a cap, your sunglasses and high-protection solar creams: there are the essential items to bring with you.

- Tips - Tips are not compulsory, but beyond being highly appreciated, tipping the waiter is quite a common habit.

- Safety - Cape Verde is not a dangerous country. Crime is almost inexistent, so you just need to take some precautions in order to avoid any problem.

Corso Europa, 22 - Milan - Italy
Phone: 0039 02 7602 2377
Fax: 0039 02 7602 2389
www.caboverde.com

Via Carducci, 4, - Rome- Italy
Phone: 0039 06 474 459/4744 678
Fax: 0039 06 4744 643

Consular section:
Phone: 0039 06 4745 461
Fax: 0039 06 4744 582

Rampa Chao de Areia 2, - Praia - Cape Verde
Phone and fax: 00238 619 343
E-mail: italconsolato.cv@katamail.com