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Cape Verde

✨ The ocean gem

Cabo Verde is an island country in the Atlantic Ocean, about 570 kilometres west of Senegal. It consists of ten main islands, although one of them, Santa Luzia, is uninhabited, along with several smaller islets. The islands are divided into two groups: the Barlavento, or Windward Islands, in the north, and the Sotavento, or Leeward Islands, in the south. Praia, on Santiago Island, is the capital and largest city.

The country covers about 4,000 square kilometres, but its islands have very different landscapes. Some are relatively flat and dry, while others are mountainous and deeply shaped by volcanic activity. Pico do Fogo, on Fogo Island, rises to 2,829 metres and is the highest point in Cabo Verde. The archipelago is of volcanic origin and lies in the Macaronesian region of the Atlantic.

Cabo Verde has a generally dry climate, influenced by its location in the subtropical Atlantic and by seasonal winds. Rainfall is limited and irregular, with wetter conditions usually occurring between August and October. The islands can therefore experience periods of drought, and water resources are an important environmental concern. Vegetation varies according to altitude, rainfall and human activity, ranging from dry landscapes to greener areas in higher and wetter locations.

The surrounding Atlantic waters are also important for marine ecosystems and fisheries. Portuguese is the official language, while Cape Verdean Creole is widely spoken in everyday life. Cabo Verde became independent from Portugal in 1975. Its location between Africa and the Atlantic has historically encouraged maritime travel, trade and cultural exchanges, giving the islands a distinctive geographical and cultural character.

💡 Did you know?

On the island of Sal, there is an incredible place called 'Pedra de Lume.' It is the crater of an ancient extinct volcano whose bottom is filled with salt marshes. Since the water is extremely concentrated in salt, you can float on the surface without any effort, exactly like in the Dead Sea in Asia!

Cape Verde is one of the most important breeding sites in the world for loggerhead sea turtles. From June to October, thousands of turtles come to lay their eggs on the beaches. Local children often participate in programs to protect baby turtles and help them reach the ocean safely.

The country's biggest star was singer Cesária Évora, nicknamed the 'Barefoot Diva' because she always sang without shoes. She introduced Cape Verde's music to the entire world. It is thanks to her that we know 'Morna,' this soft music that tells of nostalgia and exile.