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CAPE VERDE
GEOGRAPHY, HISTORY AND CULTURE
The Cape Verde Islands are geographically and culturally diverse, and their natural beauty makes the archipelago one of the most beautiful in the world, captivating all who visits it. According to the National Institute of Statistics (INE CV), the UK leads as the main emitter of tourists to the country, followed by Portugal, Germany, Holland and France.
ESSENTIALS
Geography of Cape Verde Islands
Cape Verde is an archipelagic country consisting of 10 islands of which 9 are inhabited and several islets also uninhabited. They are divided into two groups: the northernmost islands (Santo Antao, São Vicente, Santa Luzia (uninhabited), São Nicolau, Sal and Boa Vista) and the southernmost islands (Maio, Santiago, Fogo and Brava).
It is located in the Atlantic Ocean, between 15 and 17 degrees north latitude, 450 km from the west coast of Africa. The islands are of volcanic origin with a very rugged relief, predominating the mountainous landscapes alternating with exuberant valleys. The islands Sal, Boavista and Maio are flatter, with long bathing beaches. The total area of the islands is 4,033Km2. Santiago is the largest island, where is located Praia, the capital of the country and the main population center of the archipelago.
Cape Verde History – Society
The Cape Verde archipelago was discovered by the Portuguese in the 15th century. 1462 is the date that marks history as the year of the arrival of the first settlers, although it is not ruled out that the Arabs here have arrived earlier. Due to their geographic location, the Cape Verde Islands have become a stopover point for Portuguese vessels, for the exchange of agricultural products, for the passage and traffic of slaves. Later, due to the fall of agriculture and hunger, the Cape Verdeans began to emigrate to Senegal, Angola, Brazil and Mozambique. The identity of the Cape Verdeans was formed from these strong crossings of Portuguese settlers and African slaves. Even today, as vestiges of the time, most of the ancient buildings date from the 16th century, initiated by settlers during the colonial period. With the fall of the colonial regime in 1974, Cape Verde, as a consequence, got in 1975, its independence.
Religion
Cape Verde is a secular country where freedom of religion is guaranteed by the Constitution and respected by the government. The Cape Verdeans are mostly Roman Catholic but there are also other religions; the Protestants of the Church of the Nazarene, the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Assembly of God, Jehovah's Witnesses and small Muslim minorities.
The Cape Verde islands are free from most of the tropical diseases. No vaccinations are required for entry to Cape Verde, only yellow fever if you are travelling from a yellow fever country. Please note you always visit your doctor before departure to receive to latest information and advice. The hygiene conditions are good but it is not advisable to consume tap water, preferably drink mineral water or treated with pellets...read more
The archipelago is famous for its tropical climate, its crystalline beaches of fine white sand and also for its music and cultural traditions but the best way to discover the islands is without a doubt in outdoor activities, close to nature. Between scenery, history and ancient paths, the Cape Verde Islands have some of the best walking and hiking trails in the world recognized by several specialists in nature tourism, walking and hiking routes...read more
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