Cape Verde General Information

• Cape Verde - Facts and Figures
  
  To see data about Cape Verde collected from the CIA Factbook - click on 'Read More'.......
  
  
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• Do I need a visa to visit the Cape Verde Islands?
  A full British 10 year passport is required for entry into Cape Verde, valid for at least 6 months after your date of arrival back in the UK. All British Nationals require a visa to enter Cape Verde issued on arrival in Sal. This can be secured in advance of your trip or can be purchased on arrival.
• How do I get to Cape Verde?
  Direct flights operate from the UK from Manchester and Gatwick and arrive on the island of Sal.
• How long is the flight from the UK to Cape Verde?
  Flights take around 5 - 5 1/2 hours from the UK.
• What are the opening times in Cape Verde?
  On public holidays and on Sundays, everything closes. Shops open Monday - Friday 08.00/08.30 – 12.00/12.30 and reopening 14.00/14.30 – 18.00/18.30. Many shops are often shut in the afternoon and on Fridays they often close a little earlier.
• What is the main Religion?
  The main religion on the Islands is Catholism, which accounts for approximately 95% of the population.
• What is the population of the Cape Verde Islands?
  Cape Verde has a population of 440,000.  Population growth is 2%.  The average age is 23 years old.  The population is spread through the islands with approximately half the population on Santiago (mainly in the capital Praia).  The other main populated centre is Mindelo on Sao Vicente.
• What is the time difference between the UK and Cape Verde?
  Time difference of only 1 hour ensures there is no jet-lag.  This increases to 2 hours in the summer because of Daylight Savings is practiced in the UK but not Cape Verde.
• What Islands make up the Archipelago?
  The islands are divided into two groups according to the predominant North East winds. Islands of Barlavento: Santo Antao, Sao Vicente, Santa Luzia, Sao Nicolau, Sal and Boavista, Islands of Sotovento: Maio, Santiago, Fogo and Brava.
• When are the Public Holidays in Cape Verde?

  
  2007

  
  1 Jan New Year’s Day.
  20 Jan Heroes’ Day.
  19 Feb* Carnival.
  1 May Labour Day.
  19 May* Municipal Day.
  5 Jul Independence Day.
  15 Aug Assumption (Day of Our Lady of Grace).
  12 Sep National Day.
  1 Nov All Saints’ Day.
  25 Dec Christmas Day.

  2008

  
  1 Jan New Year’s Day.
  20 Jan Heroes’ Day.
  Feb* ** Carnival.
  1 May Labour Day.
  19 May* Municipal Day.
  5 Jul Independence Day.
  15 Aug Assumption (Day of Our Lady of Grace).
  12 Sep National Day.
  1 Nov All Saints’ Day.
  25 Dec Christmas Day.

• Where can I get extra safety information about the Cape Verde?
  The Foreign and Commonwealth Office website at: www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo is packed with essential tips, travel advice and up-to-date country specific information.
• Where is Cape Verde?
  The islands lie approximately 1,000 miles south of the Canary Islands and 500kms from Senegal on Africa's West coast.
• Where is the Capital of Cape Verde?
  The capital of the Cape Verde Islands is Praia and is located on the most densely populated island of Santiago.

Money Matters

• Are Euro's, Escudos or Travellers cheques best?
  If you are travelling to Cape Verde it pays to know which form of money works best.

  Euro's - work fine on Sal but are not widely accepted across all the islands.  Also the Euros are classed as 100 Escudos.  Therefore, as the exchange rate is actually 110.265 - you are losing over 10% of the value of your money.

  Travellers cheques are usually exchanged into Sterling or Euro's.  You may not find exchange places readily available across the islands.

  By far the best way is to change up monay to local currency.  It is straight forward at banks and there are cash machines available on most of the islands which will dispense Escudos. (Cirrus & Maestro Cards).

• What is the currency & exchange rate in Cape Verde?
  The currency is the Cape Verdean Escudo and the exchange rate is fixed to the Euro at a rate of €1 = CVE 110.265

Property in Cape Verde

• Can foreign nationals own property in Cape Verde?
  Yes, foreign nationals are free to purchase property in Cape Verde. The Islands positively welcome foreign investment as a means to create a sustainable growing economy through job creation and resulting capital revenues.
• What is the process for buying property in Cape Verde?

  The process of purchasing property in Cape Verde generally involves the following steps:

  
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