GENERAL
Official name of the state
Republic of Cape Verde.
Capital
Cidade de Praia.
Geography
According to topschoolsintheusa, Cape Verde is located approx. 460 km northwest of Senegal in the Atlantic Ocean and consists of nine inhabited islands and six uninhabited islands, which are divided into Barlavento and Sotavento. The Barlavento archipelago consists of São Vicente, São Antão, São Nicolau, Santa Lucia, Sal and Boa Vista as well as the smaller islands Branco and Raso. São Tiago, Maio, Fogo and Brava as well as the smaller islands Rei and Rombo make up the Sotavento Islands. Most of the islands are mountainous, the highest peak is Pico do Cano, an active volcano on Fogo.
Government
Republic since 1975. Constitution from 1992, last amended in 1995 and 1999. Unicameral parliament with 72 members. Independent since 1975 (former Portuguese colony).
Head of state
Jorge Carlos Fonseca, since 2011.
Head of government
José Maria Neves, since 2001.
Electricity
220 V, 50 Hz.
Time zone
Cape Verde Time: CET -2
TRAVEL WARNING
Overview
As of: October 19, 2015 Safety notice from the Federal Foreign Office: Country-specific safety information On the island of Fogo there was a volcanic eruption in November 2014, which caused considerable property damage. Numerous houses in the crater were destroyed. After the volcanic activity had permanently decreased to a very low level, the all-clear was officially given on 02/08/2015. The volcanic crater (Chã das Caldeiras) has been open to the public again since May 2015. The first tourist accommodation and the infrastructure are to be restored. The Cape Verde Institute for Meteorology and Geophysics has forbidden the ascent of the Pico do Fogo volcano until further notice. Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
MONEY
Currency
1 Cape Verde Escudo = 100 Centavos (pegged to the euro). Currency abbreviation: CVE (ISO code). Banknotes are in circulation in denominations of 5000, 2000, 1000, 500 and 200 CVE; Coins come in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, and 5 CVE, but they are not used.
On Sal, Boa Vista and Santiago you can also pay with euros. On the smaller islands, you should exchange cash in local currency.
Credit cards
Are only accepted in large hotels (mostly only Visa). Details from the issuer of the respective credit card. In some banks you can also get cash with the MasterCard for a fee (presentation of the passport).
ATMs
ec / Maestro card / Sparcard
EC cards with the Maestro symbol are accepted worldwide. Only on the island of Sal is it possible to withdraw money from ATMs with an EC card.
Attention: Travelers who pay with their bank card abroad and want to withdraw money should find out about the possibilities of using their card from their bank before starting their journey.
Bank opening times
Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Foreign exchange regulations
Import and export of the local currency prohibited. Unlimited import of foreign currencies, obligation to declare. Export of foreign currencies up to the amount declared, minus the exchange amounts.
Currency Exchange
Cash can be exchanged on arrival at Sal airport, at banks across the country and in exchange offices. The exchange receipts are required for the return exchange.
LANGUAGE
Overview
The official language is Portuguese, the native Crioulo is spoken by most of the islanders. Sometimes you also understand English or French.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
Annotation
[*] These holidays are celebrated regionally.
Annotation
[*] These holidays are celebrated regionally.
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following articles can currently be imported into Cape Verde duty-free (people over 18 years):
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco;
2 liters of wine or 1 liter of spirits.
Perfume and eau de toilette for personal use in opened bottles.
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
English and French are used as business languages.
Economy
Câmara de Comercío, Industria, Agrícultura e Serviços de Barlavento (Chamber of Commerce)
CP 728, Rua de Luz 31, Mindelo, São Vicente
Tel: 32 84 95.
Câmara de Comercío, Industria e Serviços de Sotavento,
Avenida Andrade Corvo, Edificio Shopping Moeda, Praia, Santiago
Tel: 61 72 34.
Business contacts
Câmara de Comercío, Industria, Agrícultura e Serviços de Barlavento (Chamber of Commerce)
CP 728, Rua de Luz 31, Mindelo, São Vicente
Tel: 32 84 95.
Câmara de Comercío, Industria e Serviços de Sotavento,
Avenida Andrade Corvo, Edificio Shopping Moeda, Praia, Santiago
Tel: 61 72 34.
COMMUNICATION
Phone
Direct dial-up service to major cities. The telephone network is being expanded in rural regions. Some telephone calls to and from Cape Verde have to be switched by the remote exchange.
There are numerous internet cafés on the larger islands where you can make cheap calls. In the hotels this is usually quite expensive.
Cellphone
GSM 900. The main provider is Cabo Verde Telecom.
Internet
Many hotels offer wireless Internet access (usually for a fee). Internet via W-LAN is also offered in other places in the larger cities, e.g. T. even free of charge.
Post Office
The mail is often very slow and not always reliable. Airmail to Europe takes over a week.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
SHOP
Overview
Small supermarkets can be found everywhere. The prices are similar to those in Europe or more expensive, since 90% of all goods have to be imported. Shops can also be found in the hotels. Typical souvenirs from Cape Verde are wooden turtles, mussel necklaces, Fogo wine, Fogo coffee and the grogue, which is made from sugar cane on the islands. The Santa Catarina market takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Opening hours
- General Mon-Sat 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
There are discos and nightclubs in the hotels, but the nightlife is mostly on the larger islands. There are quite a few night clubs in Cape Verde. There is a cultural center in Praia where local artists and musicians perform.
CULINARY
CULTURE
Religion
90% of the population are Catholic, the remaining 10% belong to different religions.
Social rules of conduct
The usual forms of courtesy should be observed. Topless sunbathing is offensive. Tip: 10%.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
Tropical climate, humid, between 20 ° -30 ° C all year round. Precipitation only on a few days in August and September. Cool and dry December to June, warm July to November. Best travel time October to June.
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +238 Area (sq km) 4033 Population 545 993 Population density (per sq km) 135 Population in 2015 Member of the EU No main emergency number 130
