Pratical Information
The archipelago of Cape Verde
Cape Verde is an archipelago of 4033 km2 located off the coast of West Africa (986 km from Senegal). Its islands of volcanic origin are 10 in number, and are divided into two distinct regions: to the south, the sotavento islands (leeward islands) composed of Santiago, Maio, Fogo and Brava; to the north, the barlavento islands (windward islands) of which Boa Vista, Sal, São Nicolau, Santo Antão, São Vicente and Santa Luzia are part.
Its capital Praia is located on the island of Santiago. The inhabitants communicate in Cape Verdean Creole and Portuguese.
Translation of Cape Verdean words and phrases:
- Hello : Bom dia / Oi
- Goodbye : Txau
- Thank you : Obrigado/a
- If you please? : Por favor
- How are you? : Modi ki bu sta?
- I am fine, thank you. N'sta dretu, obrigado.
- How much does it cost: Kantu ta custa?
- Where can I eat? Undi ki n`podi kumi?
- Where are the toilets? Undi kaza di banho?
Currency conversion rate : 1 euro = 110, 29 Cape Verdean escudos
Religion : Christian Catholic (90% of the population)
Cape Verdean celebrations :
- January 1st : New Year
- January 13 : Day of democracy
- End of February / beginning of March : Carnival of Mindelo
- January 20: Heroes’ Day
- July 5 : Independence Day
- August 15 : Assumption Day
- November 1 : All Saints’ Day
- December 25 : Christmas
Cape Verdean dishes :
Starters : Pastel
Dishes : Katxupa, Kongu, Fixon, Massa, Xerem, Kaldu peixi
Breakfasts : Kuskus, Fidjos
Desserts : Doce di coco, pudim, bolo di ananas, queijo e doce di papaia
Means of transportation to reach the islands: Plane and ferry
International airports:
Santiago (Nelson Mandela Airport)
São Vicente (Cesária Evora Airport)
Boa Vista (Aristide Pereira Airport)
Sal (Amilcar Cabral Airport)
