Area
4,033 sq. km. (1,557 sq. miles)
Location
Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of West Africa
Population
482,000 (as per estimates of 2005) and Population Density of 112.5 per sq. km.
Capital City
Cidade de Praia with a total population of 106,757 (as per estimates of 2005).
Language
Portuguese is the official and most popular language of Cape Verde. Among other languages, Spanish, German, English and French are also spoken in some parts of the country.
Electricity
AC 220 volts, 50Hz.
Currency
Cape Verde Escudo (CVE; Symbol CVE). 1 CVE = 100 Centavos.
Notes prevalent = CVE 500, 1000, 2000, and 5,000
Coins prevalent = CVE 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200.
Currency Exchange
Currency Exchange facility is available at some banks and airports. Currency can’t be reconverted in Cape Verde, but it is possible in Portugal. For more details and exchange rates, travellers are advised to consult their banks.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs
Credit/Debit/ATM Cards are rarely used in the country, except in some big hotels, where Visa is accepted. Local currency can also be obtained in banks from credit cards. However, charges for this facility are on a higher side. It is advisable to carry some cash as well. ATMs are also situated in major islands, like Sal, Praia, and Sao Vincent.
Traveller's Cheques
Travellers Cheques are widely accepted in most towns and tourist areas. For exchange purposes and in order to avoid exchange rate charges, the travellers would do well to carry traveller’s cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.
Banking Hours
Banks in Cape Verde normally function from Monday to Friday from 0800-1400.