In 2009, Cape Verde had a population of 498,000 people and a population growth rate of 1.2%. The economy was driven by the export of commodities such as fish, salt and fuel. Cape Verde was an active member in many international organisations including the United Nations, the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Politically, Cape Verde was a semi-presidential republic with two major political parties: the Movement for Democracy (MPD) and the African Party for Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV). The then President was Pedro Pires who had been in office since 2001. He had previously served as Prime Minister from 1975 to 1991 under President Aristides Pereira. See internetsailors for Cape Verde in the year of 2011.
Yearbook 2009
Cape Verde. According to countryaah, the entire nation was shocked in November by a rapid and unexpected outbreak of the mosquito-borne disease dengue fever, the first epidemic of this kind to hit Cape Verde. The number of infected persons increased by about 1,000 people per day and on average one person died every day. This while the so-called swine flu had taken hold in the country. See ABBREVIATIONFINDER for abbreviation CV which stands for the nation of Cape Verde.
For one day, almost all other activities were down, when the entire population was asked to kill mosquitoes and try to destroy the environments in which they develop. The military and police also participated in the work.
The epidemic risked hitting the increasingly important tourism, which is one of the country’s main sources of income. In the first phase, the government invested approximately SEK 3.7 million to stop the spread of infection, but much larger sums were at stake if tourists were to fail during the high season in the winter. In the most important market, Portugal, a warning was issued for trips to Cape Verde.
Shopping
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, shell 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 08.00-12.00 and 15.00-19.00.
Nightlife
Introduction
There are discotheques and nightclubs in the hotels, but nightlife is mainly on the larger islands. There are quite a few nightclubs in Cape Verde. In Praia there is a cultural center where local artists and musicians perform.
Culinary
Overview
The national specialty is cachupa, made from corn and beans. Rice and potatoes are main ingredients in many dishes, but squash, pork and tuna are also often served. Native fruits include mangoes, bananas, papayas and guavas. Many traditional menus have vegetable soup as a starter and fruit for dessert. Drinks: Beer, wine and local spirits are readily available, and grog is very popular. Soft drinks are expensive.
Culture
Religion
90% of the population is Catholic, the remaining 10% belong to different religions.
Social Rules of Conduct
The usual forms of politeness should be observed. Topless sunbathing causes offense. Tipping: 10-15% is usual.
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
Phone prefix
+238
Area (sq km)
4033
Population
555,987
Population density (per square km)
135
Population statistics year
2020
Main emergency number
130